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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Des Moines Art Center
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DTSTART:20260308T080000
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DTSTART:20261101T070000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260521T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260521T170000
DTSTAMP:20260430T150431
CREATED:20260318T194850Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T180144Z
UID:13919-1779382800-1779382800@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:Art Center Café\, Dinner with Friends: Artful Delights with Liz Lidgett
DESCRIPTION:We are excited to continue the Art Center Café\, presented by la mie’s signature culinary experience: Joe and Christina Logsdon’s Dinner With Friends series! Be our guest as Joe and Christina gather around the table with friends for a lighthearted evening of laughter\, conversation\, and live music in the cozy setting of the café. Each dinner features a unique menu developed in collaboration with our special guest host and prepared by the Art Center Café’s Executive Chef Stephanie Williams. \nFor the final date of our spring dinner series\, we’re welcoming host Liz Lidgett\, owner of Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design in Des Moines and author of “Art for Everyone.” Inspired by a favorite in the Des Moines Art Center’s permanent collection\, Edward Hopper’s 1927 painting “Automat\,” this menu will feature upscale diner classics and new takes on old favorites. Live music for the evening provided by Max Welllman. \n$125/person; all-inclusive. \nReservations are required. Tickets include a four-course meal\, beverages\, and gratuity. First seating begins at 5 pm and seating ends at 6:15 pm. Call 515.271.0313 or email cafe@desmoinesartcenter.org to reserve your seat and arrival time. Please share any dietary restrictions when making your reservation. Limited capacity. Tables seat 6; smaller parties will be seated together for a festive evening of community and and togetherness. \nPhoto: Rick Lozier
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/art-center-cafe-dinner-with-friends-artful-delights-with-liz-lidgett/
LOCATION:The Art Center Café\, 4700 Grand Ave.\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50312\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/web-tile-13.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260527T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260527T200000
DTSTAMP:20260430T150431
CREATED:20260428T172857Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T172926Z
UID:14131-1779904800-1779912000@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:Topographies over Time: A Hike Series with Wander Women Midwest
DESCRIPTION:Join the Des Moines Art Center and Wander Women Midwest for a three-part guided hiking series that invites you to experience the same landscape across changing seasons. Centered on connection\, reflection\, and time outdoors\, each hike offers space to notice how the environment—and your relationship to it—shifts over time. Inspired by exhibition\, “Topographies: Mapping Being and Belonging\,” the series considers how movement through place shapes memory and meaning\, with a simple\, optional creative reflection following each walk. \nFor each hike\, we’ll gather as a group at Jester Park in Polk County to wander the park’s trails and discuss the different art pieces featured in the park’s prairie\, before wandering individually for an independent phenology practice meant to encourage reflection and observation. The practice of phenology\, returning to a place at different times of year to notice the changes in the landscape\, is a grounding exercise meant to connect yourself to the landscape and hone skills of observation. You’ll find a special-to-you location and have time for whichever form of reflection you prefer\, like drawing\, journaling\, photography or sensory intake. \nREGISTER \nUpcoming Dates:\nHike 2: July 15\, 2026\nHike 3: Sept. 9\, 2026 \n$12 registration per session\, attendance at all sessions not required; need-based scholarships available. All genders are welcome.
