Upcoming Arts-related Events
If you have an event you’d like to promote, send an email with the details to: Sarah.Oltrogge@iowa.gov. Events are updated monthly.
The events listed on this page do not reflect all of the arts-related events happening throughout the state.
Please note: We receive many requests for a listing of all fairs and festivals held in Iowa. Though we do not collect this information, a free publication may be ordered via the Iowa Department of Economic Development web site.
If you would like to receive Iowa Arts News, the Iowa Arts Council's monthly newsletter, please send us a blank e-mail.
May 2008
NEW! Ankeny Arts Center Emerging Artists Exhibition
May 1-June 14
Ankeny Art Center presents the works of two emerging Iowa artists in May. Ben Shuh’s exhibit, “Emotion,” and Van Holmgren’s show “Bare Medium” will be on display May 1– June 14 in the Main Gallery. Shuh’s work includes mixed subject matter, with every work relating to emotion. The opening reception for Shuh is Saturday, May 3 from 5-7 p.m. at the Ankeny Art Center. Public and media are invited to meet the artist and enjoy hors d’ oeuvres and wine. Holmgren describes his canvas as “discarded lumber that you may have thrown in the trash.” Holmgren’s reception will be Saturday, May 17 from 6-8 p.m. at the Ankeny Art Center. Visit www.ankenyartcenter.com for details.
NEW! CASA Annual Gallery Show: Growth
Opens May 2
Creative Artists’ Studios of Ames (CASA) will open its Annual Gallery Show: Growth May 2 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Gallery hours are Saturday and Sunday, 12-4 p.m. An art sale, pit firing demo and raku demo will be Sunday from 12-4 p.m. The show will feature a variety of mediums and styles from amateur to professional. CASA is located at 130 S. Sheldon Ave. in Ames. Questions may be directed to info@creativeartists.org or (515) 292-3448.
NEW! 4th Annual Student Art Exposition
May 2, Fairfield
Showcase of the creativity of area youth featuring exhibits of and performances by students K-12 and from local colleges as well as special guests Junkyard Symphony and games master Bernie DeKoven. It will coincide with the EcoFair sustainable living weekend. Visit www.fairfieldartwalk.com for details.
17th Annual Exhibit of Young Artists
Through May 2, Joan Kuyper Farver Gallery, Pella
This exhibit displays some of the imaginative and creative artworks that students from Pella Community Schools, Pella Christian Schools and the Art Center Programs at the Pella Community Center have produced this year. When roaming through the gallery, one will find photograms, ink prints, glue, oil pastels, tempera paints, clay, construction paper, wood scraps, and used yogurt containers helping to transform the imaginative creations of each young artist into vibrant and colorful masterpieces. Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
NEW! Art Andes Celebration
May 3, Blanden Memorial Art Museum, Fort Dodge
Surround yourself with rich textiles from Peru – hand-spun yarns, hand-dyed organic color and intricate pre-Columbian patterns based on ancient Incan agrarian mythologies. For one day the Blanden Art Museum’s East Gallery will be transformed with rugs, wall hangings, table runners and other hand-woven textiles from the Ayacucho region of Peru. Wilbur Quispe, master weaver from Peru, will demonstrate weaving techniques. Event will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with refreshments and music. Free and open to the public. Visit www.blanden.org for details.
NEW! Chicago, the Musical
Thursday, May 8, Stephens Auditorium, Ames
Based on the 1926 play by Maurine Dallas Watkins (which was based on real events), “Chicago” is, as we are told in the show’s opening lines, “a story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery -- all the things we hold near and dear to our hearts.” Show time is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $46.50, $42.50; Youth $24.50, $22.50; ISU Students $20. Purchase tickets online at www.ticketmaster.com.
NEW! The Subjective Circus
May 10, Des Moines
“A Colossal Combination of All That is Great,” featuring live music and art, theatrical performances, film and spoken word, silent auction, food and drink, and sideshows galore. Tickets are $15 at www.iowatix.com. Doors open at 7 p.m., performances from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Located at 1408 Locust Street, downtown Des Moines. All proceeds benefit the construction of the Des Moines Social Club. Visit www.desmoinessocialclub.org for details.
Simpson College Senior Art Exhibit
Through May 17
Opening reception April 17 from 6-8 p.m. in Farnham Galleries on the Simpson campus in Indianola. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. http://www.simpson.edu/artsforum/gallery/index.html
Springtime
Through June 6, Lowe Park ARTS and Environment Center, Marion
Local artists express their interpretation of Spring through art. Lowe Park ARTS and Environment Center, 4500 10th St., Marion. Gallery hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 1-3 p.m. marcibea@live.com
NEW! “From Out of the Flames”
Through June 8 at the Duluth Art Institute
Objects of extraordinary transformative beauty are created when base materials such as clay or silica are manipulated in the artist’s hands and exposed to intense heat and flame. This exhibition will highlight area practitioners of this alchemical art form and present works of ceramic and glass. For museum hours and more information, visit www.duluthartinstitute.org.
Tivoli Fest
May 24-25
This weekend long Danish festival in Elk Horn includes a parade, folk dancing, tours of the Danish Windmill, Bedstemor’s Hus, and the Danish Immigrant Museum, Danish foods, arts & crafts, flea market, carnival, activities for the kids, and much more. For more information call (712) 764-7472 or visit www.danishwindmill.com.
NEW! “Hearts of Freedom
May 30-June 1
Unexpected Company will present concert performances of “Hearts of Freedom,” an original musical by Iowa artists Brian R. Lynner and Lisa Norris Friday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 1, at 3 p.m. in the Kruidenier Auditorium at the State Historical Building, 600 E. Locust, Des Moines. An additional performance will be held Saturday, May 31 at 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4114 Allison Avenue in Des Moines. All performances are free to the public with free will donations accepted. The project is supported in part by a grant from the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. For more information on the “Hearts of Freedom” project, visit www.unexpectedcompany.com.
NEW! The Fields Project
June 14-22, Oregon, Ill.
With the mission to bring artists and farmers together with the land, The Fields Project encourages the appreciation of the relationship of agriculture to art and art to agriculture. Includes works by pleinair painters, photographers, sculptors and earthwork/field sculptors. Located in the Rock River Valley surrounding Oregon, Ill. Visit www.fieldsproject.com for details.
NEW! Snake Alley Art Fair
June 15, Burlington
Daylong celebration of creativity and community, centering on a love for the visual arts. Growing from a start more than 40 years ago as a small gathering of local artists who set up for the day along Burlington’s Snake Alley – the crookedest street in the world – the fair is now an annual event with an estimated attendance of more than 10,000 people. Hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sponsored by the Art Guild of Burlington. Visit www.artguildofburlington.org for details.
NEW! “Stencils” by Paul Chelstad
Through July 6, Sioux City Art Center
Hours: Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., 1-5 p.m. Visit www.siouxcityartcenter.org for details.
If you have an event you’d like to promote, send an email with the details to: Sarah.Oltrogge@iowa.gov. Events are updated monthly.
Still want more? Check out ArtScene’s calendar at http://www.artsceneiowa.com/artsceneEVENTS.html.
