Creative Aging: Studio Series (Ages 55+)
2026-09-24 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
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. These sessions will offer a social atmosphere and a variety of exploratory projects to try out materials and techniques with the support of an experienced teaching artist.
In this session, students will create their own greeting cards. Materials, tools, and instructor guidance will be provided.
Cost of the class is $30 ($24 for Art Center members).
REGISTER

Art for Every Body
2026-09-24 17:30 - 19:00, 2026-10-22 17:30 - 19:00 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
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.
This 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.
Free; registration required.
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Contact the Community Access Program Manager at kburr@desmoinesartcenter.org in advance with specific needs so we can prepare appropriate accessibility supports.

Museum Highlights Tour
2026-09-26 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-10-17 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-10-31 13:00 - 14:00 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Discover the vast variety of the Des Moines Art Center’s permanent collection during our Museum Highlights Tour. This tour offers a unique journey through our galleries, featuring a selection of timeless paintings, sculptures, and more. Join our knowledgeable guides to uncover the stories, techniques, and inspirations behind the art on view, and experience the highlights of the Art Center in a fresh and engaging way. This guided tour is perfect for art enthusiasts of all ages!
Public guided tours are offered every Saturday from 1 – 2 pm. Free; no registration required.

Sculpture + Flow Yoga in the Courtyard
2026-09-29 17:30 - 19:00 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
As daylight fades into evening, connect art with mind and body at Sculpture + Flow – a candlelit yoga class in the Bookey Family Courtyard surrounded by the striking architecture of I. M. Pei, Eliel Saarinen, and Richard Meier. This unique experience invites you to flow in the glow of candlelight alongside “Man and Pegasus” (1949) by Carl Milles, creating space to let your day fall away.
Inspired by the harmony of art, water, light, and space, certified yoga instructor Lily Allen-Duenas will guide art enthusiasts and yogis through a mindful, all-levels practice beside the Maytag Reflecting Pool and beneath softly lit trees. The evening will close with a guided meditation inviting you to slow down, turn inward, and experience the museum in a new light.
*Guests must bring their own yoga mats.
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Art Center Café, Dinner with Friends: Deidre and Marvin Dejear
2026-10-01 | The Art Center Café, 4700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
We are excited to continue the Art Center Café’s signature culinary experience: Dinner with Friends. Be our guest as we 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 inspired by our special guest hosts and prepared by the Art Center Café’s Executive Chef Stephanie Williams.
For the second installment of our fall dinner series, we’re welcoming Deidre and Marvin DeJear. Deidre is the President and CEO of Oakridge Neighborhood Services and Marvin is a local entrepreneur, advocate, and mentor. Their dinner draws inspiration from the couple’s travels across coastal regions – from the Gulf to Asia and the Hawaiian Islands – unified through the creative vision of Chef Williams. Join us for an evening that brings together food, community, and the stories that connect us. The event will also include live music by Napoleon Douglas.
Upcoming Dates:
October 15: Tar and Erika Macias
$125/person; all-inclusive.
Reservations are required; payment will be taken on the night of the event. Tickets include a four-course meal and beverages. First seating begins at 5 pm and seating ends at 6:15 pm. Please share any dietary restrictions when making your reservation. Limited capacity. Tables seat six; smaller parties will be seated together for a festive evening of community and togetherness.
RESERVATIONS
For questions or to join the waitlist call 515.271.0313 or email cafe@desmoinesartcenter.org.

“Artists on Fire” Exhibition Tour
2026-10-03 13:00 - 14:00 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Join us for a free guided tour of the exhibition “Artists on Fire,” on view in the John Brady Print Gallery September 5, 2026 – January 10, 2027. This selection of prints, drawings, and photographs from the permanent collection explores the element of fire, both literal and conceptual. Images of flames, smoke, and steam sit alongside depictions of Greek gods and visions of hell.
Free; no registration required.
Todd Hido (American, born 1968)
#11176-7589, 2014
Archival pigment print on Hahnemuhle Photorag Baryta paper
Des Moines Art Center Permanent Collections; Gift of the Pilara Family Foundation, 2025.17

2026 Fingerman Lecture: Alison Saar
2026-10-04 13:30 - 15:00 | Levitt Auditorium, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
We invite you to join the Des Moines Art Center in welcoming artist Alison Saar as the featured speaker of our annual Fingerman Lecture series. Saar’s work examines the place of the female body in the realms of politics and spirituality. She explores Black female identity, and the powerful, multifaceted roles women play — from everyday life to timeless, legendary figures.
Saar has exhibited artworks at many galleries and museums throughout the United States. Her art is represented in the collections of the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Baltimore Art Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Her 1997 piece, “Sweeping Beauty” was added to the Des Moines Art Center’s permanent collection in 2003.
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The Fingerman Lecture series is made possible through generous gifts by Lois and the late Dr. Louis Fingerman. Alison Saar is the 36th installment in the series.
Free; registration required.
Photo: Alison Saar

