Paint, Sip & More at Bickelhaupt Arboretum, Clinton

Founded in 1970 by the visionary duo, Robert and Frances Bickelhaupt, the arboretum was generously bestowed to Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) in 2014. Despite the change in ownership, the mission of The Bickelhaupt Arboretum stays the same: to serve as a connection between people and plants through a better understanding of horticulture by developing and maintaining a well-documented collection of landscape plants.

 In 2021, the CCC Paul B. Sharar Foundation Board of Directors engaged Shive-Hattery to develop a vision for transforming the Bickelhaupt family home into an accessible educational and events center. The following year a feasibility study confirmed community support, a $4.5 million fundraising campaign kicked off in 2023. Through generous donations, grants, and pledges from community members, the funds were raised within a year to begin the renovation process. 

The transformation of the Bickelhaupt homestead into a state-of-the-art education and events center, a landmark project for the community, was completed in 2026. The former home is a venue for both educational and social events, hosting everything from classes and conferences to weddings and reunions. The centerpiece of this project is an artistic installation in the former pool, featuring lighted, textural art visible through a plexiglass floor.  An expansive 2,200-square-foot outdoor deck offering panoramic views of the arboretum extends the event space. This unique space provides a one-of-a-kind setting for various gatherings.