The Art Center offers free educational resources for families, individuals, and educators. Explore artist talks, gallery guides, hands-on activities, and more.
This program featured a conversation between artist Elle Pérez and Des Moines Art Center Associate Curator Ashton Cooper, in conjunction with the exhibition “Elle Pérez: La Despedida” on view June 25 – November 29, 2026....
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This guide is designed for large groups, small breakout groups, and teacher-led exploration of the park. The ‘student side’ gives a repeatable routine to use wherever the group stops. Let’s explore the art together! DOWNLOAD...
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Art, culture, and creativity are no replacement for basic human services—food, shelter, medicine—but they are by no means irrelevant to our health and happiness either. An increasing number of scholars, doctors, and scientists are producing...
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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...
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During Women’s History Month in March, I had more chances than usual to ponder and celebrate the contributions of women, especially those who played a pivotal role in the Des Moines Art Center’s history. Women...
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The 2026 Toni and Tim Urban Artist-in-Residence supported an incredible live performance of “The Fall,” an animated film by French artist Christine Rebet. Rebet’s film was created in collaboration with Simone Harris, a descendent of...
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Henry Payer (the Des Moines Art Center’s 2026 Iowa Artist) regularly mines local historical archives for cultural materials that inform his artwork — bridging his Ho-Chunk heritage, American history, and the relationship between past and...
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This program features a conversation between Maria Lassnig’s longtime steward and collaborator Hans Werner Poschauko and Des Moines Art Center’s Associate Curator Ashton Cooper, in conjunction with the exhibition “Honey, You’re a Wonderful Model: Maria...
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This program features a conversation between artist Henry Payer and Art Center Associate Curator Beth Gollnick, in conjunction with Payer’s 2026 Iowa Artists exhibition “Aagakinąk Haciwi: We Live Opposite Each Other,” on view January 17...
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The Des Moines Art Center is honored to participate in A Day With(out) Art, joining a national initiative that commemorates World AIDS Day and recognizes the profound impact and enduring resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community’s...
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