“Topographies: Mapping Being and Belonging” Exhibition Tour
2026-09-19 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Join us for a free guided tour of the exhibition “Topographies: Mapping Being and Belonging” on view in the Anna K. Meredith Gallery through September 20, 2026. Topography (drawn from the Ancient Greek words topos, meaning place, and graphia, meaning writing) is the creation of a visual map that describes the natural or human-made features of a place.
Free; no registration required.
Sky Hopinka (Ho-Chunk Nation/Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, born 1984)
“Mnemonics of Shape and Reason,” 2021 (still)
HD video, stereo, color, 4.2 min
Des Moines Art Center Permanent Collections; Purchased with funds from the Pamela Bass-Bookey and Harry Bookey Moving-Image and Time-Based Art Fund, 2025.1
© Sky Hopinka. Image appears courtesy of the Artist and The Green Gallery, Milwaukee

2026 Art Center Gala
2026-09-19 18:00 - 23:00 | Val Air Ballroom, 301 Ashworth Rd, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
You’re invited to experience a night of art, music, and celebration at the 2026 Des Moines Art Center Gala, an extraordinary event to support the Art Center in style! Join us at the legendary Val Air Ballroom, where jazz syncopation meets punk disruption, elegance meets edge, and rhythm sparks connection. This is a night where art doesn’t simply hang on the walls—it moves, grooves, and gathers us together.
Cocktail Hour | 6 pm
Dinner and Dessert | 7:30 pm
Dancing and Music | 9 – 11 pm
Black tie optional. Creative attire encouraged. Break a fashion rule.
Your support of this dynamic event ensures the Des Moines Art Center remains free and accessible to everyone, every day. With your help, we will continue to offer engaging exhibitions and exciting educational programs, building an inclusive space that stimulates creative, critical, and empathetic thinking.
2026 Gala Sponsorships are available now. Guarantee tickets to the event and maximize your brand by becoming a sponsor today.
Presenting Sponsor | $20,000
Signature Sponsor | $10,000
Table Sponsor | $7,500
Supporting Sponsor | $4,000
To pledge your support, please email Caleb Hegna at chegna@desmoinesartcenter.org or 515.271.0338.
purchase tickets
Patron Pair | $2,700 | Seating for two and patron recognition
Individual Patron | $1,350 | Seating for one and patron recognition
Individual Gala Ticket | $300 | Seating for one
Artist Ticket | $300 | Sponsor seating for one artist
Young Professional Ticket | $200 | Seating for one
For more information, purchasing tickets, or questions about the gala, please contact Gala and Development Events Coordinator Jess Lane at jlane@desmoinesartcenter.org or 515.271.0336.