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/topographies-over-time/
LOCATION:Jester Park\, 12130 Northwest 128th Street\, Granger\, IA\, 50109\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs,Exhibitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/web-tile-2.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260529T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260529T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T150431
CREATED:20260415T175512Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T150916Z
UID:14072-1780077600-1780088400@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:Community Cooking Class at the Culinary Annex: Artists Around A Table
DESCRIPTION:Few things in life are more inspiring than gathering around a table with good food\, good drinks\, and even better company. These kinds of creative\, social moments have fueled artists for generations\, and they’re at the heart of the Des Moines Art Center’s print gallery exhibition\, “Artists Around a Table: Artmaking and Merrymaking\, 1927-1952.” \nConsider this your invitation to the party! Join us and the Culinary Annex’s Chef Cass for a hands-on cooking class where you’ll create and enjoy classic party foods from the 1920s – 40s. Expect a lively\, social atmosphere full of flavor\, laughter\, and a little bit of indulgence — echoing the barrooms and parlors where artists once gathered to eat\, drink\, and delight in one another’s company. Come solo or bring a friend; you’ll leave with new recipes\, new connections\, and maybe a good story or two. \nHosted by Chef Cass\, this class will take place at the Culinary Annex\, located at 304 5th St. unit 102\, West Des Moines\, IA 50265. \nRegistration is required\, and the class fee is $50. \nREGISTER
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/community-cooking-class-at-the-culinary-annex-artists-around-a-table/
LOCATION:Culinary Annex\, 304 5th St. unit 102\, West Des Moines\, IA\, 50265\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260606T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260606T120000
DTSTAMP:20260430T150431
CREATED:20240209T220752Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T170832Z
UID:7635-1780740000-1780747200@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:Museum Shop's Mimosa Morning
DESCRIPTION:Join the Museum Shop for a morning of mimosas and shopping at this special customer appreciation event! Bring a friend and enjoy complimentary mimosas and pastries. Members receive 20% off regularly priced merchandise at Mimosa Morning! Meet the Museum Shop team while browsing new merchandise. \nStay at the Art Center for lunch at the Art Center Café and a free guided tour at 1 pm highlighting the Art Center’s permanent collection to experience the museum galleries in a fresh and engaging way. \nInterested in saving 20% in the Museum Shop during special sales events? Become a Member today! Art Center members also receive a year-round 20% discount to all studio classes\, camps\, and workshops\, a 10% discount in the Art Center Café\, a 10% discount in the Museum Shop every day (+ additional Double Discount events throughout the year)\, and invitations to behind-the-scenes membership experiences and events. \nshop online
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/mimosa-morning/
LOCATION:Des Moines Art Center\, 4700 Grand Ave\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50312\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/web-tile-size-4.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260613T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260613T110000
DTSTAMP:20260430T150431
CREATED:20260410T171514Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T142255Z
UID:14061-1781348400-1781348400@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:Screening: “The Last American Gay Bar”
DESCRIPTION:Presented in collaboration with Capitol City Pride\, during the Des Moines Art Center’s Social Saturday: Pride and Seek event\, and during Des Moines’ annual PrideFest celebration\, we’re showing a full screening of “The Last American Gay Bar.” The show is a six-episode documentary series following the story of Iowa’s legendary Blazing Saddle\, the oldest gay bar in Des Moines opened in 1983\, and the community that built it. Episodes will run consecutively. *Although the episodes are not rated\, content is intended for adult audiences. \nSCREENING INFORMATION:\nEpisode 1: 1960s: Stonewall and Vietnam (20 minutes)\nThree men come of age and head to war in Vietnam. \nEpisode 2: 1970s: Scooping the Loop (22 minutes)\nAnita Bryant is praying for our sins while gay men are hitting the streets. \nEpisode 3: Violence in the Streets (21 minutes)\nAre gays raging war with each other in the city of Des Moines? \nEpisode 4: The War on AIDS (21 minutes)\nLong after Vietnam\, the gay community faces an invisible enemy. \nEpisode 5: Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (22 minutes)\nThe fight for equal rights arrives but not without a cost. \nEpisode 6: Here and Now (21 minutes)\nTrans visibility is at an all-time high\, but the world is falling apart. \nThis screening is presented in partnership with Capital City Pride (CCP) and forwards the education pillar of pride. CCP fosters a culture where curiosity\, learning\, and innovation are celebrated. Through educational programs and events\, CCP invites the community to explore\, understand\, and appreciate the richness of diverse LGBTQ+ experiences. \nFree; no registration required. \nImage: “The Last American Gay Bar” series cover. \nWe strive to provide live captioning for all events offered in Levitt Auditorium. Due to interpreter shortages throughout Iowa\, American Sign Language interpretation is only available upon request. ASL and other accommodation requests can be made by emailing jfeatherstone@desmoinesartcenter.org.
