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X-WR-CALNAME:Des Moines Art Center
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Des Moines Art Center
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TZID:America/Chicago
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DTSTART:20260308T080000
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DTSTART:20261101T070000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T213000
DTSTAMP:20260911T164513
CREATED:20241002T140016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260910T175004Z
UID:9884-1792177200-1792186200@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:Art in the Dark - Flashlight Tour
DESCRIPTION:Experience the Des Moines Art Center at the Art in the Dark – Flashlight Tour. This after-hours adventure will leave you howling for more! \nWander through shadowed galleries under the cloak of night\, led by our team of knowledgeable docents who will shed light on hauntingly beautiful masterpieces. \nSink your fangs into a festive spread of sweet and savory charcuterie\, fresh crudité\, and decadent desserts from the Art Center Café. Plus\, peer into the supernatural with aura photos by Kindred Aura/KIN DSM. (For the best results in your aura photo\, wear a solid black or dark colored top.) Costumes are encouraged — we ask that guests consider museum safety and security when choosing your outfit. Avoid tails\, wings\, costume props\, or inflatable elements that could accidentally bump into or damage artwork as you walk through the galleries. \nThis event is for attendees 21+. Ticket includes tour\, aura photo\, and sweet and savory treats. Beer\, wine\, seltzers\, and soda will be available for purchase. Flashlights will be available to use\, or you’re welcome to bring your own. \nThe event runs from 7 to 9:30 pm with 20-minute flashlight tours offered throughout the evening. Tickets are sold by tour time\, so if you plan to explore the galleries with friends\, be sure to choose the same time. Before and after your tour\, enjoy the rest of the night’s festivities in the Macomber Lobby. \nREGISTER
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/flashlight-tour/
LOCATION:Des Moines Art Center\, 4700 Grand Ave\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50312\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs,Membership & Development
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261020T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261020T120000
DTSTAMP:20260911T164514
CREATED:20240904T141110Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260908T153446Z
UID:9826-1792497600-1792497600@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:Creative Aging: Gallery Series (Ages 55+)
DESCRIPTION:Creative Aging is a program designed for adults age 55+ to gather at the Art Center and learn about art while making community connections and fostering cognitive health. During this gallery series\, an Art Center docent will lead the group in collaborative discussion\, focusing on one work of art. Following the gallery talk\, guests are invited to an informal social time with coffee and tea. \nCreative Aging is a free\, monthly program at the Art Center. There are multiple registration times available; each program will last approximately 90 minutes. Registration is required; gallery seating is available. \nREGISTER
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/creative-aging-2/
LOCATION:Des Moines Art Center\, 4700 Grand Ave\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50312\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261022T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261022T190000
DTSTAMP:20260911T164514
CREATED:20260708T212346Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260909T212423Z
UID:14486-1792690200-1792695600@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:Art for Every Body
DESCRIPTION:Art for Every Body is a welcoming creative program designed for adults (ages 18+) of all abilities who are seeking connection\, reflection\, and community through art. This experience begins with a visit to the Des Moines Art Center’s galleries\, where participants will explore artworks and participate in a guided conversation about a selected work. After the museum visit\, participants will transition to an art making workshop that invites personal expression inspired by the gallery experience. \nThis program fosters curiosity\, connection\, and creativity\, offering a space where every body can engage with art in ways that are meaningful and empowering. Whether you’re curious about art\, seeking creative expression\, or hoping to connect with others in a supportive environment\, all are welcome. Participants are encouraged to bring support people or companions\, and accommodations are available upon request at registration to ensure everyone can fully engage. \nFree; registration required. \nREGISTER \nContact the Community Access Program Manager at kburr@desmoinesartcenter.org in advance with specific needs so we can prepare appropriate accessibility supports.
