Arts Service Organizations
The Iowa Arts Council maintains links to the arts on the Internet as a service
to Iowans. The Council does not guarantee the accuracy of the information on these
pages. Inclusion on this site does not indicate or imply an endorsement by the
Council of any organization, site or information. Comments on the content of those
pages should be directed to the page authors.
Listings are organized alphabetically.
AIA Iowa- American Institute of Architects
Contact: Suzanne Schwengels
1000 Walnut Street Suite 101
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
515-244-7502
sschwengels@aiaiowa.org
www.aiaiowa.org
AIA Iowa’s mission is to improve the built environment through service to members, the profession and the public.
AIGA Iowa
Contact: Kate Corman
P.O. Box 93542
Des Moines, IA 50393
membership@iowa.aiga.org
www.aiga.org
The Iowa Chapter of AIGA was established in 1994. The chapter is comprised of design professionals working as sole proprietors, principals, educators, or as designers in firms or associations. AIGA Iowa provides its members with local forums for meeting, performing public service, and presenting speakers and traveling programs of national importance to designers and the public.
American Society of Landscape Architects-Iowa Chapter
Contact: Kristina Sickels
P.O. Box 409
Des Moines, IA 50302
515-442-2451
ia-asla@assocserv.com
www.iaasla.org
Practitioners of this profession apply creative and technical skills and scientific, cultural and political knowledge in the planned arrangement of natural and constructed elements on the land with a concern for the stewardship and conservation of natural, constructed, and human resources. 100 members, meets annually in July, newsletter published four times a year.
Art Directors Association of Iowa
Contact: Harry Watts
P.O. Box 1741
Des Moines, IA 50306
info@artdirectorsiowa.org
www.artdirectorsiowa.org
Art Directors Association of Iowa was founded in 1957. It serves the specific needs of professionals involved in graphic design and related fields in Iowa. A nonprofit organization, ADAI was formed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and information to members in the professional field. Activities in the future will evolve to meet the needs of our ever-changing profession.
Des Moines Weavers and Spinners Guild
Contact: Jane Adams
702 63rd Street
Des Moines, IA 50312
info@desmoinesweaversguild.org
www.desmoinesweaversguild.org
The Des Moines Weavers and Spinners Guild meets monthly to share ideas, news, and skills. The morning meeting includes a topical program. The evening meeting is spinning and other fiber arts projects.
Des Moines Woodworkers Association
Contact: Jay Eaton
515-987-8231
www.dmwoodworkers.com
Des Moines Woodworkers Association is a non-profit association dedicated to education, community service, and sharing of knowledge for those of all ages and skill levels in the field of woodworking.
Iowa Basket Weavers Guild
Contact: Maribeth Woosley
621 Olive St.
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
ibwg@mchsi.com
The purpose of the IBWG is to exchange ideas, give moral support to other basket makers, share experiences, and to develop a greater appreciation for all basket makers. The IBWG has a newsletter that is published four times a year and meets twice a year.
Iowa Community Theatre Association
Contact: Donna Smithson
4740 Iowa St.
Newton, IA 50208
515-822-1875
www.iowacommunitytheatres.org
The Iowa Community Theatre Association, Incorporated, exists for improved standards of theater productions among the non-professional community groups of Iowa. We encourage the creation of new non-professional community theatre groups and provide opportunities for the interchange of materials and ideas among member organizations and individuals.
Iowa Composers Forum
Contact: Ralph Kendrick
ohrals@aol.com
www.iowacomposersforum.org
The ICF promotes performances of music by Iowa composers, develops larger audiences for original music, stimulates the creation of new works through commissions and support, provides a forum for musical ideas and professional concerns, disseminates information about Iowa composers and their activities, and encourages composers of all musical styles. The ICF meets annually in September and publishes a newsletter four times a year.
Iowa Cultural Coalition
www.iowaculturalcoalition.org
The Iowa Cultural Coalition serves as the main advocacy, technical assistance and communications network available to people and organizations who create and appreciate all forms of art, historic preservation, museums, science and cultural educational endeavors in Iowa. ICC serves the needs of every Iowan by supporting the people and resources in the state that make it a joy to live here.
Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance
900 First Avenue
Coralville, IA 52241
319-849-8278
info@culturalcorridor.org
www.culturalcorridor.org
The Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance strengthens the Eastern Iowa region by promoting the varied cultural activities of its member organizations and nurturing a sustainable cultural community.
