Social Saturday: Love it or Leave it!

Event Details

Join the Des Moines Art Center’s February Social Saturday event: Love it or Leave it! Whether you’re a fan of vibrant abstract paintings, or prefer minimalist artwork, there is something for everyone throughout the galleries. We invite you to engage in conversations about the art that inspires you — those pieces that speak to your heart — and those that challenge you — that you might just want to leave behind.

Come dressed in festive reds and pinks or somber blacks and grays in celebration of the duality of the day. Join in on the interactive “Hearts for Art” activity by leaving a heart at the foot of your favorite piece in the museum and explore to see what your fellow guests have chosen as theirs. Enjoy crafts in the Art School studios, a free guided tour, treats in the Café, and so much more!

Schedule of Events:

11:15 – 11:45 am | Storytime
Levitt Auditorium
11 – 11:30 am | Love it or Leave it Gallery Talk
Lowest gallery of the Richard Meier building
Gallery talk with Senior Curator Laura Burkhalter and Associate Curator Ashton Cooper; each curator will give their take on a work on view in the Art Center — one who loves the work, one who would ‘leave it.’
1 pm – 2 pm | Guided Tour (all ages)
Meet in the Macomber Lobby
1:30 pm l Conversation in Levitt Auditorium
Exploring Maria Lassnig’s New York Years: Conversation with Artist Hans Werner Poschauko, Lassnig’s Long-Time Assistant, and Exhibition Curator Ashton Cooper. Register on the Art Center’s website calendar.

Drop-in Activities (11 am – 2 pm):

Museum Galleries
Hearts for Art: Pick up paper hearts in the Macomber Lobby; leave red/pink hearts on the gallery floor in front of an artwork you love. (Please do not attempt to put a heart on/touching the artwork.)
Art School Studios
Smile! Stop by the studio for a photobooth activity. Get your photo taken with your Social Saturday group or individually by a professional teaching artist – photos will be emailed to recipients. Or try your hand at henna mandala drawing!
Art Center Café
Check out Valentine’s Day specials in the Art Center Café
See our special exhibitions before they close!
“Honey, You’re a Wonderful Model: Maria Lassnig’s Animated Films” (Anna K. Meredith Gallery)
“Iowa Artists 2026: Henry Payer: Aagakinąk Haciwi: We Live Opposite Each Other” (A.H. Blank Gallery and Krause Atrium)
“Camille Henrot: Tuesday” (Pamela Bass-Bookey and Harry Bookey Gallery)
“Bill Owens: Work and Leisure” (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.