Des Moines Art Center

11/20/2020

Little Village Mag

Check out this feature on Iowa Artist 2020 Rachel Cox in Little Village Mag! It's the perfect primer for our free virtual gallery talk this Sunday, November 22 at 1:30 pm.

Register now: https://my.desmoinesartcenter.org/5279/

"It really just started with questions, like why so many funeral homes have the same kind of interior design," says Iowa City photographer Rachel Cox, whose exhibit Mors Scena is at the Des Moines Art Center (and digitally) through Jan. 3. "Why have they not really evolved that much, and where did this come from? Why did we get to this point where we needed this sort of theatrical staging for how we handle and process death?"

Cox is hosting a Virtual Gallery Talk on Sunday, Nov. 22.

11/19/2020

{NEW} Exploring the museum as a family can at times be overwhelming, but the Looking Together interactive family guide is here to help. QR codes have been placed throughout the museum, simply scan them with your phone for interesting prompts, facts, and suggestions to appear. Think of it as your treasure map to the Art Center! Plus, QR codes are updated weekly for new adventures each visit.

11/18/2020

The Des Moines Art Center is proud to host a virtual screening of PBS’ Art21: 𝘈𝘳𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘸𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘺-𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘊𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘺 Sunday, December 6 at 2 pm. The episode “London” features three artists in the Art Center’s permanent collection: Phyllida Barlow, Anish Kapoor, and Christian Marclay. See the artists in their studios, learn about their work in their own words, and enjoy the acclaimed Peabody award-winning series.

Following the screening, there will be a virtual tour of these artists’ works in our collection led by Director Jeff Fleming and Chief Registrar Mickey Ryan. They will then join Museum Educator Mia Buch in conversation about how works by these artists have found their way to Des Moines from across the pond.

This event is free and open to everyone, but pre-registration is required.

🔸 Register now: https://my.desmoinesartcenter.org/5308/6676

11/15/2020

artnet

Happy 100th birthday to artist Wayne Thiebaud! 🎂

Thiebaud's delectable artwork is a feast for the eyes. Treat yourself: shorturl.at/osvJ5

Wayne Thiebaud on how to savor cake while staying healthy at 100 years old:

11/15/2020

‼️One day left to save!‼️ The virtual sale at the Shop at the Art Center ends Sunday, November 15. Members save 20% on one-of-a-kind finds that make the perfect holiday gifts.

The discount is applied automatically in the cart simply by logging into your member account. Some exclusions apply.

Shop now: https://desmoinesartcenter.salesvu.com/index.html

11/12/2020

Way to go, Kids Club! 🎉 We love seeing where your creativity and imagination take you.

We had another great Kids Club this morning! We got creative, constructive, and wacky with our marble race tracks. Simple, tricky, long, full of glitter, winding, we had all of the track options you could think of!

Thank you to the Des Moines Art Center for providing us with another month full of fun crafts!

11/11/2020

Many veterans have made a significant impact on the art world, from Sol LeWitt to Robert Rauschenberg. This #VeteransDay we’re highlighting the work of another prominent veteran and artist with several works in the Art Center collections: Richard Diebenkorn, whose time in the United States Marine Corps greatly influenced his artistic development.

Diebenkorn entered the United States Marine Corps in 1943, where he served until 1945. While enlisted, Diebenkorn continued to expand his knowledge of European modernism while stationed at the Marine base in Quantico, Virginia. He took advantage of his location to visit art museums in Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and New York City. This allowed him to study the paintings of modern masters such as Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso. Around this time, he had his first exposure to the new New York-based artists experimenting in Abstract Expressionism. Diebenkorn soon began his own experiments in abstract painting.

Diebenkorn’s 𝘖𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘬 #70 is on view in the Meier Building. Inspired by Henri Matisse’s use of large fields of color, this work is a response to the distinctive light quality and colorful architecture of Los Angeles. Diebenkorn’s painting style, with its visible brush strokes, drips, and layering of colors, is related to Abstract Expressionism.