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/screening-the-last-american-gay-bar/
LOCATION:Levitt Auditorium\, 4700 Grand Ave\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50312\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/web-tile.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260613T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260613T140000
DTSTAMP:20260430T150431
CREATED:20260420T213153Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T213421Z
UID:13955-1781348400-1781359200@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:Social Saturday: Pride and Seek
DESCRIPTION:Join the Des Moines Art Center’s June Social Saturday event: Pride and Seek! During Des Moines’ annual Capitol City Pride PrideFest\, stop by the Art Center for a couple hours of fun\, art making\, and educational engagement. Enjoy crafts in the Art School studios\, a free screening of the “Last American Gay Bar\,” a free guided tour\, drag king storytime\, treats in the Café\, and so much more! \nSchedule of Events:\n11:15 – 11:30 am | Storytime\, featuring a local Des Moines Drag King!\nArt School Courtyard\n11: 30 am | Screening of the Last American Gay Bar\nLevitt Auditorium\nIn collaboration with Capitol City Pride\, enjoy a full screening of the six-episode docuseries. More information here.\n1 – 2 pm | Guided Tour (all ages)\nMeet in the Macomber Lobby\nLGBTQIA+ Artists in the Art Center Collection\, guided by Art Center Associate Curator Ashton Cooper \nDrop-in Activities (11 am – 2 pm):\nMuseum Galleries\nFind the Social Saturday interactive Art Cart in the galleries.\nMacomber Lobby\nEnjoy the Art Center’s Paint-n-Play station.\nArt School Studios\nExplore creativity and your inner artist! Free drawing available in the studio space\, as well as a large\, temporary community mural art project.\nHide-and-Seek\nSeek out one-of-a-kind mini artworks hidden around the Des Moines Art Center! Art provided by the Des Moines Public Library’s Tiny Art Show. (Hide-and-Seek will not take place in the museum’s art galleries.)\nArt Center Café\nStop by for a sit-down lunch\, a delicious la mie pastry; a full hot/cold espresso menu is available. Enjoy music in the courtyard after 1 pm by a special guest invited by the Art Center Café. Art Center members receive a 10% in the café every day.\nMuseum Shop\nBrowse the Museum Shop to find gifts and souveniers. Art Center members get 10% off every day in the Museum Shop.\nSee our special exhibitions before they close!\n“Iowa Artists 2026: Henry Payer: Aagakinąk Haciwi: We Live Opposite Each Other” (A.H. Blank Gallery and Krause Atrium)\n“Christine Rebet: Sound of Time” (Pamela Bass-Bookey and Harry Bookey Gallery)\n“Artists Around a Table: Artmaking and Merrymaking\, 1927-1952” (John Brady Print Gallery) \nSocial Saturdays occur at the Des Moines Art Center on the second Saturday of the month. This event is free to attend\, and no registration is required. Social Saturdays will be documented with photography. \nFor programs in Levitt Auditorium:\nWe strive to provide live captioning for all events offered in Levitt Auditorium. Due to interpreter shortages throughout Iowa\, American Sign Language interpretation is only available upon request. ASL and other accommodation requests can be made by emailing jfeatherstone@desmoinesartcenter.org. \nGenerous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/social-saturday-pride-and-seek/
LOCATION:Des Moines Art Center\, 4700 Grand Ave\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50312\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs,Family Programs
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260627T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260627T110000
DTSTAMP:20260430T150431
CREATED:20260219T215607Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260302T225147Z
UID:13369-1782558000-1782558000@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:AViD Presents: Patrick Bringley at the Des Moines Art Festival - Moderated by Kelly Baum
DESCRIPTION:Patrick Bringley is the New York Times bestselling author of “All the Beauty in the World\,” a memoir about his decade as a guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This special Authors Visiting in Des Moines (AViD) event is being hosted in partnership with the Des Moines Public Library\, Des Moines Arts Festival\, and the Des Moines Art Center. The event will be moderated by Dr. Kelly Baum\, John and Mary Pappajohn Director and CEO of the Des Moines Art Center. Baum was formerly a curator at The MET before coming to the Des Moines Art Center in 2023. \nABOUT AUTHORS VISITING IN DES MOINES \nWhat to expect:\nDoors will open at 10 am\, and the author talk will begin at 11 am. This program will be hosted at Central Library\, and seating is on a first come\, first-serve basis. At the end of the program\, there will be a question and answer period. A book signing will follow. \nThis event is free to attend thanks to the support of the DMPL Foundation and its donors.