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/art-for-every-body-3/
LOCATION:Des Moines Art Center\, 4700 Grand Ave\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50312\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261023T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261023T190000
DTSTAMP:20260911T164514
CREATED:20260903T185154Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T185154Z
UID:14797-1792774800-1792782000@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:Exhibition Opening Celebration: "Let Us Gather in a Flourishing Way: Contemporary Latinx Painting"
DESCRIPTION:Join us for the opening celebration of “Let Us Gather in a Flourishing Way: Contemporary Latinx Painting” in the Anna K. Meredith Gallery. Inspired by a 2008 poem of the same name by former US Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera\, “Let Us Gather in a Flourishing Way” celebrates the vision and creativity of Latinx painters. Organized by the Buffalo AKG Art Museum\, the exhibition showcases 58 artists who actively enrich the landscape of contemporary painting\, introducing new approaches to form\, materials\, and subject matter. \nBring family and friends to be the first to view the artwork\, and kick off the evening with complimentary lite bites from Lara’s Bakery & Market. Drinks available for purchase at a cashless bar (credit and debit cards only)\, plus the bar features a specialty ‘Harvest Margarita’ cocktail. Music by DJ Lizz with Latino Events Entertainment. Remarks from Kelly Baum\, John and Mary Pappajohn Director and CEO\, will take place at 6 pm. \nFree; no registration required. This event will be documented with photography. \nVincent Valdez (American\, born 1977)\n“The Sea” (detail)\, 2020\nOil on canvas\nCopyright Vincent Valdez\nCourtesy Matthew Brown
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/exhibition-opening-celebration-let-us-gather/
LOCATION:Des Moines Art Center\, 4700 Grand Ave\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50312\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs,Exhibitions
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261025T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261025T130000
DTSTAMP:20260911T164514
CREATED:20260901T231134Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T231134Z
UID:14803-1792933200-1792933200@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:“Let Us Gather in a Flourishing Way” Curator and Artist Discussion
DESCRIPTION:Join the Des Moines Art Center for an invigorating discussion about the traveling exhibition organized by the Buffalo AKG Art Museum\, “Let Us Gather in a Flourishing Way: Contemporary Latinx Painting\,” which is on view at the Art Center from October 24\, 2026\, through January 24\, 2027. Inspired by a 2008 poem of the same name by former US Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera\, “Let Us Gather in a Flourishing Way” celebrates the vision and creativity of Latinx painters. It showcases 58 artists who actively enrich the landscape of contemporary painting\, introducing new approaches to form\, materials\, and subject matter. \nDr. Andrea Alvarez\, curator of the exhibition\, will provide insight into the premise of the show and introduce us to three of the featured artists: Danielle De Jesus\, Justin Favela\, and Patrick Martinez. \nREGISTER \nDanielle De Jesus is a Nuyorican painter and photographer born and raised in Bushwick\, Brooklyn\, whose woks tell the story of growing up in New York City amid gentrification and displacement. De Jesus’s background is in photography\, and she utilizes her images of people native to Bushwick as a reference to tell the story of the community’s displaced residents. \nJustin Favela is based in Las Vegas and is known for large-scale installations and sculpture that manifest his interactions with American pop culture and the queer Latinx experience. Favela explores traditional Mexican and Latin American craft — specifically cartoneria (a traditional Mexican folk art form that involves three-dimensional objects using papier-mâché and cardboard) — and his interest in art history\, community\, celebration\, and home inform a practice intent on dismantling institutional hierarchies. Visitors may remember Favela from his 2021 exhibition at the Art Center\, “Central American.” \nPatrick Martinez maintains a diverse practice that includes mixed-media landscape paintings\, neon signs pieces\, cake paintings\, and his Pee Chee series of appropriative works. His landscape paintings composed of Los Angeles surfaces — distressed stucco\, spray paint\, window security bars\, vinyl signage\, ceramic tile\, and neon sign elements — evoke place and socioeconomic positions\, unearth sites of personal and cultural loss. He lives and works in Los Angeles. \nFree; registration required. \nREGISTER \nImage: Top left: Andrea Alvarez\, curator of the exhibition. Artists in the exhibition; top right:  Patrick Martinez\, bottom left: Justin Favela\, and bottom right: Danielle De Jesus.
