A night market, dance and dozens of events will pop up in Des Moines as part of Art Week
See a lantern parade, dance around Drake University and connect with local artists as part of Art Week, which kicks off June 9.
This annual celebration of creativity across Des Moines celebrates 10 years, offering residents “something to do every day,” said Rachel Buse, a local artist involved in Art Week.
Art Week has evolved over the years, including partnering with Group Creative Services and offering fellowships that allow local artists to integrate artwork into a specific neighborhood.
Art Week is an opportunity for artists to experiment and familiarize themselves with others they can collaborate with, Buse said. It’s also an opportunity to directly reach an audience where they live — audiences who might not otherwise feel welcomed in gallery spaces, Buse said.
Here’s what to know about Art Week 2024.
When is Art Week in Des Moines?
Art Week is from June 9-15, but there are a few events you may want to take part in that are before Art Week’s official kickoff. That includes an art show at Mainframe Studios on June 7 titled, “Effervescence: perspectives from the Iowa State University LGBTQIA+ student community and allies.”
Where is Art Week in Des Moines?
Events part of Art Week are taking place throughout Des Moines in these neighborhoods and districts:
Columbus Park neighborhood
Drake neighborhood
Franklin area of Des Moines
Oak Park and Highland Park neighborhoods
The Avenues of Ingersoll and Grand
This is my first Art Week. How can I keep track of all the events?
If you’re not sure where to start, spend some time on artweekdesmoines.com to sort through events, see if you recognize any names or determine if there is an event close to where you live, Buse recommended.
Consider visiting the Columbus Park neighborhood on Sunday, where artist and Art Week fellow Brittany Brooke Crow helps kick off the week with an unveiling of collages at two different locations.
Visitors can get maps detailing Art Week’s events, Buse said.
What is happening for Art Week in the Columbus Park neighborhood on Sunday?
Crow is responsible for two collages pasted to the west wall of Graziano Brothers and the north wall of a building on Indianola Avenue that was previously home to the Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa.
The collages are largely composed of photographs submitted by people who have connections to the Columbus Park neighborhood because they resided there, worked in the area, had family that lived there and so on, Crow said.
“I was really interested in collecting photographs that people relate to directly, that felt like a snapshot or a piece of their life that I could then share with the neighborhood,” she said, adding that this project wasn’t possible without people who submitted images and the owners of buildings who let her use their walls.
Viewers of the collages may notice its appearance: as if it’s already a bit worn from time. Torn edges seen throughout the collages reflect how memories work, how people remember something, only to later recall that memory as opposed to what occurred, Crow explained.
The application of wheat paste adhesive causes further wearing to the work, adding to Crow's exploration of memory. Eventually, that adhesive will cause peeling in certain areas.
Crow is hoping to create more wheat paste collages throughout Des Moines, saying that those who are interested in bringing art to a wall but don’t want a long-term investment may find an answer in work like hers.
Enjoy pupusas from Usuluteco Salvadoran Restaurant and participate in a collage activity as well. The event is from 5 to 8 p.m.
What else can I do during Art Week in Des Moines?
A lot.
Here’s just a sampling of events taking place during Art Week:
Watch four short films playing at the Fleur Cinema and Café during the cinema’s business hours, all week
Create your own ceramic coaster and more at 515 Brewing Company, June 10
Visit an artist-led street party with interactive and playful art activities open to visitors at the Beaverdale Farmers Market, June 11
Have your portrait drawn at Chain & Spoke, June 12
See a “kaleidoscope of visual storytelling” through film and enjoy refreshments and music at Bespoke Custom Clothing, June 13
Stop by Drake University for an improv dance jam throughout the campus, June 14
See the Lantern Parade and stick around for a night market with local cuisine, music and artist vendors, June 14
Explore Oak Park Avenue and see wind chimes built from donated materials and take one home if it speaks to you, June 15
Tour Fitch Studios to meet with artists and view their work, June 15
Paris Barraza is a trending and general assignment reporter at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines' Art Week returns with free events, family-friendly fun
