Poetry Takeover
2024-04-11 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Poetry is taking over the Art Center in celebration of National Poetry Month! We’re welcoming members of the Des Moines Poetry Workshop, Iowa Poetry Association, Poetry Palooza, and SAY Poetry for this collaborative and interactive event. Poets of all ages and experience levels will perform poetry throughout the museum, among the artworks that inspire them. For those who are inspired to create their own poetry during the event, a drop-in writing workshop will be offered in the Macomber Lobby, or you can head straight to your favorite spot and begin writing on your own.
This event is free; registration is not required.

"A Story of Hope" Documentary Screening
2024-04-14 13:00 - 14:00 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
“A Story of Hope” is a documentary short film by Ryan Morrison and Moses Bomett about the barriers to and importance of education in Kenya. It’s premiere will be screened at the Des Moines Art Center in partnership with Rising Daisies.

The 48 Hour Film Project
2024-05-31 19:00 - 21:30 | Levitt Auditorium, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
This year marks the 20th running season of the 48 Hour Film Project in Des Moines. As part of the celebration, a free public screening entitled “48 turns 20” will be held at the Art Center. Join us for an evening of award winning short films and filmmakers celebrating 20 seasons of the 48 Hour Film Project – Des Moines. Stay after the screening for a panel discussion including some winning teams from past Des Moines competitions. Seating is limited and first come first serve.
This event is free, and no registration is required. Find more information on the 48 Hour Film Project – Des Moines.
This screening includes a selection of previous Best of City Winners:
“Mimes of The Prairie” by Team Last to Enter, 2005
“Man Eating Dumpster” by Presto Video, 2006
“Looking Glass” by Nick Wilson Film & Video, 2008
“The Last Airbander” by Slater Maxwell Productions, 2012
“An Inevitable Mess” by 19 to the 4th Power plus Y, 2013
“Puppy Love” by SouthSiderStudios, 2015
“Paid In Full” by One Genome Short, 2016
“Happy Hiltons” by Illustrate, 2019
“Sanity” by Retro Neon Films, 2020
“Pay What You Can” by Peach Fuzz, 2021
“The Run” by Tiny Explosions, 2022
“Thumb Wars” by Mixed Pictures, 2023

Exhibition Opening Celebration: "Hurricane Season"
2024-06-07 17:00 - 19:00 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Join us for the opening celebration of “Hurricane Season.” The exhibition showcases the idea of a home under threat, cycles of environmental and political violence, repair even when more is coming and inevitable. It is about a home worth rebuilding, even under these conditions.
Be among the first to view the newest exhibition. Bring family and friends to kick off the evening with complimentary lite summer bites and the evening’s signature cocktail by Tangerine Food Co. (Beer and wine available for purchase.) Enjoy the ambiance of the Bookey Family Courtyard with music provided by DJ Richie Daggers. Remarks from the John and Mary Pappajohn Director and exhibition Curator will take place at 6 pm.
This event is free; registration is not required. This event will be documented with photography.
Hew Locke (British, born 1959)
The Survivor , 2022
Wood and mixed media
Des Moines Art Center Permanent Collections; Purchased with funds from the Ellen Pray Maytag Madsen Sculpture Acquisition Fund, 2023.23
© Hew Locke; Courtesy of Hew Locke and P·P·O·W, New York
Photography by JSP Art Photography
Support for this exhibition is provided by:

Exhibition Opening Celebration: “Iowa Artists 2024: b. Robert Moore: In Loving Memory”
2024-06-21 17:00 - 19:00 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Join us for the opening celebration of “Iowa Artists 2024: b. Robert Moore: In Loving Memory.” Des Moines-based, Iowa-born artist b. Robert Moore is known for powerful, striking works of art that confront issues of social justice and Black identity. Visually and emotionally direct, Moore frequently draws on his own biography for inspiration, likewise on the experiences and identities of friends and family members.
Take in the new show from the Art Center’s long-standing Iowa Artists exhibition series. Bring family and friends to kick off the evening with complimentary desserts galore from Tangerine Food Co., including a selection of cookies, chocolates, ice cream floats, and more. The dessert table will pair perfectly with a special feature of complimentary coffee selections by BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages. (Beer and wine available for purchase.) Enjoy music provided by DJ cDisiac and floral design by Wild flower. Remarks from the John and Mary Pappajohn Director and exhibition Curators will take place at 6 pm.
This event is free; registration is not required. This event will be documented with photography.
b. Robert Moore (American, born 1983)
“Mama’s Boys” (detail), 2024
acrylic, acrylic wash / watercolor on Belgian Linen
Courtesy of the artist

