CHAD ELLIOTT
Painter - Sculptor - Musician - Author
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Artist Statement
Chad Elliott strives to create music and art that inspires, uplifts and moves his audience emotionally by relating life experiences through dream-like imagery. In his Wilderman’s exhibit series, he additionally hopes to inspire families to think about creating and nature as a whole mind project through painting, writing and song. |
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About Chad Elliott's Art:
Elliott is a graduate of Graceland University in Lamoni, IA with a bachelor of arts in ceramics and has since collected graduate credits from the University of Montana in Missoula, MT. Early in his career, he was recognized for his artistic ability by being chosen as the “Best of Show” at the Iowa Student Artists Exhibit in 1995.
In 2008 Elliott created the first-ever “People Project,” an ephemeral artwork for the organization ArtsLIVE during the University of Okoboji Winter Games in Okoboji, IA. During the Project he positioned 175 people on the ice of a frozen lake in the shape of a stylized turtle, which was photographed from an air plane.
Elliott has an extensive list of mural work throughout Iowa and beyond. His mural work includes two 5 foot by 12 foot canvas paintings installed in 2012 in the Spencer Community Theatre. He also completed a 16 foot by 40 foot landscape mural in 2013 on the side of Mohr Lumber in Coon Rapids, IA to commemorate the town's sesquicentennial. In Pampa, TX, Elliott installed a mural titled "This Land is Your Land" at the Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center. In 2022 he painted "Catch of the Day," which was installed at Crouse Park in Sparta, NC. In recent work, Elliott painted two murals on the East and West sides of the Greene County Historical Museum in Jefferson, IA in 2025.
Elliott has served as an artist in residence for TreeBed Design in Vallejo, CA in 2004 as well as Arts on Grand in Spencer, IA from 2005-2008. After creating art from his home for many years, Elliott moved to Jefferson, IA and opened Elliott Art Studio downtown in 2023. Elliott Art Studio was honored as a Senate Small Business of the Week in December 2024.
About Chad Elliott's Music:
Midwest singer-songwriter Chad Elliott blends folk roots, swampy blues and soulful writing to deliver an original Americana sound. His live performances have been honed over a decade of being on the road performing more than 200 shows each year. Elliott is lauded as “Iowa’s Renaissance man” by Culture Buzz Magazine. He has penned more than 1,500 songs in his career while also cultivating his skills as a painter, sculptor, illustrator and author (Wilderman’s Treetop Tales; Rumble & Flash). Learn more about Elliott's music career at www.chadelliott.net.
About Wilderman's Children's Art/Music:
Wilderman's was created by Chad Elliott. It includes the published book Wilderman's Treetop Tales, which is a collection of original, whimsical poems and paintings. (Think Shel Silverstein, but with more color and a song album.) The book is designed with children in mind and contains both heartwarming and giggle-worthy poetry accompanied by Elliott’s own illustrations. In addition to the book, Elliott also released an accompanying album of original songs based on the poetry of Wilderman's Treetop Tales. Together, the book and album create an interdisciplinary offering of art, music and writing that allows the whole family to embrace wild imagination. Elliott is currently working on the second installment in the series, Wilderman's River Rhymes.
About Chad Elliott's Poetry:
In Rumble & Flash, Elliott shares poems composed on the road. These poems are steeped in archetypal themes like fatherhood, love, nature, and spirituality. Rumble & Flash was released on April 3, 2018 through Yellow Suit Publishing.
Elliott is a graduate of Graceland University in Lamoni, IA with a bachelor of arts in ceramics and has since collected graduate credits from the University of Montana in Missoula, MT. Early in his career, he was recognized for his artistic ability by being chosen as the “Best of Show” at the Iowa Student Artists Exhibit in 1995.
In 2008 Elliott created the first-ever “People Project,” an ephemeral artwork for the organization ArtsLIVE during the University of Okoboji Winter Games in Okoboji, IA. During the Project he positioned 175 people on the ice of a frozen lake in the shape of a stylized turtle, which was photographed from an air plane.