Richard Diebenkorn, (American, 1922 - 1993)
𝘖𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘬 #70, 1974
Oil on canvas
92 7/8 × 81 1/4 in.
Purchased with funds from the Coffin Fine Arts Trust; Nathan Emory Coffin Collection of the Des Moines Art Center, 1975.21
Photo credit: Rich Sanders, Des Moines

11/11/2020

The Member Double Discount Sale has begun! The sale is being held virtually Tuesday, November 10 through Sunday, November 15 at the online Shop at the Art Center. Members will automatically receive 20% off their online-only purchases simply by logging into their member account. Some exclusions apply.

🛍 Shop now: https://desmoinesartcenter.salesvu.com/index.html

11/09/2020

Virtual Gallery Talk with Rachel Cox, Iowa Artist 2020 - Des Moines Art Center

{Virtual Gallery Talk} Join Iowa Artist 2020 Rachel Cox and Curator Laura Burkhalter on Zoom for a fascinating insight into Cox’s photography project "Mors Scena," the subject of her solo exhibition at the Art Center.

🔸 Register now: https://my.desmoinesartcenter.org/5279/

Join Artist Rachel Cox and Curator Laura Burkhalter on Zoom for fascinating insight into of Cox’s photography project "Mors Scena," the subject of her solo exhibition at the Art Center. Mors, in Roman mythology, is the personification of death. In Latin, the phrase literally means death, in the fe...

11/06/2020

𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 + 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲: 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗲𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘁𝘀 (𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀) Begin with a photo of your favorite furry friend to create a pet portrait. Learn how to capture your pet’s characteristics and unique personality. Students will meet via Zoom from the comfort and safety of their homes.

Sunday, November 22 / 12:30–3:30 pm
Instructor: Amy Tingstrom
Tuition $30 ($24 for members*) / Material fee $20
Register: https://my.desmoinesartcenter.org/3998/4018

11/06/2020

Des Moines Art Center awarded $8,000 grant to expand virtual learning

We are grateful to Bravo Greater Des Moines and Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines for enabling us to expand our virtual learning opportunities!

The Des Moines Art Center has been awarded a Student Arts Education Investment Grant from Bravo Greater Des Moines and the Community Foundation of Gre

11/03/2020

Things to Know About Dia de los Muertos | Day of the Dead

What do you know about Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) and its traditions? Learn more about the holiday intended to honor our deceased loved ones as we conclude our 2020 celebration.

Video courtesy of Iowa PBS

11/01/2020

2020 Des Moines Art Center Día de los Muertos Virtual Celebration

The Des Moines Art Center is proud to continue its 20-year tradition of celebrating Día de los Muertos. While preserving the safety of visitors due to COVID-19 means the event cannot be held in person for 2020, the Art Center strongly believes in the importance of respecting and commemorating loved ones who have passed.

The Art Center acknowledges that the Latinx community in particular has been hit hard by the effects of this disease. In support of the community and in the spirit of honoring this international tradition, please enjoy this special presentation of our virtual Day of the Dead celebration video.

Video production by Vincent Valdez of VJV Productions

11/01/2020

The Des Moines Art Center is proud to continue its 20-year tradition of celebrating Día de los Muertos. While preserving the safety of visitors due to COVID-19 means the event cannot be held in person for 2020, the Art Center strongly believes in the importance of respecting and commemorating loved ones who have passed.

The Art Center acknowledges that the Latinx community in particular has been hit hard by the effects of this disease. In support of the community and in the spirit of honoring this international tradition, please enjoy this special presentation of our virtual Day of the Dead celebration video.

Video production by Vincent Valdez of VJV Productions

10/31/2020

Pan de Muertos | Day of the Dead

Pan de Muertos is an important component for many Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) celebrations and is often seen on the ofrendas honoring the deceased.

Watch how it's made in this special bilingual video. For written recipe instructions >>> https://bit.ly/34ImHS7.

Video courtesy of Iowa PBS

10/30/2020

Travel Iowa

We're continuing our virtual celebration of Día de Los Muertos with a compilation of videos featuring Day of the Dead honorees and celebrations from years past. Enjoy a walk down memory lane!