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/patrick-bringley-at-the-des-moines-art-festival/
LOCATION:Des Moines Public Library – Central Library\, 1000 Grand Ave\, Des Moines\, Iowa\, 50309\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Social-Saturday-February-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260715T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260715T200000
DTSTAMP:20260430T150431
CREATED:20260428T195536Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T195536Z
UID:14136-1784138400-1784145600@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:Topographies over Time: A Hike Series with Wander Women Midwest
DESCRIPTION:Join the Des Moines Art Center and Wander Women Midwest for a three-part guided hiking series that invites you to experience the same landscape across changing seasons. Centered on connection\, reflection\, and time outdoors\, each hike offers space to notice how the environment—and your relationship to it—shifts over time. Inspired by exhibition\, “Topographies: Mapping Being and Belonging\,” the series considers how movement through place shapes memory and meaning\, with a simple\, optional creative reflection following each walk. \nFor each hike\, we’ll gather as a group at Jester Park in Polk County to wander the park’s trails and discuss the different art pieces featured in the park’s prairie\, before wandering individually for an independent phenology practice meant to encourage reflection and observation. The practice of phenology\, returning to a place at different times of year to notice the changes in the landscape\, is a grounding exercise meant to connect yourself to the landscape and hone skills of observation. You’ll find a special-to-you location and have time for whichever form of reflection you prefer\, like drawing\, journaling\, photography or sensory intake. \nREGISTER \nUpcoming Date:\nHike 3: Sept. 9\, 2026 \n$12 registration per session\, attendance at all sessions not required; need-based scholarships available. All genders are welcome.
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/topographies-over-time-2/
LOCATION:Jester Park\, 12130 Northwest 128th Street\, Granger\, IA\, 50109\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs,Exhibitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/web-tile-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260909T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260909T200000
DTSTAMP:20260430T150431
CREATED:20260428T195736Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T195736Z
UID:14139-1788976800-1788984000@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:Topographies over Time: A Hike Series with Wander Women Midwest
DESCRIPTION:Join the Des Moines Art Center and Wander Women Midwest for a three-part guided hiking series that invites you to experience the same landscape across changing seasons. Centered on connection\, reflection\, and time outdoors\, each hike offers space to notice how the environment—and your relationship to it—shifts over time. Inspired by exhibition\, “Topographies: Mapping Being and Belonging\,” the series considers how movement through place shapes memory and meaning\, with a simple\, optional creative reflection following each walk. \nFor each hike\, we’ll gather as a group at Jester Park in Polk County to wander the park’s trails and discuss the different art pieces featured in the park’s prairie\, before wandering individually for an independent phenology practice meant to encourage reflection and observation. The practice of phenology\, returning to a place at different times of year to notice the changes in the landscape\, is a grounding exercise meant to connect yourself to the landscape and hone skills of observation. You’ll find a special-to-you location and have time for whichever form of reflection you prefer\, like drawing\, journaling\, photography or sensory intake. \nREGISTER \n$12 registration per session\, attendance at all sessions not required; need-based scholarships available. All genders are welcome.\nSeptember 9 is the third and final hike event in this series.
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/topographies-over-time-3/
LOCATION:Jester Park\, 12130 Northwest 128th Street\, Granger\, IA\, 50109\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs,Exhibitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/web-tile-2.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260919T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260919T230000
DTSTAMP:20260430T150431
CREATED:20260327T204817Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T194212Z
UID:13739-1789840800-1789858800@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:2026 Art Center Gala
DESCRIPTION: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. \nCocktail Hour | 6 pm\nDinner and Dessert | 7:30 pm\nDancing and Music | 9 – 11 pm \nBlack tie optional. Creative attire encouraged. Break a fashion rule. \nYour 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. \n2026 Gala Sponsorships are available now. Guarantee tickets to the event and maximize your brand by becoming a sponsor today. \nPresenting Sponsor | $20\,000\nSignature Sponsor | $10\,000\nTable Sponsor | $7\,500\nSupporting Sponsor | $4\,000 \nTo pledge your support\, please email Caleb Hegna at chegna@desmoinesartcenter.org or 515.271.0338. \nPatron packages go on sale in April. Individual tickets sales begin in June. \nPatron Pair | $2\,700 | Seating for two and patron recognition\nIndividual Patron | $1\,350 | Seating for one and patron recognition\nIndividual Gala Ticket | $300 | Seating for one\nArtist Ticket | $300 | Sponsor seating for one artist\nYoung Professional Ticket | $200 | Seating for one \nFor 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.
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/2026-gala/
LOCATION:Val Air Ballroom\, 301 Ashworth Rd\, West Des Moines\, IA\, 50265\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs,Membership & Development
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/website-event-tile_gala_730-x-560-scaled.jpg
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