Experience More at the Art Center!
Get involved at the Des Moines Art Center. We offer many ongoing programs, workshops, membership activities, and volunteer opportunities. We’d love to see you here!
Art Spectrums
Art Spectrums is a free program for children and teens on the autism spectrum. Art Spectrums provides an opportunity for participants to exercise their creativity and build their self-esteem through sensory experiences that aid in the development of cognition, communication, and motor skills. Registration is required.
Creative Aging: Gallery Series (55+)
Creative Aging is a program designed for adults age 55+ to gather at the Art Center and learn about art while making community connections and fostering cognitive health. An Art Center docent will lead the group in collaborative discussion, focusing on one work of art.
The Creative Aging program occurs multiple times each month; registration is required. Keep an eye on the events calendar to stay up-to-date on upcoming programs.
Creative Aging: Studio Series (55+)
In addition to our monthly Creative Aging gallery series, these studio series sessions offer a social atmosphere and a variety of exploratory projects to try out materials and techniques with the support of an experienced teaching artist.
The studio series class occurs once each month; registration is required. Keep an eye on the events calendar to stay up-to-date on upcoming programs.
Art for Brunch!
Art for Brunch! is a meetup for adults of all ages to enjoy thoughtful conversation, unpacking a different work of art in the galleries each month. A docent will guide the dialogue with questions and prompts, but each discussion is as unique and varied as those who attend.
The program occurs once each month and is free to attend; registration is required. Keep an eye on the events calendar to stay up-to-date on upcoming programs.
Beyond the Studio
Designed for curious creatives who want to connect to the arts in their community, Beyond the Studio – Teen Art Excursions is a free Art Center program for students in grades 9-12. A small cohort of 10-12 teens will visit working artist studios, museums, and exhibitions around Des Moines to meet artists, see how creative ideas develop, and explore the local arts community together.
No portfolio is required. Students must provide their own transportation and meet the group at each location. Pilot dates: November 12, December 17, January 14 (TBD), February 11, March 4, and April 15 from 4 – 6 pm
APPLY HERE
Applications due: Friday, October 9, 2026
Questions – contact Mia Buch, mbuch@desmoinesartcenter.org.
Social Saturday
Social Saturday is a themed monthly program which provides guests the chance to choose their own adventure. Activities are offered across all areas of the Art Center, from the galleries, studio classrooms, Levitt Auditorium, and more. Activities and programs change each month!
This program occurs on the second Saturday of each month from 11 am – 2 pm and is free to attend. Keep an eye on the events calendar to stay up-to-date on event details.
Deaf Community Art Gatherings
Presented by the Art Center’s Community Access Program, we invite members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community to join us for gatherings to embrace art and art-making together. The program is free to attend.
Guided Tours
Experience the Art Center with friends, family, and fellow art lovers while learning more about the works on view in the galleries during weekly guided tours. An Art Center docent will walk you through our permanent collection as well as thought-provoking exhibitions, sparking discussions about the artwork. All ages are welcome; no registration required. Gather in the Macomber Lobby on Saturdays at 1 pm.
DSM Speaks
DSM Speaks is a program that offers opportunities for multiple interpretations of artwork and reinforces the idea that there is no wrong way to experience art. Community members write and record brief audio reflections on artwork in the permanent collection that inspired them. Visitors can access these recordings in the museum by the QR code found on selected artwork labels. Recordings can also be found through the DSM Speaks playlist.
If you are interested in creating your own DSM Speaks audio response, please contact Museum Educator Mia Buch at mbuch@desmoinesartcenter.org
LGBTQIA+ Community Art Gatherings
Each month, through the Community Access Program, the Art Center hosts free drop-in art gatherings for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. All supplies are provided, and the classes are free to attend with no registration required.
Teen Academy
Join us in the studio for a nine-month program designed to assist motivated high school students in the development of a college art portfolio. The Teen Academy curriculum includes instructor-led classes, independent work days, class critiques, museum discussions, and guest artist sessions.
Veterans Art Club
Each month, through the Community Access Program, Veterans Art Club occurs in the Art Center’s studios. There is a session for Veterans only and a session including Veteran Companions. The sessions are a free, safe space to come together in community. No registration is required.