👀 Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWyUKQKvJTCTYSYCqdavXc2mqHBvs5sBb

For two decades, the Des Moines Art Center has brought its local community together to honor and recognize Día de Los Muertos, aka Day of the Dead. After record-high attendance in 2019, the plans for this year’s in-person celebration were big. While it’s now being hosted online, it’s an even more accessible opportunity to learn about and celebrate Dia de Los Muertos. 💀 🎉 #ThisIsIowa

10/29/2020

Iowa PBS

Explore these excellent reads for the whole family! ⬇️

Day of the Dead is a time of both joy and quiet remembrance as families honor their loved ones who have died. Check out this book list for kids that offers a unique interpretation of the holiday.

10/29/2020

Understanding Ofrendas

If you're unfamiliar with the details of the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos), you might not understand the significance of the details around the ofrendas families put up to honor the deceased.

Cece Villa from Dowling Catholic High School walks us through what you'll see on this celebratory altars.

10/27/2020

Tissue Paper Marigolds/Cempasúchil de Papel

Tissue paper marigolds are a relatively easy craft that can be part of your Día de los Muertos celebration and a welcome addition to an altar honoring your loved ones.

Work alongside Jessica Villegas from the Des Moines Art Center to make these flowers using just a few supplies:
- colored tissue paper
- scissors
- pipe cleaners or bread bag ties

🎥: @iowapbs

10/26/2020

If you were unable to reserve a free Ofrenda kit via the Art Center then stop by your local branch of the Des Moines Public Library this week for curbside pick-up, while supplies last.

And be sure to follow along all week as we celebrate Día de los Muertos virtually!

Stop by curbside at any of our buildings to grab a Build-Your-Own Ofrenda Kit (while supplies last!), as part of a collaboration with Des Moines Art Center. Suggested age for Library Learning Bags is 5-12. Then show us your creations by tagging us and the DMAC on Instagram!

10/26/2020

{NEW} Introducing the Art Center’s virtual tour of 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴! Explore the exhibition from the comfort and safety of your home, anytime. Virtual tours are presented in partnership with EMC Insurance Companies.

🔸 Explore the Anna K. Meredith Gallery: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=Hqau5fnKKc6

🔸 Explore the I.M. Pei Building: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=YbGq8YtQUAf

10/23/2020

Announcing 2020 Recipients of Painters & Sculptors Grants

Congratulations to 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 co-curator Jordan Weber for being named a recipient of the Joan Mitchell Foundation Painter and Sculptor Grant!

We are pleased to announce the 2020 recipients of the annual Painters & Sculptors Grants, which provide 25 artists with $25,000 each in unrestricted funds.

10/22/2020

Is there anything better than a night relaxing at home? No technology, no Zoom calls... just delicious food, drink, and a totally analog trivia game.

If this sounds like your kind of night then be sure to register for Art Noir @ Home: Spooky Trivia Kits + Cocktails: https://my.desmoinesartcenter.org/5306/6548

10/21/2020

We’re celebrating Day of the Dead online this year with Iowa PBS, and we would be honored to include your photos and memories in a virtual community ofrenda to remember your loved ones.

Share your memory: iowapbs.org/ofrenda

10/20/2020

Fundamentals of Digital SLR Photography & Image Editing begins Tuesday, October 27 via Zoom. Students will gain an understanding of shutter speed, aperture, histograms, and white balance and will learn how to process, edit, and manipulate their photographs in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Digital SLR camera required.

Enroll today: https://my.desmoinesartcenter.org/packages/fixed/78

10/17/2020

Print Club: Black Stories Virtual Conversation - Des Moines Art Center

It's not too late! ⌚ You still have time ... join Des Moines Art Center Print Club in virtual conversation with 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 co-curators Mitchell Squire and Jordan Weber. Learn about the evolution of the exhibition this Tuesday, October 20, at 4:30 pm.

Not a Print Club member? Enroll when you join or renew your Art Center membership: https://www.desmoinesartcenter.org/join.../become-a-member/

Print Club members are invited to join acclaimed Central Iowa-based artists and co-curators Mitchell Squire and Jordan Weber in conversation with Director Jeff Fleming as they discuss the evolution of the exhibition Black Stories, on view now. Tune in to learn more about the selection works in the m...