Social Saturday: Monster Mash
2026-10-10 11:00 - 14:00 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Join the Des Moines Art Center’s October Social Saturday event: Monster Mash! Enjoy crafts in the Art School studios, Fright Night with Final Act Ensemble, a scavenger hunt, a guided tour, spooky storytime, treats in the Art Center Café, and so much more.
We invite you to dress for the season and come in costume!
Please dress appropriately for a family friendly event. Consider safety and security when choosing your outfit. Avoid tails, wings, costume props or inflatable elements that could accidentally damage artwork as you walk through the galleries. Costume masks and replica weapons are not allowed. Our security team has the right to refuse any costume entering the museum.
Schedule of Events:
11:15 – 11:30 am | Spooky Storytime (all ages)
Levitt Auditorium
1 pm | Guided Tour (all ages)
Meet in the Macomber Lobby
1:30 pm | Fright Night with Final Act Ensemble
The Des Moines Community Playhouse’s Final Act Ensemble brings ghosts, witches, murder, and mystery to life in a Halloween performance inspired by the golden age of radio. *Please note: This program may not be suitable for younger children.
Levitt Auditorium
Drop-in Activities (11 am – 2 pm):
Museum Galleries

Find the Social Saturday interactive Art Cart in the galleries.
Complete a scavenger hunt in the galleries and return your findings to the front desk for a small prize.

Macomber Lobby

Enjoy the Art Center’s Paint-n-Play station.

Art School Studios

Explore creativity and your inner artist! Free drawing available in the studio space, as well as a unique Social Saturday: Monster Mash activity with jack-o’-lanterns.

Art Center Café

Stop by for a sit-down lunch, a delicious pastry, and a full coffee and tea menu. Art Center members receive a 10% discount in the café. Package up a picnic to-go and enjoy your meal on the grounds of the Art Center or in Greenwood Park.

Museum Shop

Browse the Museum Shop to find gifts and souvenirs. Art Center members receive a 10% discount in the Museum Shop.

See our special exhibitions!

“Elle Pérez: La Despedida” (A. H. Blank Gallery)
“Artists on Fire” (Pamela Bass-Bookey and Harry Bookey Gallery)
“Valentin Noujaïm: La Défense” (John Brady Print Gallery)

Social 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.
For programs in Levitt Auditorium:
We 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.
Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.

Support is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

Art Center Café, Dinner with Friends: Tar and Erika Macias
2026-10-15 | The Art Center Café, 4700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
We are excited to continue the Art Center Café’s signature culinary experience: Dinner with Friends. Be our guest as we 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 inspired by our special guest hosts and prepared by the Art Center Café’s Executive Chef Stephanie Williams.
For the third installment of our fall dinner series, we’re welcoming Tar and Erika Macias. Together, Tar and Erika run Hola America, a bi-lingual news platform and media group. Their dinner will celebrate the flavors and traditions of Latino cuisine, with a creative twist from Chef Williams. Join us for an evening that brings together food, community, and the stories that connect us. The event will also include live music by Jesse Pace and Steve Tyler.
$125/person; all-inclusive.
Reservations are required; payment will be taken on the night of the event. Tickets include a four-course meal and beverages. First seating begins at 5 pm and seating ends at 6:15 pm. Please share any dietary restrictions when making your reservation. Limited capacity. Tables seat six; smaller parties will be seated together for a festive evening of community and togetherness.
RESERVATIONS
For questions or to join the waitlist call 515.271.0313 or email cafe@desmoinesartcenter.org.

“Elle Pérez: La Despedida” Exhibition Tour
2026-10-24 13:00 - 14:00 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Visitors are invited to learn more about the exhibition “Elle Pérez: La Despedida” during this free guided tour. The show, on view in the A. H. Blank Gallery, highlights Bronx-based photographer Elle Pérez’s practice as they construct lush and tactile photographs born from careful attention to the objects, settings, and individuals in their everyday life. The artist’s 2025 series “La Despedida (the world is always ending, the world is always again beginning)” encompasses photographs taken in the gardens of two very different sites: Pérez’s grandfather’s backyard in Puerto Real, Puerto Rico, and Impressionist painter Claude Monet’s home in Giverny, France.
Public guided tours are offered every Saturday from 1 – 2 pm. Free; no registration required.
Elle Pérez (born 1989)
“untitled (light window)” (detail), 2025
Archival pigment print
Image courtesy of the artist and 47 Canal, New York
Photo: Joerg Lohse

Creative Aging: Studio Series (Ages 55+)
2026-10-29 14:00 - 15:30 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
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. These sessions will offer a social atmosphere and a variety of exploratory projects to try out materials and techniques with the support of an experienced teaching artist.
In this session, students will create Gelli printings inspired by nature. Gelli printing is a form of mono printing that uses flexible printing plates to create textures and layers of color.
Materials, tools, and guidance will be provided. Cost of the class is $30 ($24 for Art Center members).
REGISTER