b. Robert Moore Studio Visit with Salon Members – SOLD OUT
2024-07-24 17:00 - 19:00 | IA
Des Moines Art Center members at the Salon level are invited to a reception and studio visit with 2024 Iowa Artist b. Robert Moore and Senior Curator Laura Burkhalter. Mingle with fellow art enthusiasts at Exile Brewing Company while enjoying drinks and appetizers. Following the reception, Salon members will walk to b. Robert Moore’s studio at The Fitch Building. Robert will provide insight into his artwork featured in our current exhibition, “Iowa Artists 2024: b. Robert Moore: In Loving Memory.”
Reception | 5 – 5:45 pm
Studio Visit | 6 – 7 pm
Event begins at Exile Brewing Company and concludes at The Fitch Building:
Exile Brewing Company
1514 Walnut Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
The Fitch Building
304 15th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
Photo: Tobias Tyler
This event is sold out. To join the waitlist, please email Jess Lane at jlane@desmoinesartcenter.org.

"Hurricane Season" Gallery Talk with artist Lionel Cruet
2024-08-08 17:30 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Join us for an overview of the exhibition “Hurricane Season,” with Art Center Associate Curator Elizabeth Gollnick, Ph.D. and featured artist Lionel Cruet talking about his practice and work. Cruet’s paintings, photographs, and drawings show the haunting realities of the aftermath of natural disasters, seamlessly integrate scientific and personal images, and help us imagine new futures.
This event is free, and no registration is required.
Photo: Lionel Cruet Studio

"Coexist" Gallery Talk
2024-08-15 18:00 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Join NajLa Evans, curatorial intern, and Laura Burkhalter, senior curator, for a gallery talk about the creation of the exhibition “Coexist.” The exhibition shines a light on art and artists’ intersection with environmental awareness.
This event is free, and no registration is required.
Frank Moore (American, 1953 – 2002)
Oily Rainbow, from “3 Landscapes”, 1999
Color woodcut, wood engraving, photoengraving
Des Moines Art Center Permanent Collections; Gift of the Gesso Foundation, 2007.10.2

Film “Landfall” + Post-film Dialogue with Professor Fredo Rivera
2024-09-08 13:30 | Levitt Auditorium, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Through shard-like glimpses of everyday life in post-Hurricane María Puerto Rico, “Landfall” is a cautionary tale for our times. Set against the backdrop of protests that toppled the governor in 2019, the film offers a prismatic portrait of collective trauma and resistance as Puerto Ricans navigate dismantled social services and newcomers eager to profit.
Watch the film at the Art Center, and stay for post-film conversation guided by Fredo Rivera, Assistant Professor of Art History at Grinnell College. They teach classes on modern and contemporary architecture and urban visual culture, as well as the art of the Americas, with a focus on the Caribbean. Professor Rivera’s current research focuses on art, visual culture, and the built environment in Cuba, Haiti, Puerto Rico, and Florida, as well as queer expression amongst the Caribbean diasporas and across the archipelago.
This event is free, and no registration is required.
Landfall, 2020, Directed by Cecilia Aldarondo
Running time: 90 minutes

