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Grant Wood Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Grant Wood: Biography and Artistic Legacy

Cheat Sheet:
Grant Wood: Biography and Artistic Legacy Study Guide

Foundations: Early Life and Education

Grant Wood was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and spent his entire life there.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Grant Wood was born near Anamosa, Iowa, and later moved to Cedar Rapids, he did not spend his entire life there; his artistic career involved significant travel and periods in other locations.

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Grant Wood's full birth name was simply Grant Wood.

Answer: False

Explanation: Grant Wood's full birth name was Grant DeVolson Wood.

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The death of Grant Wood's mother prompted the family's relocation to Cedar Rapids.

Answer: False

Explanation: The family's relocation to Cedar Rapids was prompted by the death of Grant Wood's father, Francis Maryville Wood, in 1901.

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Grant Wood received his formal art education exclusively at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Answer: False

Explanation: Grant Wood pursued formal art education at multiple institutions, including The Handicraft Guild in Minneapolis and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

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Grant Wood's boyhood home in Cedar Rapids is recognized as a historically significant site.

Answer: True

Explanation: Grant Wood's boyhood home in Cedar Rapids is acknowledged as a historically significant site, underscoring its cultural value.

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Grant Wood's early life in Paris was characterized by a conventional, traditional lifestyle.

Answer: False

Explanation: Grant Wood's early experiences, including his time in Paris, are described as 'bohemian days,' suggesting an unconventional and artistic lifestyle, rather than a conventional or traditional one.

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Which of the following was NOT a location where Grant Wood pursued formal art education?

Answer: The Sorbonne in Paris

Explanation: Grant Wood pursued formal art education at institutions in Minneapolis and Chicago. While he traveled to Paris, the Sorbonne was not a location where he received formal art education.

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Grant Wood's full birth name was:

Answer: Grant DeVolson Wood

Explanation: Grant Wood's complete birth name was Grant DeVolson Wood.

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What event led Grant Wood's mother to move the family to Cedar Rapids?

Answer: The death of his father

Explanation: The family relocated to Cedar Rapids following the death of Grant Wood's father, Francis Maryville Wood.

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What does the term 'bohemian' suggest about Grant Wood's earlier life experiences?

Answer: He engaged in unconventional artistic pursuits.

Explanation: The term 'bohemian' suggests that Grant Wood's earlier life experiences involved unconventional artistic pursuits and a lifestyle that diverged from traditional norms.

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Artistic Journey: Influences and Media

In addition to painting, Grant Wood was also proficient in silversmithing and metalworking.

Answer: True

Explanation: Beyond his renowned paintings, Grant Wood possessed skills in silversmithing and metalworking, demonstrating versatility in his artistic practice.

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Grant Wood's technique in *American Gothic* was influenced by contemporary American folk art.

Answer: False

Explanation: Grant Wood's meticulous technique and compositional clarity in *American Gothic* were primarily influenced by his study of 15th-century Northern European (Flemish) painters, rather than contemporary American folk art.

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Grant Wood primarily worked with oil paints and watercolors throughout his career.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Grant Wood utilized oil paints, his artistic practice also encompassed a range of other media, including lithography, ink, charcoal, ceramics, metalwork, and woodwork.

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Grant Wood adopted the precise technique and clarity found in the works of the Italian Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci.

Answer: False

Explanation: Grant Wood adopted the precise technique and clarity found in the works of 15th-century Flemish painters, such as Jan van Eyck, not Italian Renaissance artists like Leonardo da Vinci.

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What artistic influence did Grant Wood draw from 15th-century Flemish painters like Jan van Eyck?

Answer: Precise technique and clarity

Explanation: Grant Wood drew upon the precise technique and clarity characteristic of 15th-century Flemish painters, such as Jan van Eyck, integrating these qualities into his own artistic style.

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Which of the following skills did Grant Wood possess besides painting?

Answer: Silversmithing and metalworking

Explanation: In addition to his painting, Grant Wood was proficient in silversmithing and metalworking, demonstrating a broader range of artistic and craft skills.

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Career and Public Service

During World War I, Grant Wood designed camouflage for military vehicles.

Answer: True

Explanation: During his service in World War I, Grant Wood contributed artistically by designing camouflage for military vehicles and other war-related art.

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Grant Wood taught art at the University of Iowa for his entire teaching career.

Answer: False

Explanation: Grant Wood taught art at the University of Iowa from 1934 to 1941, but his teaching career began earlier as an instructor in the Cedar Rapids public school system.

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Grant Wood utilized his teaching position to fund extensive summer travels to Europe for artistic study.

Answer: True

Explanation: Grant Wood's teaching positions provided him with the financial means and temporal flexibility to undertake extensive summer travels to Europe for the purpose of artistic study and inspiration.

