The My Voice project, created in 2022, is an innovative collaboration between the Des Moines Art Center, By Degrees Foundation, and the Principal® Foundation, dedicated to amplifying the unique creativity and skills of Des Moines students through mentorship, inspiration, and artistic resources. Now in its fifth year, the My Voice program invites youth to gather, question, and experience the ways that museums and art can serve as tools for creative and critical thinking, self-reflection, mindfulness, and shared human connection.
Educators from the three Des Moines schools that comprise the By Degrees Foundation program — Findley Elementary, Harding Middle, and North High — identified and nominated passionate and creative students to be a part of this fifth cohort of the My Voice project. The twelve students, ranging in age from 9 to 17, participated in six visits to the Des Moines Art Center to explore ideas around expression, inspiration, and art-as-voice, led by Senior Museum Learning and Engagement Manager Mia Buch.
The students worked closely with their mentors from the By Degrees Foundation and the Art Center to identify one artwork in the museum to serve as the inspiration for an original piece of their own. Mentors helped them plan and order supplies and provided encouragement and guidance while the students worked independently
on their artwork.
The project culminated in a celebratory reception and exhibition of the participants’ works at the Des Moines Art Center on May 7, 2026, for an audience of family, friends, educators, and supporters. Insightful artist’s statements displayed alongside participants’ creations expressed the ideas of reflection, perseverance, and confidence. Museum visitors can view these student works by scanning QR codes located next to the inspiration pieces in the galleries . They can also be viewed alongside their artist statements here: My Voice Student Artwork and Inspiration.