Community Access Program: Teaching Artist Exhibition
2024-09-12 16:30 - 19:00 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
All are invited to the Community Access Program teaching artists’ exhibition on view from September 5 – 29. Partnering with over 30 non-profit organizations, our Community Access team provides opportunities for art-making and art instruction for those who otherwise lack access. The artwork on display in this exhibition represents the teaching artists who facilitate classes and programming with our Community Access partners.
Join us for a free opening celebration and reception on Thursday, September 12. Enjoy original poetry, music by DJ Mixxa Miyani, and complimentary refreshments. Teaching artists will be in attendance to discuss their work. The exhibition will be on view in the Herbert Galleries of the Education Wing from September 5 – 29.
Program Schedule:
4:45 – 5 pm: Introduction and Remarks
5 – 5:15 pm: Poetry by Aminah Muhammad
5:30 – 5:45 pm: Poetry by Kelsey Bigelow
6 – 7 pm: DJ Mixxa Miyani
This event is free, and no registration is required.
Image: Kaitlin Gazzo, “Hive Mind” (detail), Acrylic on canvas

2024 Gala: Modern Dream
2024-09-21 17:00 | IA
You’re invited to experience a night of art and celebration at the 2024 Art Center Gala, an extraordinary event to support the Art Center in style! Enjoy an elegant cocktail reception before an exquisite dining experience in the historical Scottish Rite Building. Create unforgettable memories with fellow art enthusiasts as you dance the night away at the After Party.
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Cocktail Hour and Dinner | 5 – 8 pm
After Party | 8 – 11 pm
Your support of this dynamic event ensures the 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.
Gala tickets are sold out. Get your After Party tickets today!
NEW THIS YEAR – We’re excited to announce an After Party ticket option for those who want to arrive fashionably late and head straight to the dance floor!
For more information, please contact Gala and Development Events Coordinator Jess Lane at jlane@desmoinesartcenter.org or 515.271.0336.

"Minor Key" Gallery Talk, featuring Samantha Box and Mia Laufer
2024-10-06 15:30 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Join artist Samantha Box and guest curator Mia Laufer, Ph. D. for an illuminating talk about the juxtaposition of artworks that comprise “Minor Key.” The collaboration between artist and curator installs works from the Des Moines Art Center’s permanent collections alongside images from Box’s “The INVISIBILE Archive,” a body of work that records the lives of at-risk LGBTQIA+ youth of color in New York City (2005 – 2017). Box and Laufer will talk about these pairings and explore the emotional resonance of the artwork on view with guests.
This event is free, and no registration is required.
Ken Heyman (American, 1930-2019)
Arms pulling a sleeping boy up (detail), New York, 1985

Day of the Dead / Día de Los Muertos
2024-10-27 11:00 - 15:00 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Step into a vibrant tradition that began over 3,000 years ago in the Aztec Empire. Día de Los Muertos offers healing, joy, and connection, honoring the belief that “what we remember, lives.”
Celebrate this transformative Mexican Indigenous tradition with us at the Des Moines Art Center’s 2024 Day of the Dead event — Day of the Dead: Youth of the Eternal Flame! This festive, free, family-friendly gathering features hands-on art activities, food, music, a Catrina costume contest, and an ofrenda (altar) designed by young artists from Al Éxito with the guidance of artists Siricasso and Dawn Martinez Oropeza.
This year, we are honoring Jóvenes de la Flama Eterna “Youth of the Eternal Flame”— remembering and celebrating the lives of young members of our community, lost too soon.
“Al Éxito is grateful to the Des Moines Art Center for uplifting a vision of our young artists and supporting healing for the families who are grieving the loss of a child. It is an honor to create a space for celebrating the beauty and joy of their lives.”
Learn more to participate in this year’s Catrina Costume Contest.
Volunteers:
Día de Los Muertos at the Art Center wouldn’t be possible without the help of volunteers. Sign up here to volunteer at the event.
Support for this event is provided by:

This event is free, and no registration is required. This event will be documented with photography.