Elliott has an extensive list of mural work throughout Iowa and beyond. His mural work includes two 5 foot by 12 foot canvas paintings installed in 2012 in the Spencer Community Theatre. He also completed a 16 foot by 40 foot landscape mural in 2013 on the side of Mohr Lumber in Coon Rapids, IA to commemorate the town's sesquicentennial. In Pampa, TX, Elliott installed a mural titled "This Land is Your Land" at the Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center. In 2022 he painted "Catch of the Day," which was installed at Crouse Park in Sparta, NC. In recent work, Elliott painted two murals on the East and West sides of the Greene County Historical Museum in Jefferson, IA in 2025.
Elliott has served as an artist in residence for TreeBed Design in Vallejo, CA in 2004 as well as Arts on Grand in Spencer, IA from 2005-2008. After creating art from his home for many years, Elliott moved to Jefferson, IA and opened Elliott Art Studio downtown in 2023. Elliott Art Studio was honored as a Senate Small Business of the Week in December 2024.
About Chad Elliott's Music:
Midwest singer-songwriter Chad Elliott blends folk roots, swampy blues and soulful writing to deliver an original Americana sound. His live performances have been honed over a decade of being on the road performing more than 200 shows each year. Elliott is lauded as “Iowa’s Renaissance man” by Culture Buzz Magazine. He has penned more than 1,500 songs in his career while also cultivating his skills as a painter, sculptor, illustrator and author (Wilderman’s Treetop Tales; Rumble & Flash). Learn more about Elliott's music career at www.chadelliott.net.
About Wilderman's Children's Art/Music:
Wilderman's was created by Chad Elliott. It includes the published book Wilderman's Treetop Tales, which is a collection of original, whimsical poems and paintings. (Think Shel Silverstein, but with more color and a song album.) The book is designed with children in mind and contains both heartwarming and giggle-worthy poetry accompanied by Elliott’s own illustrations. In addition to the book, Elliott also released an accompanying album of original songs based on the poetry of Wilderman's Treetop Tales. Together, the book and album create an interdisciplinary offering of art, music and writing that allows the whole family to embrace wild imagination. Elliott is currently working on the second installment in the series, Wilderman's River Rhymes.
About Chad Elliott's Poetry:
In Rumble & Flash, Elliott shares poems composed on the road. These poems are steeped in archetypal themes like fatherhood, love, nature, and spirituality. Rumble & Flash was released on April 3, 2018 through Yellow Suit Publishing.
Lincoln Highway mural by Chad Elliott in Jefferson, IA.
Public Art by Chad Elliott:
Road Trip
Greene County Historical Museum
Jefferson, IA
Chad Elliott created the Road Trip mural on a permanent corrugated steel panel on the side of the Greene County Historical Museum in Jefferson, IA. The mural depicts a family traveling in a "woody wagon," reminiscent of the hay-day of the Lincoln Highway that runs next to the building. It was completed in 2025.
Lincoln Highway
Greene County Historical Museum
Jefferson, IA
Chad Elliott created the Lincoln Highway mural on a permanent corrugated steel panel on the side of the Greene County Historical Museum in Jefferson, IA. The mural depicts a historic gas station scene reminiscent of the hay-day of the Lincoln Highway that runs next to the building. It was completed in 2025.
Song of Guthrie County
Guthrie Center Fire Hall
Guthrie Center, IA
Chad Elliott created the 18 x 24 foot Song of Guthrie County mural on six panels that were installed in October of 2024 on the Guthrie Center Fire Department building. This new mural depicts a farmland scene common to the history of Guthrie County. The mural is lighted and can be viewed any time of day.
Nocturnal Swing
Washington Public Library
Washington, IA
Chad Elliott created the 4 x 8 foot Nocturnal Swing mural for the City of Washington, IA. It was completed in 2023. It currently hangs in the Washington Public Library, but it will be a piece that is moved to different locations within the city. The mural depicts the appreciation of live music culture by the citizens of Washington, IA.