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Grant Wood traveled to Munich in 1928 to supervise the creation of stained glass windows he had designed.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1928, Grant Wood journeyed to Munich, Germany, specifically to oversee the fabrication of stained glass windows he had designed for the Veterans Memorial Building in Cedar Rapids.

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The Stone City Art Colony, founded by Grant Wood, aimed to support artists during the economic boom following World War I.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Stone City Art Colony, co-founded by Grant Wood in 1932, was established to support artists during the economic hardships of the Great Depression, not a post-WWI boom.

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Associated American Artists was instrumental in distributing the works of Grant Wood and other Regionalist artists.

Answer: True

Explanation: Associated American Artists played a significant role in the marketing and distribution of artworks by Grant Wood and other prominent Regionalist artists.

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Grant Wood designed posters for the film *The Long Voyage Home*.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Grant Wood created artwork related to the film *The Long Voyage Home* in 1940, the source material does not specify that he designed posters for it; rather, he documented and interpreted scenes and characters.

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Grant Wood earned supplemental income through commercial art projects for Iowa businesses.

Answer: True

Explanation: Grant Wood supplemented his income by undertaking commercial art commissions for various Iowa-based businesses throughout his career.

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The Stone City Art Colony was intended as a retreat for artists seeking isolation.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Stone City Art Colony was established to provide a supportive environment for artists during the Great Depression, not specifically as a retreat for isolation.

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Grant Wood directed a branch of the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) in Des Moines.

Answer: False

Explanation: Grant Wood directed a branch of the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) in Iowa City, not Des Moines.

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The New Deal program Grant Wood was involved with aimed to employ artists and beautify public spaces.

Answer: True

Explanation: The New Deal programs, such as the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) in which Grant Wood participated, were designed to employ artists and contribute to the beautification of public spaces.

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The University of Iowa administration supported allegations against Grant Wood, leading to his dismissal.

Answer: False

Explanation: The University of Iowa administration dismissed the allegations against Grant Wood and supported him; he would have continued his professorship had his health not declined.

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What was the primary purpose of the Stone City Art Colony, co-founded by Grant Wood in 1932?

Answer: To provide a supportive environment for artists during the Great Depression

Explanation: The Stone City Art Colony, co-founded by Grant Wood in 1932, was established primarily to offer a supportive environment for artists navigating the economic challenges of the Great Depression.

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How did Grant Wood's teaching position in Cedar Rapids benefit his artistic development?

Answer: It allowed him to travel to Europe during summers for art study.

Explanation: Grant Wood's teaching position in Cedar Rapids provided him with the financial stability and seasonal flexibility that enabled him to fund extensive summer travels to Europe for dedicated art study.

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What was Grant Wood's role during World War I?

Answer: He designed camouflage scenes for the war effort.

Explanation: During World War I, Grant Wood served in the U.S. Army, where his artistic skills were utilized in designing camouflage for military purposes.

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Which organization played a significant role in marketing and distributing Grant Wood's work?

Answer: Associated American Artists

Explanation: Associated American Artists, a New York-based entity, was instrumental in the marketing and distribution of works by Grant Wood and other prominent Regionalist artists.

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What was Grant Wood's role in the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) at the University of Iowa?

Answer: He directed a branch of the project in Iowa City.

Explanation: Grant Wood directed a branch of the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) located in Iowa City while also serving as an Associate Professor at the University of Iowa.

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How did the University of Iowa administration react to allegations made against Grant Wood?

Answer: They dismissed the allegations and supported him.

Explanation: The University of Iowa administration dismissed the allegations made against Grant Wood and provided him with support; his professorship would have continued had his health permitted.

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*American Gothic*: Genesis and Interpretation

Grant Wood's most iconic painting, *American Gothic*, was completed in 1930.

Answer: True

Explanation: The seminal work *American Gothic*, widely considered Grant Wood's most iconic painting, was indeed completed in the year 1930.

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Grant Wood's sister, Nan Wood Graham, modeled for the male figure in *American Gothic*.

Answer: False

Explanation: Grant Wood's sister, Nan Wood Graham, modeled for the female figure (the daughter) in *American Gothic*; the male figure (the farmer) was modeled by his dentist, Dr. Byron McKeeby.

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*American Gothic* was initially interpreted by some critics as a celebration of rural American values.

Answer: False

Explanation: Initially, some prominent critics, such as Gertrude Stein, interpreted *American Gothic* as a satirical commentary on the perceived narrow-mindedness of rural life, rather than a straightforward celebration of rural values.

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During the Great Depression, *American Gothic* became viewed as a symbol of American resilience.

Answer: True

Explanation: As the Great Depression progressed, the perception of *American Gothic* evolved, and it increasingly came to be viewed as an emblem of American resilience and the enduring pioneer spirit.