Adéntrate en una viva tradición que comenzó hace más de 3000 años en el Imperio Azteca. El Día de los Muertos ofrece sanación, alegría y conexión, haciendo homenaje a la creencia de que “lo que recordamos, permanece vivo”.
Celebra con nosotros esta extraordinaria tradición indígena mexicana en el evento del Día de los Muertos 2024 en el Des Moines Art Center – Día de los Muertos: Jóvenes de la Flama Eterna! Esta festividad gratis y para toda la familia contará con actividades artísticas interactivas, comida, música, un concurso de disfraces de catrín y catrina, así como una ofrenda diseñada por los jóvenes artistas de la organización Al Éxito, bajo la guía de los artistas Siricasso y Dawn Martínez Oropeza.
Este año, estaremos rindiendo tributo a los Jóvenes de la Flama Eterna (también, Jóvenes de la Flama Eterna o Youth of the Eternal Flame), en remembranza y celebración de la vida de jóvenes en la comunidad que perdimos demasiado pronto. “Al Éxito expresa su agradecimiento al Des Moines Art Center por enaltecer la visión de nuestros jóvenes artistas y apoyar la sanación de las familias que lloran la pérdida de uno de sus hijos(as). Es un honor crear un espacio para celebrar la belleza y alegría que sus vidas nos brindaron”.
Participa en el concurso de disfraces de catrín y catrina de este año: más información aquí.
VOLUNTARIOS
El Día de Los Muertos en el Art Center no sería posible sin la ayuda de nuestros voluntarios. Apúntate aquí: INSCRIPCIÓN DE VOLUNTARIOS

Art Noir Flashlight Tour
2024-10-30 17:30 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
It’s officially spooky season – and as the sun goes down the ghosts and ghouls come out to play. Get to know the darker side of the Des Moines Art Center with an after hours tour in the dark. The party starts with light bites and drinks (21+) in the lobby at sundown before departing on a guided tour. Attendees will experience some of the Art Center’s most mysterious works in an entirely unconventional way.
A limited number of flashlights will be provided or bring your own! To truly get into the spirit, attendees are encouraged to wear all black or their best costume. This event is a fan-favorite and sells out quickly, so register today!
This event is for attendees 21+, and complimentary sweet and savory light bites will be provided. Beer and wine available for purchase.
Art Noir Member Ticket: $15
Non-Member Ticket: $25
This event is sold out. To join the waitlist or for questions contact Jess Lane, Gala and Development Events Coordinator at jlane@desmoinesartcenter.org.

Gallery Talk: Artists on Art featuring Goizane Esain and Michaela Mullin
2024-11-03 13:30 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Join Des Moines-based Latina creatives, Goizane Esain, artist and entrepreneur, and Michaela Mullin, writer and editor, for an engaging discussion about works in the exhibition, “As You See Me: Mexican Photography 1945-2000,” in the A. H. Blank Gallery.
This event is free, and no registration is required.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Goizane Esain was born in San Sebastian, Spain, and grew up in Venezuela and Colombia. She later moved to Denver, Colorado, where she began her art and design studies at Denver Community College. Esain then relocated to Des Moines, Iowa, and graduated from Drake University with a degree in communications and graphic design. Her artwork explores the relationships between artistic expression, design, and shape. Esain’s large-scale sliced photographic images combine colors and forms found in land- and cityscapes, rearranging compositions into new and unexpected views. She owns her own business, Goizane Design, and is one of three partners at RBI Marketing in Des Moines, where she helps clients across Iowa with their brand and creative strategy. In her free time, Esain volunteers for the Iowa Latino Heritage Festival, Al Exito, and Friends of Drake Arts. In 2021, she was named one of Des Moines Business Record’s “40 Under Forty.” Her commissioned artwork can be found in businesses across Central Iowa. Esain is represented by Moberg Gallery in Des Moines.
Michaela Mullin is a Des Moines-based, Pushcart Prize-nominated poet, arts writer, and editor. She earned a BA in English from Drake University, an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Nebraska, and a PhD in Philosophy, Art, and Critical Thought from the European Graduate School. Mullin is a recipient of the Helen W. Kenefick Poetry Prize from the Academy of American Poets and the Thomas Dunn Scholarship in English. Her full-length poetry collection, “must,” was published in 2016. She served as the associate editor at Nomadic Press (Oakland, CA) from 2013 to 2023. Over the years, Mullin has worked with local galleries and collaborated with visual artists to create installations and performance works that merge image and word. Her most recent exhibit, “To Gether: Art + Letters,” was on view at Grand View University in early 2024, featuring collaborations with artists Goizane Esain, Mary Jones, Kathranne Knight, and Mariela Yeregui.

Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus Winter Concert Preview + Holiday Shopping
2024-11-15 18:00 - 19:00 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
The I. M. Pei building is not only a marvel of architecture, but also acoustically inspiring! For the third year in a row, members of the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus will fill the unique space with harmonies from their upcoming holiday concert, surrounding themes of hope, love, and our common humanity. Kick off the holiday season and join us for an evening of music and community.
The chorus performance will take place from 6 – 6:30 pm in the I. M. Pei building. Stay a little longer to explore the galleries and visit the Museum Shop. Enjoy holiday shopping while sipping hot cocoa (add in a ‘spiked’ option if you’re feeling extra jolly!) + sample a variety of chocolates. The Museum Shop will be open until 7 pm.
This event is free and open to the public. No registration is required.

Entirely Kids Day: Stories Told
2024-11-30 11:00 - 15:00 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Join us for a fun, free, family-friendly event that celebrates the many ways stories can be shared—through books, performances, art, and more! Inspired by the vibrant exhibition, “Samantha Box: Caribbean Dreams,” the Des Moines Art Center has teamed up with CultureALL, the Des Moines Playhouse, the Des Moines Public Library, and local independent bookstores to bring you a day full of storytelling magic. We invite you to come experience the power of shared narratives, creativity, imagination, and community.
SCHEDULE
11:15 – 11:45 am: Storytelling through puppetry workshop with the Des Moines Playhouse
Noon, 12:20, and 12:40 pm: Childhood Stories with CultureALL storyteller Gurwinder Singh Kapur
1 – 1:45 pm: Adventure Clubhouse performs “Goldie Rocks” with the Des Moines Playhouse
2, 2:20, and 2:40 pm: Childhood Stories with CultureALL storyteller Sylvia Nemmers
This event is free, and no registration is required. This event will be documented with photography.

Sarah Young Bear-Brown Beading Workshop
2024-12-01 10:00 - 16:00 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
We invite you to participate in a free beading workshop led by Sarah Young Bear-Brown, an artist who is both Deaf and a member of the Meskwaki Tribe. In addition to being an advocate for the Indigenous Deaf community, Sarah has had her bead work featured in the Art Center’s 2023 exhibition “75 Years of Iowa Art,” and served as a teaching artist in the Community Access Program. During this workshop she will lead participants through various beading techniques. All are welcome. No prior experience with bead work is required.
This program is free, and registration is required.
This workshop is SOLD OUT. To be added to a waitlist, email mlopez@desmoinesartcenter.org.

Art of Recovery Tour
2024-12-05 18:00 - 19:30 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
NAMI Iowa, Project Recovery Iowa, and the Des Moines Art Center present a transformative evening discussing the role art can play in recovery.
Join us to learn how the museum can be used to amplify your well-being. We’ll explore the benefits of art in our daily lives by connecting with the artwork and participating in conversations about resiliency, self-care, and mental health advocacy. This guided gallery event is created in partnership with NAMI Iowa and led by Des Moines Art Center Museum Educator, Mia Buch.
The program consists of a one-hour participatory museum visit, followed by 30 minutes of dialog and resource sharing. Free; registration required.
REGISTER
Questions? Email: luke@namiiowa.org and Mbuch@desmoinesartcenter.org.