Catch of the Day
Crouse Park
Sparta, NC
Chad Elliott created Catch of the Day on behalf of the Alleghany Arts Council to be placed at the Crouse Park splash pad in Sparta, NC. It features a playful fishing scene in Chad Elliott's signature style. It was installed in 2022. Visitors are welcome to view the outdoor mural.
Community Tree
Knoxville Public Library
Knoxville, IA
Chad Elliott was selected to create a permanent collection painting by the Knoxville Public Library. The piece, titled Community Tree, celebrates the role a public library serves as a gathering place for a community. It was installed in 2022. Visitors are welcome to view the work of art.
Spencer Library Mural
Spencer Public Library
Spencer, IA
Chad Elliott painted a 5-panel nature scene mural that now hangs in the Spencer Public Library. It was installed in 2022. Visitors are welcome to view the work of art.
Second Star to the Right and Straight on 'til Morning
Sanford Museum & Planetarium
Cherokee, IA
This dreamy painting of a girl drifting into the night sky was commissioned by the Sanford Museum & Planetarium. Visitors are welcomed to view the painting. Chad Elliott created it in 2019.
Among the Stars
Pearson Lakes Art Center
Okoboji, IA
Chad Elliott painted the mural Among the Stars as a backdrop to a stage in the children's section of the Pearson Lakes Art Center in Okoboji, IA. It is a starry scene signature to Elliott's Wilderman's style. The mural was completed in 2019 and is open to visitors.
Woody Guthrie Mural
Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center
Pampa, TX
Chad Elliott painted and installed the Woody Guthrie Mural in 2018. It can be viewed at the Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center in Pampa, TX. The mural depicts scenes from the life of the legendary songwriter, Woody Guthrie.
Coon Rapids Mural
Mohr Lumber Building
Coon Rapids, IA
The Coon Rapids Mural is located on the side of Coon Rapids Lumber at the corner of Main St. and S 5th Ave. in Coon Rapids, IA. This outdoor mural depicts an Iowa landscape and was commissioned for the Sesquicentennial Celebration of Coon Rapids. Chad Elliott completed it in 2013.
Opening Night and Curtain Call
Spencer Community Theater
Spencer, IA
Opening Night and Curtain Call are two large painting installations inside the Spencer Community Theater lobby in Spencer, IA. Chad Elliott completed these acrylic on canvas murals on site in 2011.
Three Cairns
Des Moines Art Center
Des Moines, IA
Three Cairns is the largest installation in the western hemisphere by British artist Andy Goldsworthy. Chad Elliott was on the crew that created the limestone sculptures at the direction of Goldsworthy outside the Des Moines Art Center in Des Moines, IA. They were completed in 2002. Learn more about Three Cairns here.
The Gathering Mosaic
East Leech Park
Spencer, IA
The Gathering: Of Time, Of Land, Of Many Hands is a mosaic sculpture project lead by Nina Smoot-Cain and John Pittman Weber. The mosaic was created with the help of local artist volunteers, such as Chad Elliott, in 2000. It is located outdoors at East Leech Park in Spencer, IA.
Road Trip
Greene County Historical Museum
Jefferson, IA
Chad Elliott created the Road Trip mural on a permanent corrugated steel panel on the side of the Greene County Historical Museum in Jefferson, IA. The mural depicts a family traveling in a "woody wagon," reminiscent of the hay-day of the Lincoln Highway that runs next to the building. It was completed in 2025.
Lincoln Highway
Greene County Historical Museum
Jefferson, IA
Chad Elliott created the Lincoln Highway mural on a permanent corrugated steel panel on the side of the Greene County Historical Museum in Jefferson, IA. The mural depicts a historic gas station scene reminiscent of the hay-day of the Lincoln Highway that runs next to the building. It was completed in 2025.