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/let-us-gather-in-a-flourishing-way-curator-and-artist-discussion/
LOCATION:Levitt Auditorium\, 4700 Grand Ave\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50312\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs,Exhibitions
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261101T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261101T150000
DTSTAMP:20260911T164514
CREATED:20260911T153458Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260911T182358Z
UID:14819-1793530800-1793545200@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:Day of the Dead / Día de Los Muertos
DESCRIPTION:Day of the Dead 2026: ¡Sí Se Puede! \nJoin us for the 26th annual Día de los Muertos at the Des Moines Art Center—our largest community celebration of the year. Rooted in Mexican tradition\, Día de los Muertos is a time to gather in remembrance\, honoring loved ones who have died through joy\, ritual\, storytelling\, food\, art\, and shared celebration. The Art Center is pleased to help create space for this meaningful community tradition each year. \nThis year’s theme centers on civil rights\, inspired by the phrase ¡Sí Se Puede! (“Yes\, we can”)\, created by Dolores Huerta for the United Farm Workers movement. Together\, we honor the people and collective efforts that have strengthened Latino communities in Iowa and across the United States\, while reflecting on the power of gathering\, shared purpose\, and community care. \nVisitors will enjoy live music and dance performances\, food and art vendors\, hands-on art activities\, a festive Catrina photo opportunity\, a community ofrenda\, and a short documentary film featuring this year’s honoree\, Felicia Timotea Leon Mullin. Free hot cocoa and samples of pan de muerto will be available while supplies last\, and a complimentary shuttle will run from Merrill Middle School for easy parking. \nInspired in part by the Art Center’s current exhibition “Let Us Gather in a Flourishing Way: Contemporary Latinx Painting\,” this year’s event reflects gathering\, belonging\, and the ways communities care for one another. In partnership with Progress Iowa and other community organizations\, we’ll also recognize local leadership and the collective work of building stronger communities. \nAt its heart\, Día de los Muertos at the Art Center is about community. It’s a space where art\, culture\, memory\, and shared tradition bring people together. The Des Moines Art Center is proud to be a welcoming and inspiring cultural space for all. \nTake advantage of easy parking and a free shuttle from Merrill Middle School\, running continuously from 11 am to 3 pm. \nSchedule of Events:\n11:15 – 11:30 am Bilingual Storytime| Levitt Auditorium\n11:30 am Mariachi Los Aguilares | Processional to begin in the Macomber Lobby\n12 – 1 pm Honoree Film Screening + KonKultura Dance Performance | Levitt Auditorium \n12:30 – 1 pm Music: Carlos Chacon | Upper Parking Lot\n12:30 – 2:30 pm Catrina Photobooth | Upper Parking Lot\n1:30 – 2 pm Music: Lani Ecclatt | Upper Parking Lot\n2 – 3 pm Repeat Film Screening + KonKultura Dance Performance | Levitt Auditorium \nVolunteers:\nDía de Los Muertos at the Art Center wouldn’t be possible without the help of volunteers. Sign up here to volunteer at the event. \nFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS \nThis event is free\, and no registration is required. This event will be documented with photography. \nWe strive to provide closed captioning for all events and programs 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 at least two weeks in advance. We will try to accommodate requests with less than a two week notice but cannot guarantee availability. \n\nDía de los muertos 2026\nDomingo\, 1 de noviembre | 11 am a 3 pm\nDía de los muertos 2026: ¡Sí Se Puede!\nDes Moines Art Center | Entrada gratis y transporte gratis desde la escuela Merrill Middle School \nAcompáñanos a celebrar la vigésima sexta (26ta) edición anual del Día de los muertos en el Des Moines Art Center: nuestra festividad comunitaria más popular y predilecta del año. Con raíces en la tradición mexicana\, el Día de los Muertos es un momento para reunirnos en conmemoración\, rindiendo homenaje a nuestros seres queridos fallecidos a través de la alegría\, los rituales\, las narrativas\, la comida\, el arte y la celebración en comunidad. Para el Art Center es un honor ayudar a crear un espacio para esta importante tradición comunitaria cada año. \nLa temática de este año explora los derechos civiles\, inspirada por la frase ¡Sí Se Puede!\, creada por Dolores Huerta para el movimiento de la Unión de Campesinos (United Farm Workers). Juntos\, honramos a las personas y los esfuerzos colectivos que han fortalecido a las comunidades latinas en Iowa y en todo Estados Unidos\, reflexionando también en torno al poder de la concurrencia\, un propósito común y el cariño por la comunidad. \nHabrá música y presentaciones de baile en vivo para disfrutar\, vendedores de comida y arte\, actividades interactivas de arte\, oportunidades para tomarse fotos festivas con el personaje de la Catrina\, una ofrenda comunitaria y un breve documental en reconocimiento a Felicia Timotea Leon Mullin\, la homenajeada de este año. Habrá chocolate caliente y pan de muerto gratis hasta agotarse la existencia; también tendremos transporte gratuito desde la escuela Merrill Middle School para estacionar con facilidad. \nInspirado\, en parte\, por la exhibición concurrente del Art Center\, Reunámonos de manera esplendorosa (Let Us Gather in a Flourishing Way)\, el evento de este año hará reflexión respecto a la concurrencia\, la pertenencia y las maneras en que las comunidades demuestran cariño y se preocupan unas por otras. En colaboración con Progress Iowa y otras organizaciones comunitarias\, también reconoceremos a líderes locales y su trabajo colectivo en la construcción de comunidades más fuertes. \nEn esencia\, el Día de los Muertos en el Art Center se trata de nuestra comunidad. Es un espacio donde el arte\, la cultura\, los recuerdos y la tradición compartida unen a las personas. El Des Moines Art Center se enorgullece de ser un espacio cultural de bienvenida e inspiración para todas las personas. \nPreguntas frecuentes
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/day-of-the-dead-2026/
LOCATION:Des Moines Art Center\, 4700 Grand Ave\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50312\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs,Family Programs
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261108T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261108T120000
DTSTAMP:20260911T164514
CREATED:20260303T204840Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260908T155023Z
UID:13569-1794135600-1794139200@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:Art for Brunch!