10/16/2020

{Exhibition Open} 𝘐𝘰𝘸𝘢 𝘈𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘴 2020: 𝘙𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘭 𝘊𝘰𝘹 is now on view in the Blank One Gallery. This exhibition features the work of photographer Rachel Cox, and will run through January 3, 2021.

After participating in funeral arrangements for family members, the artist became interested in the décor of funeral homes, and how the colors, lighting, and formal elements of these staged environments manifest within the grieving process. This experience resulted in her “Mors Scena” series, the focal point of 𝘐𝘰𝘸𝘢 𝘈𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘴 2020: 𝘙𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘭 𝘊𝘰𝘹.

Rachel Cox lives and works in Iowa City as the Assistant Professor of Photography at the University of Iowa. This exhibition is curated by Laura Burkhalter, who says “I reached out to Rachel about an exhibition about a year ago because I was so compelled by how intense her images were despite how minimal they are in what they show. Now, when so many families have lost loved ones due to COVID, the photographs are timelier than I could have ever anticipated.”

10/16/2020

{Virtual Make + Mingle: Illuminated Letters} Study the art of medieval manuscripts and modern interpretations on classic Gothic-style calligraphy. Create your own illustrated illuminated letter and calligraphy script and adorn with gold ink. Students will meet via Zoom from the comfort and safety of their home.

Sunday, October 25 / 12:30–3:30 pm
Instructor: Jahan Hamilton
Tuition $30 ($24 for members*) / Material fee $20
Register now: https://my.desmoinesartcenter.org/3998/4016

10/13/2020

Print Club: Black Stories Virtual Conversation - Des Moines Art Center

Des Moines Art Center Print Club members are invited to join acclaimed Central Iowa-based artists and co-curators Mitchell Squire and Jordan Weber in conversation with Director Jeff Fleming as they discuss the evolution of the exhibition 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴. Tune in to learn more about the selection works in the main gallery, including prints and works on paper that address Black culture and celebrate Black voices.

Not a Print Club member? Enroll when you join or renew your Art Center membership: https://www.desmoinesartcenter.org/join-give/become-a-member/

Print Club members are invited to join acclaimed Central Iowa-based artists and co-curators Mitchell Squire and Jordan Weber in conversation with Director Jeff Fleming as they discuss the evolution of the exhibition Black Stories, on view now. Tune in to learn more about the selection works in the m...

10/12/2020

The Des Moines Art Center recognizes Indigenous People’s Day and acknowledges that the place on which we stand is the traditional and ancestral land of the Native Americans who preceded us, and we honor those who are still with us.

In recent months, The Art Center is proud to welcome two new art works into the collection by contemporary Indigenous artists, Frank Big Bear’s collage 𝘔𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦: 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘯 𝘖𝘧𝘧 𝘝𝘐 (2013), and Wendy Red Star’s set of photographs, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘚𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘴 (2006).

Frank Big Bear (American/Anishinabe, born 1953) is a Minneapolis-based artist inspired by comic books, art history, and the place of Indigenous Americans in visual culture. His work is on view in the lower Meier gallery.

Wendy Red Star (Apsáalooke/Crow, born 1981) lives and works in Portland, Oregon. Her work highlights the struggle of Indigenous people to be seen as contemporary members of society, and challenges stereotypical and racist images of Indigenous women. Her works will be on view in the lower Meier gallery in the coming days.

Frank Big Bear (American, Anishinabe, born 1953)
𝘔𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦: 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘯 𝘖𝘧𝘧 𝘝𝘐, 2013
Collage on found paper
36 × 36 × 1 3/4 in.
Des Moines Art Center Permanent Collections; Gift of Jim and Ellen Hubbell, 2020.10.a-.l

Wendy Red Star (American, born 1981)
Winter, Spring, Indian Summer, Fall from "The Four Seasons"
2006, printed 2020
Archival pigment print on paper
21 × 24 in.
Des Moines Art Center Permanent Collections; Purchased with funds from Jim and Ellen Hubbell and the Rusty Hubbell and Ellen and Jim Hubbell Photography Acquisition Fund, 2020.20.1,2,3,4