Publication

Des Moines Art Center NEWS: April to June 2019

Since its founding, the Des Moines Art Center has acquired artworks by many African-American artists to ensure an inclusive and diverse permanent collection. For example, the Art Center’s forerunner, the Des Moines Association of Fine...

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Video

The Shape of Craft

This lecture by Ezra Shales, author of the recent book The Shape of Craft, will offer compelling ideas that seek to expand thought around the commonly accepted definition of craft.

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Video

Primer Lecture by Alison Ferris

Ferris' lecture poses complicated questions that both artists and the museum field are grappling with: What are art museums' responsibilities in this fraught moment in history?

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Publication

Des Moines Art Center NEWS: October to December 2018

As Director of Education at the Art Center, I’m delighted Director Jeff Fleming invited me to contribute the opening remarks for this newsletter. The message I’m sharing brings to mind this passage by the celebrated children’s author Philip Pullman, “We...

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Publication

Des Moines Art Center NEWS: April to June 2018

An art museum is a unique institution in any community, providing a distinct venue where numerous audiences may interact, using art objects as the common denominator. Often, the most rewarding of these interactions involve collaborations with other...

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Publication

Des Moines Art Center NEWS: January to March 2018

In late September, The Links, Incorporated, a not-for-profit corporation of African-American women leaders, held their 60th anniversary celebration at the Art Center. The evening also showcased the many works by African-American artists in our permanent collections....

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