Art Spectrums (Ages 13-18)
2024-12-08 15:00 - 16:30 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
The purpose of Art Spectrums is to enable young people with autism, and their families, to enjoy the Art Center and make memories with art. In this program, teens, ages 13 – 18 years old, on the autism spectrum and explore the museum and make art together. Participants will visit and discuss a work of art in the Art Center’s collections for inspiration. Next, teens and family members make their own artwork in the studio.
Art Spectrums is a free program, and registration is required.
REGISTER

Museum Shop Winter Clearance Sale + Double Discount Days
2024-12-17 - 2024-12-24 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Shop the sale! Stop by the Museum Shop and Macomber Lobby December 17 – 24 for our annual Winter Clearance event to wrap up your holiday shopping. (While you’re here, maybe even get yourself a little something!) We have gifts for everyone: jewelry, housewares, books, holiday décor, sweet treats, children’s toys, art supplies, and more.
Double Discount Days will coincide with the Winter Clearance event, and Des Moines Art Center members will receive 20% off regularly priced merchandise!
Interested in saving 20% in the Museum Shop during Double Discount days? Become a Member today! Art Center members receive a year-round 10% discount in the Museum Shop, plus a 20% discount to all studio classes and workshops. Members also enjoy invitations to behind-the-scenes experiences and events.
Museum Shop hours
Shop Online

Favorite Poem Program
2025-01-25 15:00 - 16:30 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Be part of Poetry Palooza’s Favorite Poem Program, where poetry and personal stories come together to celebrate Des Moines’ rich diversity and highlight the vitality of our community expressed through the arts.
Join us as 11 community leaders read their favorite poems and share why these works hold special meaning for them. Emceed by Mike Pace, the program revives a cherished tradition from the Des Moines Poetry Festival, emphasizing the power of poetry to bring people together. Featured readers include Trevy Augustin, Kelly Baum, Lenny Bell, Connie Boesen, Tej Dhawan, Richard Deming, Deidre DeJear, Seso Marentes, Zach Mecham, Michael Morain, and Dawn Oropeza.
Free; No registration required. This event is supported by Art Bridges Foundation Access For All.

Museum Shop: Exhibition Catalog Sale
2025-02-04 - 2025-02-09 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Take advantage of deep discounts on past Art Center exhibition catalogs, including (for this week only) our Des Moines Art Center Collects book! Explore books displayed in the Macomber Lobby throughout the week-long sale and pick up a few new pieces for your library or coffee table. Limits will apply to all purchases and no additional discounts can be used.
Senior Curator Laura Burkhalter will be available from 12 – 2 pm on Tuesday, February 4 and Sunday, February 9 to answer questions and sign catalogs she has participated in creating.

Exhibition Celebration: "Time Travelers"
2025-02-21 17:00 - 19:00 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Join us for a celebration of our new exhibition, “Time Travelers.” The artists in “Time Travelers” create work that explores philosophical views about the past, the human relationship with time, and the various points in between. This exhibition is grounded in two ambitious, large-scale installations, both part of the Art Center’s permanent collections: Mika Rottenberg’s “Cheese” and Tuấn Andrew Nguyễn’s “The Boat People.”
Bring family and friends to celebrate with us and view the art! Dine on complimentary cuisine from The Eggroll Ladies, plus light bites and desserts provided by The Tangerine Food Company. Cash bar available. Remarks from the exhibition curator and John and Mary Pappajohn Director will take place at 6 pm.
Free; registration not required. This event will be documented with photography.
Mika Rottenberg (Argentine, born 1976)
“Cheese,” 2008
Mixed media
Des Moines Art Center Permanent Collections; Gift of Melva Bucksbaum and Raymond Learsy, 2015.41.1-.205
Photo: Rich Sanders
Support for this exhibition is provided by:

"Time Travelers" Exhibition Tour
2025-02-22 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-04-05 13:00 - 14:00 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Step into the thought-provoking world of “Time Travelers” with a guided tour of this captivating exhibition. Explore artworks that delve into the complexities of memory, history, and imagination, reimagining elements of the past while contemplating our collective future. This tour features highlights from the exhibition and the Des Moines Art Center’s permanent collections, offering a unique opportunity to reflect on how the past continues to shape our present.
Public guided tours are offered every Saturday from 1 – 2 pm. Free; no registration required.
Mika Rottenberg (Argentine, born 1976)
“Cheese,” 2008
Mixed media
Des Moines Art Center Permanent Collections; Gift of Melva Bucksbaum and Raymond Learsy, 2015.41.1-.205
Photo: Rich Sanders

