Two new murals installed in Downtown Davenport as part of the Alternating Currents (AC) festival

August 27, 2025

Two formerly blank walls have been transformed into bold, meaningful public art in Downtown Davenport. The new murals were installed as part of the Alternating Currents (AC) festival, held August 14-17.

“Protect the Seed, Protect the Flow,” by Tomás Richter (SENHOR), was created at Marigold Resources, 308 E. River Dr.; and “Parking in Technicolor,” by Molly Keen, can be viewed at the RiverCenter Parking Ramp’s pedestrian walkway (2^nd floor), 102 E. 2^nd St.

Below are the artists’ descriptions of their murals:

“‘Protect the Seed, Protect the Flow,’ is a surreal, symbolic mural depicting organic forms, flowers and planta, shielding a single seed as it begins its journey. A river flows beside them, representing the continuous movement of life, while a central sequence shows the seed evolving into a mighty oak tree. The mural is a visual reminder that protecting what is small and essential is the key to sustaining growth, flow, and future resilience.” –Tomas Richter, Lisbon, Portugal
“‘Parking in Technicolor,’ turns an everyday parking space into a burst of energy and play. Bright colors, bold patterns and flowing shapes come together to create a lively rhythm that transforms the structure into something joyful and unexpected. The mural invites people to see ordinary spaces in a new, vibrant light.” – Molly Keen, Williams, Arizona

Three other murals, two in Downtown Rock Island and one in Downtown Bettendorf, were also created during AC weekend.

“We were surprised to receive nearly 100 artist submissions from throughout the U.S. and the world for AC Mural Fest this year. It’s a testament to the work we’re doing to cultivate the QC as the creative capital of the Midwest,” said Alisha Espey, Alternating Currents festival director.

“Since launching just three years ago, Mural Fest has already activated four sites in Downtown Davenport with 10 works of art, engaging eight local and regional muralists as well as national and international artists. We’re still in the early stages but each year adds new layers. Our goal is to grow this platform into one that provides opportunities for artists from across our community and around the globe, while continuing to make downtown more welcoming, dynamic and inspiring, one wall at a time.”