Song of Guthrie County
Guthrie Center Fire Hall
Guthrie Center, IA
Chad Elliott created the 18 x 24 foot Song of Guthrie County mural on six panels that were installed in October of 2024 on the Guthrie Center Fire Department building. This new mural depicts a farmland scene common to the history of Guthrie County. The mural is lighted and can be viewed any time of day.
Nocturnal Swing
Washington Public Library
Washington, IA
Chad Elliott created the 4 x 8 foot Nocturnal Swing mural for the City of Washington, IA. It was completed in 2023. It currently hangs in the Washington Public Library, but it will be a piece that is moved to different locations within the city. The mural depicts the appreciation of live music culture by the citizens of Washington, IA.
Catch of the Day
Crouse Park
Sparta, NC
Chad Elliott created Catch of the Day on behalf of the Alleghany Arts Council to be placed at the Crouse Park splash pad in Sparta, NC. It features a playful fishing scene in Chad Elliott's signature style. It was installed in 2022. Visitors are welcome to view the outdoor mural.
Community Tree
Knoxville Public Library
Knoxville, IA
Chad Elliott was selected to create a permanent collection painting by the Knoxville Public Library. The piece, titled Community Tree, celebrates the role a public library serves as a gathering place for a community. It was installed in 2022. Visitors are welcome to view the work of art.
Spencer Library Mural
Spencer Public Library
Spencer, IA
Chad Elliott painted a 5-panel nature scene mural that now hangs in the Spencer Public Library. It was installed in 2022. Visitors are welcome to view the work of art.
Second Star to the Right and Straight on 'til Morning
Sanford Museum & Planetarium
Cherokee, IA
This dreamy painting of a girl drifting into the night sky was commissioned by the Sanford Museum & Planetarium. Visitors are welcomed to view the painting. Chad Elliott created it in 2019.
Among the Stars
Pearson Lakes Art Center
Okoboji, IA
Chad Elliott painted the mural Among the Stars as a backdrop to a stage in the children's section of the Pearson Lakes Art Center in Okoboji, IA. It is a starry scene signature to Elliott's Wilderman's style. The mural was completed in 2019 and is open to visitors.
Woody Guthrie Mural
Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center
Pampa, TX
Chad Elliott painted and installed the Woody Guthrie Mural in 2018. It can be viewed at the Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center in Pampa, TX. The mural depicts scenes from the life of the legendary songwriter, Woody Guthrie.
Coon Rapids Mural
Mohr Lumber Building
Coon Rapids, IA
The Coon Rapids Mural is located on the side of Coon Rapids Lumber at the corner of Main St. and S 5th Ave. in Coon Rapids, IA. This outdoor mural depicts an Iowa landscape and was commissioned for the Sesquicentennial Celebration of Coon Rapids. Chad Elliott completed it in 2013.
Opening Night and Curtain Call
Spencer Community Theater
Spencer, IA
Opening Night and Curtain Call are two large painting installations inside the Spencer Community Theater lobby in Spencer, IA. Chad Elliott completed these acrylic on canvas murals on site in 2011.
Three Cairns
Des Moines Art Center
Des Moines, IA
Three Cairns is the largest installation in the western hemisphere by British artist Andy Goldsworthy. Chad Elliott was on the crew that created the limestone sculptures at the direction of Goldsworthy outside the Des Moines Art Center in Des Moines, IA. They were completed in 2002. Learn more about Three Cairns here.
The Gathering Mosaic
East Leech Park
Spencer, IA
The Gathering: Of Time, Of Land, Of Many Hands is a mosaic sculpture project lead by Nina Smoot-Cain and John Pittman Weber. The mosaic was created with the help of local artist volunteers, such as Chad Elliott, in 2000. It is located outdoors at East Leech Park in Spencer, IA.
Do you have a large-scale project you'd like Chad Elliott to be a part of? Send information to Alyssa at [email protected].