Director's Circle Member Event with Director Kelly Baum
2025-03-06 17:30 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
In appreciation of your generous Director’s Circle membership and commitment to the Des Moines Art Center, we invite you to an exclusive conversation and reception with John and Mary Pappajohn Director, Kelly Baum, Ph.D.
Kelly will highlight a recent art acquisition and share exciting information about the Art Center’s new five-year strategic plan. Anchored by four priorities, “Be a Welcoming Home for All,” “Bring the World to Iowa, and Iowa to the World,” “Grow our Revenue Streams Sustainably,” and “Champion Caretaking and Stewardship,” this strategic plan will focus the institution’s priorities in the next five years and set the stage for its long-term growth, success, and dynamism, allowing it to do more and be more for the communities of Central Iowa and beyond.
Mingle with fellow members and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks by The Tangerine Food Company.
Free; registration required. Space is limited. RSVP by February 27 by emailing Gala and Development Events Coordinator Jess Lane at jlane@desmoinesartcenter.org.

"Figments & Phantoms" Exhibition Tour
2025-03-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Join us for a guided tour of the “Figments & Phantoms” exhibition in the John Brady Print Gallery. Figments and phantoms exist in our imaginations, but artists can bring them to life. In this exhibition, the body (or its absence) becomes haunting and strange.
Public guided tours are offered every Saturday from 1 – 2 pm. Free; no registration required.
Kiki Smith (American, born 1954)
“My Blue Lake,” 1995
Photogravure and lithograph on paper
Des Moines Art Center’s Louise Noun Collection of Art by Women, 1995.64
Photo Credit: Rich Sanders

"Op Art: Abstract Illusion" Exhibition Tour
2025-03-22 13:00 - 14:00 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Step into the mesmerizing world of Op Art with a guided tour of the current exhibition “Op Art: Abstract Illusion.” This tour takes a closer look at the groundbreaking works of the 1960s and 70s that challenged perceptions and captivated audiences worldwide. Explore how artists used contrasting colors, optical illusions, and dynamic patterns to create disorienting and playful sensory effects.
Public guided tours are offered every Saturday from 1 – 2 pm. Free; no registration required.
Bill Komodore (American, 1932 – 2012)
“Circe #10,” 1965-1966
Screenprint on paper
Des Moines Art Center Permanent Collections; Purchased with funds from Rose F. Rosenfield, 1967.42
Photo Credit: Rich Sanders

Gallery Talk: Experience of the Vietnamese Coming to America with Vinh Nguyen
2025-04-19 13:00 - 14:00 | Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Join us for this unique gallery talk at the Des Moines Art Center—“Experience of the Vietnamese Coming to America” with Vinh Nguyen, President of Vietnamese American Community in Iowa. Senior Curator Laura Burkhalter will introduce the program and highlight three works in the permanent collections that are relevant to the Vietnamese diaspora: Pao Houa Her’s “Hmong Veteran, from ‘Attention’ series,” Danh Vo’s “Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma,” and (from the current exhibition “Time Travelers”) Tuấn Andrew Nguyễn’s “The Boat People.”
Nguyen was born in Saigon, Vietnam during the height of the Vietnam War in the early 1960s. Growing up in a family of 10 brothers and sisters, he developed a strong sense of collaboration for success and helping others at a young age. Soon after the Vietnam War came to an end on April 30, 1975, life in South Vietnam changed completely as the government tried to put socialism and communism into practice. In summer 1981, Nguyen’s parents decided to have him escape from Vietnam to seek freedom and opportunities for his future. He was smuggled out of Vietnam along with another 134 Vietnamese on a tiny, less than seaworthy boat, but their vessel was fortunate enough to be finally saved by an oil tanker, and they were sent to a refugee camp in Thailand. He later was accepted by the United States and resettled in Des Moines, Iowa.
Public guided tours are offered every Saturday from 1 – 2 pm. Free; no registration required.
Image: Vinh Nguyen
