“Rock-It in the Park” family event asks 250 attendees to form the shape of a rocket to honor the nation’s semiquincentennial!
Des Moines, IA (June 27, 2026) – A site-specific public art exhibition is happening across Central and Southwest Iowa over the summer. Using art, storytelling, and public participation, Declarations turns public spaces into a living conversation about who we are and what we are building together for the next 250 years.
One of its art installations, or rather “art experiences” is happening on the 4th of July.
Organizers of Declarations and the Union Park Neighborhood Association are inviting attendees of Union Park’s annual free celebration to be part of a one-of-a-kind community artwork. 250 Rock-It in the Park guests will be treated to handsewn picnic blankets and can also participate in the making of a human mosaic in the form of a rocket ship to be recorded by drone photography.
Participants are asked to gather in front of Union Park’s iconic Rocket Slide at 2:00 p.m on July 4th. A sea of gingham picnic blankets will transform the park into a playful, large-scale installation celebrating community, creativity, and America’s 250th. [RSVP via Facebook]
Rock-It in the Park’s celebration begins at noon on Saturday, July 4, 2026 and is free and open to the public. In addition to the human rocket mosaic, festivities include bouncy houses, hot dogs, a movie, rides and more. Union Park is located at 725 Thompson Avenue in Des Moines.
About Declarations
Declarations is a collaborative initiative of Group Creative Services and Whiterock Conservancy in partnership with City of Clive, The Heritage Carousel, Poetry Palooza, Union Park, Wallace Centers of Iowa, Wilson’s Orchard & Farm and World Food Prize. Additional support is provided by Bravo Greater Des Moines, Fred & Charlotte Hubbell, Inspire Iowa and Invest DSM.
The list of Declarations offerings includes:
- It’s in the Water || A floating sculpture by Emily Newman and Edward Kelley that helps clean nitrates at Wilson’s Orchard & Farm in Cumming.
- Markers & Deep Roots || Ceramic artwork by Sue and Jim Heemstra can be experienced along the Steve Garst Trail at Whiterock Conservancy in Coon Rapids.
- Listening Fields || An immersive listening experience by Anna Gebhardt and Philip Rabalais along Clive Greenbelt Trail.
- Seeds of Memory || A sound walk experience by Anna Gebhardt and Philip Rabalais commissioned by Wallace Centers of Iowa to honor the 100th anniversary of Henry A. Wallace setting a new course for modern farming by founding Hi-Bred Corn Company.
What’s more, Declarations is organizing a time capsule which will be encased near The Heritage Carousel in Union Park to be preserved for 250 years. The public is invited to contribute by answering the prompts at declarations.art/time. You can also text or leave a voice recording by dialing 515-303-0399.
Related events will be occurring throughout the public art exhibition’s run. Find exhibition details along with maps, event details, suggested itineraries and artist interviews at declarations.art.
Contacts:
Alyson O’Hara, Creative Strategy alyson@groupcreatives.com
Teva Dawson, Founder/Director, teva@groupcreatives.com