Iowa Ethnic Heritage Association
Contact: Riki Saltzman
Iowa Arts Council
600 E Locust
Des Moines, IA 50319
515- 242-6195
Riki.Saltzman@iowa.gov
This group promotes and encourages ethnic museums, cultural organizations, festivals, and related activities in Iowa. The IEHA promotes authenticity, professionalism, and educational aspects of activities promoted by member organizations. It maintains a partnership with the Iowa Arts Council Folklife Program. This organization provides a network of like organizations and institutions so that they may: promote immigrant/ethnic museums, cultural organizations, festivals, and activities related to Ethnic Heritage Tourism in Iowa; provide a forum for sharing of ideas among like organizations; encourage authenticity and the educational value of such activities.
Iowa Federation of Handweavers and Spinners
Contact: Mary Boulet
2501 33rd Street
Des Moines, IA 50310
bouletmary@imonmail.com
The stated purpose of the Iowa Federation of Handweavers and Spinners is threefold: “to
encourage co-operation between individuals and organizes weaving groups in the State of Iowa; to help all weavers achieve a high standard of the craft; and to promote exhibits and programs to stimulate a public interest in the art and craft of weaving.” The group holds two meetings a year and publishes a newsletter twice a year.
Iowa Fiddlers Association
Contact: David Bellegante
president@iowafiddlers.com
www.iowafiddlers.com
The Fiddlers' Association of Iowa is more than an excuse to get together and fiddle, it is also a way to meet and greet new fiddlers, other musicians, and those that enjoy fiddle music. We welcome everyone from beginners to state champion fiddlers, plus anyone who plays the piano, guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin, harmonica, bones (spoons), and, of course the fiddle.
Iowa Filmmaker
info@iowafilmmaker.com
www.iowafilmmaker.com
The goal of Iowa Filmmakers is to be the ultimate resource for film production in Iowa. The web site contains information about production companies, organizations, and films produced within the state. One of the most valuable tools of this website is its forums. The Iowa Filmmaker Forum is designed to facilitate communication between Iowa filmmakers, actors, and crew, and to aid them in every phase of their work. Filmmakers of all experience levels are encouraged to visit the site and join in the discussions, and to use the site to keep up to date on productions, meetings, and opportunities for filmmakers throughout Iowa.
Iowa Film Office
Iowa Department of Economic Development
200 East Grand
Des Moines, IA 50319
film@iowa.gov
www.iowalifechanging.com/film
The mission of the Iowa Film Office is to effectively market Iowa as a desirable location for filmmaking (e.g., television, commercials, videos, etc.,) thereby creating economic development opportunities for the State of Iowa.
Iowa Motion Picture Association
Contact: Kent Newman
107 East 5th Street, Suite 208
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-471-1958
info@impa.tv
www.impa.tv
The Iowa Motion Picture Association is a professional organization that works to promote and enhance the talents and skills of our state's film, video and multimedia production community, build and maintain an infrastructure including education, outreach, and training and promote collaboration and networking for project financing, production and distribution.
Iowa Museum Association
Contact: Cynthia Sweet
1116 Washington Street
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
319-239-2236
imasweet@cfu.net
www.iowamuseums.org
The Iowa Museum Association provides a forum for the interchange of ideas within the museum profession, promotes professional and ethical standards, and advocates museums as vehicles for presenting and interpreting our cultural and natural heritage. They meet annually and publish a newsletter four times a year.
Iowa Poetry Association
Contact: Loren Gruber
P.O. Box 22
Clarinda, IA 51632
712-542-2928
ipa@iowapoetry.com
www.iowapoetry.com
The Iowa Poetry Association is a non-profit organization whose sole objective is to promote interest in and appreciation for better poetry by Iowans. IPA offers two workshops each year in Des Moines. Membership is open to any individual or group with an Iowa address.
Iowa Press Women
Contact: Julie Hoffman
402-681-5067
marjuliowa@msn.com
iowapresswomen.org
Iowa Press Women is a dynamic nationwide organization of professional women — and men — pursuing careers across the communications spectrum. We are affiliated with the National Federation of Press Women.
Iowa Quilters Guild
Contact: Karen Willis
iqgasap@yahoo.com
www.iowaquiltersguild.com
Iowa Quilters Guild, Inc. was organized as a non-profit organization in August 1979 for the purpose of promoting the art of quilting. A newsletter is published in October, January, March, May and August. The annual directory is in the January issue.
