St. Anthony Murals

In 2004, Darren Evans was commissioned to paint murals in St. Anthony's Church in Iowa. The project took six weeks and was an original composition in collaboration with artist Richard Van Oel.

1. Des Moines Register / April 10 2004 — ART INSPIRED: A Mosaic in an Italian church brings beauty to its congregation.
2. Des Moines Register / April 10 2004 — Church Restoration is inspired art work.
3. Additional interior photo of the mural behind the altar.

Perry Library Mural

In 2003, Darren Evans was commissioned to illuminate a map of Iowa's Carnegie Libraries. It features hand-illustrated facades by the artist of the 101 public Iowa libraries that were built from 99 grants awarded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York in 1892—1917.

1. Iowa Library Mural by Darren Evans
2. Iowa Library Mural (Darren Evans Signature)
3. The Carnegie Libraries in Iowa Project.
4. The Perry Chief / May 13 2004 — Adding Artwork (to the Carnegie Library)
5. Des Moines Register / September 24 2004 — Living Museum: Perry's Restored Library

Attic Murals

In 2001, Darren Evans was commissioned by an Iowan couple to paint elaborate murals throughout their home. Extensive research was conducted by the artist to achieve paintings that were realistic of the varied art styles put forth in the design requirement.

1. Des Moines Register / September 15 2001 — Europe waits at top of stairs.
2. Des Moines Register / September 15 2001 — Murals bring Europe home.
3. Color Photographs of Evans Murals — Photos by Paul Gates

Pantages Theater

In 2000, Darren Evans was commissioned through Evergreene Architectural Arts to work with a team to restore the Historic Pantages Theater on Hollywood and Vine. The artist specifically worked on the magnificent ceiling of the theater, restoring lost murals in the lobby, and on the exterior columns.

1. Project Page at Evergreene.
2. Wikipedia Page on Pantages Theatre (Hollywood) featuring photos of the art deco facade and the magnificent interior. The theater has historically been the site of Academy Award ceremonies and was once owned by Howard Hughes.

Iowa State Capitol Dome

In 1999, Darren Evans worked with a restoration crew to regild the dome on the Iowa State Capitol.

1. Des Moines Register / April 10 2004 — Artisans touch restores shine to dome.
2. Des Moines Register / April 10 2004 — Capitol gilding almost completed.
3. Photodocumentary of the Iowa Capitol Dome Project. (Des Moines Register)
4. Historical photo from interview with crew by Iowa Public Television in 1999.
5. Iowa Capitol Dome (Photo by Darren Evans)
6. Iowa Capitol Restoration in Progress (Photo by Darren Evans)
7. Artist Restoring The Iowa Capitol Dome (Photo by Darren Evans)
8. Painting Clouds on the Interior of the Dome (Photo of Darren Evans)
9. Painting Clouds on the Interior of the Dome (Photo of Darren Evans)

Living History Farms [PDF: 17.9 MB]

In 1997, Darren Evans was commissioned to paint three posters of The Flynn Barn originally built in 1871. These posters were used to describe the construction and use of the barn. He also illuminated a map of Living History Farms for the reception entryway and produced imagery for their 30th Anniversary Celebration.

1. Living History Farms Map (Detail 1)
2. Living History Farms Map (Detail 2)
3. Living History Farms Map (Detail 3)
4. Living History Farms Map (Detail 4)
5. Living History Farms Map (Detail 5)
6. Living History Farms Map (Detail 6)
7. Living History Farms Map (Detail 6)
8. Flynn Barn Vintage Posters (Entrance)
9. Flynn Barn Vintage Posters (Barn Interior)
10. Flynn Barn Vintage Posters (Two Posters)
11. Flynn Barn Vintage Posters (A Modern Barn)
12. Flynn Barn Vintage Posters (Construction)

Inside The Hotel Pattee [PDF: 9.1 MB]

In 1996, Darren Evans was commissioned by Roberta Greene Ahmanson to paint murals in The Welsh Room of the Hotel Pattee in Perry, Iowa. The hotel restoration took two years to complete with Darren's signature style appearing in the illumination of two traditional Welsh songs in the entry doorway. His work appears in several other guest rooms in the hotel, and is documented in the book "Inside The Hotel Pattee" (Penatubo Press, 2004).

1. The Welsh Room (Inside The Hotel Pattee) — Pages 128 and 129
2. Detail of The Welsh National Anthem (Inside The Hotel Pattee) — Page 129
3. Detail of The Men of Harlach (Inside The Hotel Pattee) — Page 130 and 131
4. Biography of Darren Evans — Page 131

Bridges of Madison County

In 1996, Darren Evans was commissioned by a gallery in Des Moines to illustrate covered bridges in Madison County. Four were illustrated, one for each season. Winter and Summer are available in the archive.

1. Bridges of Madison County — (Summer)
2. Bridges of Madison County — (Winter)

Early Work: Illustrations

1. 1996 "Fire Watch" — Book Cover — Publisher: Perfect Learning. A children's fiction book about wildfires in California.
2. 1992 "Let's Look Up Sharks" — Illustrations PDF and Infographics PDF — Publisher: Alladin Books. An educational children's book in the "Let's Look Up" series.