The past called—it wants to be in our photo album.
You are invited to share personal or found 1970s – 1980s snapshots for the online Community Photo Album. We welcome everyday moments, family scenes, and photographic history that help us see how our lives connect across time. Please follow the guidelines below.
- The perfect activity for all ages!
- A great excuse to dig through your old photo boxes, cell phone albums, and virtual archives.
- Your images will be shared with our digital community, deepening our connection to one another.
How to Submit Photos:
- Save images as a jpeg or pdf using the highest quality that keeps the file size between 1 MB and 5 MB.
- Submit your photos using this upload form.
- All submissions meeting the criteria will be accepted. Your photos will be viewable and shareable in a digital gallery alongside other submissions.
- Up to three submissions per person.
- All ages welcome. If submitting photos of minors, first obtain permission from their parent or guardian.
- Images will be uploaded weekly by Friday at 5 pm through the exhibition dates, December 20, 2025 – April 19, 2026, (we appreciate your patience!).
All photos must be original work and must NOT contain material which:
- violates or infringes another’s rights, including but not limited to privacy, publicity, or intellectual property rights, or constitutes copyright infringement.
- has watermarks or trademarks of photography businesses.
- is inappropriate or promotes discrimination based on race, gender, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, or age.
- is in violation of or contrary to the laws or regulations in any state where the photo is created.
Email Mia Buch, Senior Museum Learning and Engagement Manager, at mbuch@desmoinesartcenter.org or call 515.271.0349 with any questions.