Iowa Scriptwriters Alliance
Contact: Pat Boddy
P.O. Box 65886
West Des Moines, IA 50265
515-277-5099
info@iowascripts.org
www.iowascripts.org
Iowa Scriptwriters Alliance is an organization dedicated to improving the art and craft of scriptwriters through education, communication and participation.
Iowa State Square Dance Federation
Contact: Jim and Nancy Oliver
515-282-7265
rdanceoliver@aol.com
www.iowasquaredance.org
The Iowa State Federation of Square and Round Dance Club is composed of Local Organizations known as a Federation or Association. Each Local Organization contains area Clubs or Organizations. These clubs can be a Square Dance Club, a Round Dance Club or the Callers Cuer Association for that region.
Iowa Watercolor Society
Contact: Jo Myers Walker
125 Main Street
Gilbert, IA 50105
jomyerswalker@gmail.com
www.iowawatercolorsociety.org
The purpose of the Iowa Watercolor Society, a nonprofit organization, shall be to support and encourage the advancement of the watercolor medium, and to foster the appreciation and interest of both the artist and the viewing public. The group meets annually and publishes a newsletter four times a year.
Mississippi River Sampler Guild
Contact: Diane Stokesberry
563-359-7951
www.mrsg.org
The Mississippi River Sampler Guild focuses on reproduction and modern samplers, history, national teacher seminars, weekend workshops, field trips and more. They also located old samplers and conserve them.
pARTners Unlimited
P.O. Box 41141
Des Moines, IA 50311
515-778-0692
www.partnersunlimited.org
pARTners Unlimited provides experiential learning through the arts for individuals at risk of delinquency or criminal behavior.
Polka Club of Iowa
Contact: Noreen Steenbock
2921 88th Ct.
Des Moines, IA 50322
515-278-0127
nsteenbock@aol.com
www.polkaclubiowa.org
The goal of the Polka Club of Iowa is to encourage and pursue the study of old time music, including polka and related traditional music. We support and assist Iowa communities in charitable and civic projects. Each year we sponsor and present an annual polka festival in the state of Iowa.
Professional Photographers of Iowa
Contact: Chris Brinkopf
P.O. Box 108
Sumner, IA 50674
563-578-1126
ppichris@iowatelecom.net
www.ppiowa.com
Education and fellowship are the primary goals of the PPI. Seminars and conferences keep our members current with the latest trends and technologies in our business, and also provide the opportunity for enjoyable activities that "getting together" is all about! All our members have always been generous in sharing their expertise and knowledge.
Royal Scottish Country Dance Society-Central Iowa Branch
Contact: Gayle Hoepner
515-233-6841
ghoepner@midiowa.net
www.public.iastate.edu/~fuchs/scd.html
The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society - Central Iowa Branch (RSCDS-CI) is an organization whose members share an interest in Scottish Country dance and music. Classes offer instruction in the style, steps, and formations used in traditional dances of Scotland. Presentations to various groups demonstrate the pleasure of Scottish Country dancing and increase awareness of Scottish culture in Central Iowa.
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators-Iowa
Contact: Connie Heckert
P.O. Box 1436
Bettendorf, IA 52722
hecklit@aol.com
www.scbwi-iowa.org
The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is the only one of its kind specifically geared for those interested in, or already working in, the field of writing and illustrating for children in books, magazines, multimedia, or television. Members of SCBWI receive a number of exciting direct benefits such as member discounts, annual grants and fellowships, free publications, a bimonthly newsletter and much more.
Storytellers Roundtable of ILA
Contact: Duffy DeFrance
Dows Community Library
112 Ellsworth Street
Dows, IA 50071
515-852-4559
duffyde@avalon.net
The purpose of the Storytellers Roundtable is to promote the art of storytelling for the enjoyment and education of people of all ages, to share ideas and network with others interested in storytelling and to provide continuing education opportunities.
VSA Iowa
Contact: Elyssa Shapiro
Grimes State Office Building
400 East 14th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
515-281-5839
info@vsaiowa.org
VSA Iowa's mission is to create a society where people with disabilities can learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts. In partnership with the Iowa Department of Education, VSA Iowa provides arts education across the state for children and young adults with diverse special needs. Creative and performing arts workshops are offered to classrooms, community organizations and the general population through the organization's highly acclaimed Arts for Children programs. Many of VSA Iowa's teaching artists live and create with a disability as well.