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The distinctive pointed arch window on a cottage in Eldon, Iowa, inspired the title and setting of *American Gothic*.

Answer: True

Explanation: The distinctive pointed arch window of a Gothic Revival cottage in Eldon, Iowa, served as the direct inspiration for the title and the architectural setting of Grant Wood's painting *American Gothic*.

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The farmer in *American Gothic* was modeled by Grant Wood himself.

Answer: False

Explanation: The farmer figure in *American Gothic* was modeled by Grant Wood's dentist, Dr. Byron McKeeby, not by the artist himself.

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The pitchfork held by the farmer in *American Gothic* symbolizes traditional farming tools.

Answer: True

Explanation: The pitchfork prominently displayed by the farmer in *American Gothic* serves as a symbol of traditional agricultural labor and tools.

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Nan Wood Graham, Grant Wood's sister, also modeled for the farmer in *American Gothic*.

Answer: False

Explanation: Nan Wood Graham, Grant Wood's sister, modeled for the daughter figure in *American Gothic*; the farmer figure was modeled by Dr. Byron McKeeby.

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Carpenter Gothic is a style characterized by sharp, angular lines and minimalist design.

Answer: False

Explanation: Carpenter Gothic is an architectural style that adapts Gothic elements, such as pointed arches, for use in wooden structures, and is not characterized by sharp, angular lines or minimalist design in the modern sense.

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The *American Gothic* House is a modern replica built after the painting's fame.

Answer: False

Explanation: The *American Gothic* House in Eldon, Iowa, is the actual building that inspired Grant Wood's painting and is not a modern replica.

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The term 'spinster' in *American Gothic* refers to the farmer's wife.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'spinster' in the context of *American Gothic* refers to the unmarried daughter figure, not the farmer's wife.

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In what year was Grant Wood's iconic painting *American Gothic* completed?

Answer: 1930

Explanation: Grant Wood's iconic painting, *American Gothic*, was completed in the year 1930.

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What specific architectural feature of a cottage in Eldon, Iowa, inspired Grant Wood?

Answer: A distinctive pointed arch window

Explanation: The distinctive pointed arch window on the upper level of a Gothic Revival cottage in Eldon, Iowa, was the specific architectural feature that inspired Grant Wood's painting *American Gothic*.

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Who modeled for the female figure, depicted as the daughter, in *American Gothic*?

Answer: Grant Wood's sister, Nan Wood Graham

Explanation: The female figure, portrayed as the daughter in *American Gothic*, was modeled by Grant Wood's sister, Nan Wood Graham.

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What was the initial interpretation of *American Gothic* by some prominent critics like Gertrude Stein?

Answer: A satirical commentary on rural narrow-mindedness

Explanation: Prominent critics such as Gertrude Stein initially interpreted *American Gothic* as a satirical commentary on the perceived narrow-mindedness and provincialism of rural American life.

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Who modeled for the male figure (the farmer) in *American Gothic*?

Answer: Dr. Byron McKeeby

Explanation: The male figure, representing the farmer in *American Gothic*, was modeled by Dr. Byron McKeeby, who was Grant Wood's dentist.

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What does the farmer's pitchfork symbolize in *American Gothic*?

Answer: Hard work and labor

Explanation: The farmer's pitchfork in *American Gothic* is symbolic of hard work, labor, and the agricultural foundation of rural life.

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What happened to the perception of *American Gothic* as the Great Depression progressed?

Answer: It was interpreted as a symbol of American resilience and strength.

Explanation: As the Great Depression unfolded, the perception of *American Gothic* shifted from potential satire to an emblem symbolizing the resilience and steadfastness of the American people.

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What is the significance of the *American Gothic* House?

Answer: It is the actual building that inspired Grant Wood's famous painting.

Explanation: The *American Gothic* House in Eldon, Iowa, holds significance as the actual building that served as the direct inspiration and setting for Grant Wood's iconic painting.

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Regionalism and Artistic Identity

Grant Wood, a prominent figure in American art, is primarily known for his abstract expressionist paintings.

Answer: False

Explanation: Grant Wood is primarily associated with the Regionalist movement, characterized by its focus on rural American themes, rather than Abstract Expressionism.

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Grant Wood was particularly inspired by the abstract art styles prevalent in Paris during his European travels.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Grant Wood traveled to Paris and studied various art styles, his primary artistic inspiration during his European travels was the precise technique and clarity found in 15th-century Flemish painters, rather than abstract art.

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Grant Wood is primarily associated with the Abstract Expressionist movement.

Answer: False

Explanation: Grant Wood is primarily associated with the Regionalist movement, which focused on American scenes and themes, distinct from the Abstract Expressionist movement.

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Grant Wood actively discouraged other artists from painting Midwestern themes.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to discouraging Midwestern themes, Grant Wood actively encouraged other artists, such as John Steuart Curry and Thomas Hart Benton, to embrace the region as subject matter.

