Graceland Forever Heritage Collection

The Alumni Board of Directors is excited to partner with Sticks, a Des Moines American Craft company, to develop the Graceland Forever Heritage Collection. Each piece of the Heritage Collection contains artwork that encompasses all that we love about Graceland University — the scenic landscape, traditions, activities, athletics and superior academic offerings that Graceland embodies. This collection supports the Alumni Endowment Scholarship fund, from which the alumni board has awarded over 90 scholarships since 1991, totaling $183,650.

A multigenerational team of alumni gathered to give their ideas for Sticks’ artists to create an image that encompassed the “Graceland Experience.” The Graceland fight song, Dinner Bell cinnamon rolls, “ring by spring,” bats in the Coliseum, shoe-in-the-door policy, homecoming air band, the MSC roller rink, the Tower paper … the list was long and full of powerful memories. To represent the “Graceland Experience” visually was challenging, but telling our story is vital to keeping Graceland’s heritage strong. The “Graceland Experience” is the one common thread we hold close to our hearts; it is part of our heritage and the university’s.

Sticks artists created an original image that was then transferred to a 3’ by 5’ wooden plaque. It was etched and burned into the wood, then colorfully painted. Several coats of protective varnish were applied and the beautiful final piece is on display in the Higdon Administration Building at Graceland’s Lamoni campus. A lazy susan and lithographs were created in the same careful manner.

About Sticks
Sticks was started by Sarah Grant in 1992. Since then, Sticks has received national acclaim for its distinctive line of furniture, accessories and object art. The company began by designing smaller items such as ornaments and candlesticks, and has evolved to feature larger items such as dining sets, beds and armoires. Each piece is handcrafted within Sticks’ award winning studio in Des Moines, Iowa. All pieces are finely crafted from birch, poplar and driftwood. The pieces are further designed with hand drawn imagery, etched contouring and vibrantly blended paint. Pieces can be embellished with 3-D wood components, metal, leather and fabric. Sticks’ line is constantly evolving due to the imagination of its design team and the many talented craft artisans that are employed. Every piece that is produced can be personalized to feature themes, imagery or colors that you or your customers desire. Visit www.sticks.com for more information.

Article update: These items are no longer available for purchase.