Plans moving ahead for refurbishing Grant Wood’s studio

The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art is finalizing plans to renovate Grant Wood’s original studio, located just three blocks from the museum itself. Museum Director Terry Pitts says the old building is historic as it’s where he painted most of his famous paintings. Pitts says the studio is unique because it was actually built by Wood. The lower level of the building will be turned into a visitor center where guided tours will begin, and Pitts says there are extensive plans for the upper floor.Part of a half-million dollar grant will be used for the renovation of the studio. Pitts and others are trying to raise more. The restoration is part of a two-and-a-half million dollar capital campaign.Renovations of the Grant Wood studio in Cedar Rapids are not expected to be done until 2003.