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The term 'Regionalism' in American art refers to a focus on urban industrial landscapes.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'Regionalism' in American art primarily refers to a focus on realistic depictions of rural American life and landscapes, particularly in the Midwest, rather than urban industrial landscapes.

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What artistic movement is Grant Wood most closely associated with?

Answer: Regionalism

Explanation: Grant Wood is most prominently associated with the American Regionalist movement, which emphasized realistic depictions of rural American life and themes.

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What does the term 'Regionalism' signify within American art history?

Answer: A focus on realistic depictions of rural American life and themes.

Explanation: Within American art history, 'Regionalism' signifies a movement characterized by its focus on realistic depictions of rural American life, landscapes, and cultural themes.

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Later Life and Legacy

Grant Wood's studio space in Cedar Rapids, known as '5 Turner Alley', was located in a converted barn.

Answer: False

Explanation: Grant Wood's studio space in Cedar Rapids, referred to as '5 Turner Alley', was located in the converted hayloft of a carriage house, not a barn.

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Grant Wood's marriage to Sara Sherman Maxon lasted for over a decade.

Answer: False

Explanation: Grant Wood's marriage to Sara Sherman Maxon was brief, lasting from 1935 to 1938, which is less than a decade.

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The source text explicitly states that Grant Wood was openly homosexual throughout his career.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source text indicates that Grant Wood was a 'closeted homosexual' and that his friends were aware of his orientation, but it does not state that he was openly homosexual throughout his career.

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Grant Wood was a member of the Freemasons but was expelled for misconduct.

Answer: False

Explanation: Grant Wood was a member of the Freemasons from 1921 to 1924. His membership was suspended due to unpaid dues, not expelled for misconduct.

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Grant Wood died from complications related to influenza.

Answer: False

Explanation: Grant Wood died from pancreatic cancer, not complications related to influenza.

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Grant Wood's artistic estate was inherited by his brother.

Answer: False

Explanation: Grant Wood's artistic estate was inherited by his sister, Nan Wood Graham, not his brother.

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The Grant Wood Area Education Agency was established in 1974 to support schools in Western Iowa.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Grant Wood Area Education Agency was established in 1974 to support schools in Eastern Iowa, not Western Iowa.

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The 2004 Iowa state quarter features Grant Wood's painting *American Gothic*.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2004 Iowa state quarter features elements related to Grant Wood's life and education, such as his childhood country school and the inscription 'Foundation in Education,' but it does not feature *American Gothic*.

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Grant Wood was honored with a gold medallion in 1980 as part of the American Arts Commemorative Series.

Answer: True

Explanation: Posthumously, Grant Wood was honored in 1980 with a gold medallion as part of the American Arts Commemorative Series, recognizing his significant contributions to American art.

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The Grant Wood Art Colony partners with Iowa State University to host artists.

Answer: False

Explanation: The contemporary Grant Wood Art Colony partners with the University of Iowa to host artists, not Iowa State University.

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Grant Wood's inclusion in 'Authority control' databases indicates his formal cataloging and recognition in major art historical systems.

Answer: True

Explanation: Inclusion in 'Authority control' databases (such as VIAF, GND, LoC) signifies that Grant Wood's life and work are formally cataloged and recognized within major international and national art historical and library systems.

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Grant Wood's studio space in Cedar Rapids, from 1924 to 1935, was known by what name?

Answer: 5 Turner Alley

Explanation: Grant Wood's studio space in Cedar Rapids, utilized between 1924 and 1935, was known by the designation '5 Turner Alley'.

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Grant Wood was a member of which religious fraternity from 1921 to 1924?

Answer: Freemasonry

Explanation: Grant Wood was a member of Mount Hermon Lodge #263, affiliated with Freemasonry, from 1921 to 1924.

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What was the cause of Grant Wood's death?

Answer: Pancreatic cancer

Explanation: Grant Wood died from pancreatic cancer on February 12, 1942.

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Who inherited Grant Wood's artistic estate after his death?

Answer: His sister, Nan Wood Graham

Explanation: Grant Wood's artistic estate was inherited by his sister, Nan Wood Graham, who later bequeathed it to the Figge Art Museum.

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Which of the following is a posthumous honor received by Grant Wood?

Answer: The naming of the World War II Liberty Ship SS *Grant Wood*

Explanation: Among the posthumous honors received by Grant Wood is the naming of the World War II Liberty Ship SS *Grant Wood*, recognizing his national significance.

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What is the Iowa Prize, awarded posthumously to Grant Wood?

Answer: The state's highest honor for citizens

Explanation: The Iowa Prize, posthumously awarded to Grant Wood in 2009, represents the state of Iowa's highest honor for its citizens.

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