DESCRIPTION:We invite you to join us at Art for Brunch! Come hang out with us at this monthly meetup for adults of all ages and enjoy thoughtful conversation as we unpack a different work of art each month. A docent will guide the dialogue with questions and prompts\, but each discussion will be as unique and varied as those who attend. We’ll go where the conversation leads us. No art background needed. Just bring your curiosity and a willingness to look a little longer. \nWhile brunch is not provided as part of this free program\, we encourage you to make it a date and pair this event with a visit to the Art Center Café for coffee drinks\, teas\, and irresistible la mie pastries before or after. \nArt for Brunch! is held on the first Sunday of each month. Free; registration required. \nREGISTER
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/art-for-brunch-2/
LOCATION:Des Moines Art Center\, 4700 Grand Ave\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50312\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261108T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261108T130000
DTSTAMP:20260911T164514
CREATED:20260911T194511Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260911T194511Z
UID:14896-1794142800-1794142800@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:Honoring the Spirit: A Day of the Dead Ofrenda Conversation
DESCRIPTION:Join the Des Moines Art Center for an exploration of what it means to honor the spirit — of loved ones\, of cultural traditions\, and of movements that have advanced justice and strengthened our communities. \nAt the center of the conversation is this year’s Day of the Dead ofrenda\, created by poet and artist Michaela Mullin\, in honor of her mother\, Felicia Leon Mullin\, and alongside local organizations which are continuing to advance the quality of life for all Iowans. Through the ofrenda and this year’s theme\, Sí Se Puede!\, panelists will consider how we remember those who have contributed to civil and human rights work\, how their values live on through the people and communities they influenced\, and why this work remains urgent today. \nOpening with a brief Know Your Rights presentation led by Karina Sanchez of the Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commission\, this program will feature a conversation with Mullin; Vince Valdez\, historian\, filmmaker\, and longstanding Day of the Dead committee member; and Erica Johnson\, the founding Executive Director of Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice. Art Center Senior Manager of Museum Learning and Engagement\, Mia Buch\, will moderate. Join us for an inspiring conversation about remembrance\, immigrant rights\, community action\, and carrying the work of previous generations forward. \nFree; no registration required. \nImage: The ofrenda at the Art Center’s 2025 Day of the Dead event. Photo: Erik Brockmeyer.
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/honoring-the-spirit/
LOCATION:Levitt Auditorium\, 4700 Grand Ave\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50312\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261202T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261202T190000
DTSTAMP:20260911T164514
CREATED:20260901T175501Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T175501Z
UID:14856-1796230800-1796238000@desmoinesartcenter.org
SUMMARY:Unveil: Presented by the Museum Shop
DESCRIPTION:You are invited to our biggest Museum Shop event of the year\, Unveil! Join us for an exclusive preview of newly acquired merchandise at this Winter Wonders shopping event. Items from this collection will not appear again until later in the year so plan some holiday shopping for everyone on your list (and yourself!). Enjoy complimentary small bites and festive\, seasonal beverages with holiday cheer. \nUnveil is open to anyone in the community; Art Center members receive double-discounts on all purchases.* Become a member today to receive your discounts! \nThis event is free to attend\, and registration is not required. *Exclusions apply to consignment and clearance items.
URL:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/unveil-winter-wonder/
LOCATION:Des Moines Art Center\, 4700 Grand Ave\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50312\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events and Programs,Membership & Development
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://desmoinesartcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/web-event-graphic_730-x-560_unveil_fall2026.jpg
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