Des Moines Art Center

01/30/2021

On Saturday, February 13, the Des Moines Art Center will open "The Path to Paradise: Judith Schaechter’s Stained-Glass Art." Organized by the Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester, the exhibition will be on view in the Anna K. Meredith Gallery through May 23, 2021. The Art Center’s presentation of the exhibition is overseen by Curatorial Manager Laura Burkhalter.

"The Path to Paradise: Judith Schaechter’s Stained-Glass Art" is the first survey and major scholarly assessment of this groundbreaking artist's 37-year career. From her start in the 1980s, Judith Schaechter (b. 1961) has stretched the medium of stained glass into an incisive art form for the twenty-first century, boldly paving her path in the diverse arena of contemporary art. With deep respect for history, a provocative rebelliousness and a feminist sensibility, Schaechter has aptly been called a “post-punk stained-glass sorceress.” Her meticulous and awe-inspiring stained-glass panels are intentional seductions, alternative visions of beauty and radical statements of female experience.

“I have been an admirer of Judith’s work for many years and I’m thrilled that the Art Center is part of this exhibition’s tour, and the community can see this beautiful — and often surprising — art in person,” Burkhalter said.

The exhibition is drawn from both private and institutional collections and will feature approximately 45 of Schaechter’s stained-glass panels along with a selection of related drawings and process materials.

🎟 Plan ahead and reserve your free ticket for admission: https://my.desmoinesartcenter.org/events

Judith Schaechter (American, born 1961)
The Battle of Carnival and Lent, 2010-2011
Stained-glass panel
Overall: 56 × 56 in. (142.2 × 142.2 cm.)
Marion Stratton Gould Fund, Rosemary B. and James C. MacKenzie Fund, Joseph T. Simon Fund, R.T. Miller Fund and Bequest of Clara Trowbridge Wolfard by exchange, and funds from deaccessioning 2015.39

01/29/2021

artnet

Read about Cezanne's love of painting Montagne Sainte-Victoire, then explore the artists in our permanent collections who were inspired to do the same: bit.ly/2MA9eoP

Cézanne painted this mountain dozens of times. Here are 3 things you may not know about his obsession with the view:

01/28/2021

Get On The Healthy Track With Tangerine Food

Tangerine at the Art Center is currently closed while we look for safe ways to reopen, but you can get your fix of delicious food from The Tangerine Food Company via their to-go catering service! Check out their weekly menu, which features 300-550 calorie meals available for carryout or delivery.

One of the healthy, low-calorie meals from Tangerine Food Co. features zucchini over rice. Writer: Wini Moranville “We’ve all gotten fat!” said Cherry Madole, bluntly and with a laugh, …

01/28/2021

There is still time to register for our discussion of Photography + Pandemic Parenting: bit.ly/39oYoef

Learn more! ⬇️

Parenting has always felt like you are in a bubble looking out. Throw in the pressure and demands of parenting during this pandemic, that bubble has felt a lot bigger and more isolating. ⁣
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Wouldn’t it be great if there was a manual that guided us through the do’s and do not’s of parenting? While we can wish there was one, it’s important to remember all of us have each other.⁣
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It’s not a contest. There is no right. There is no wrong. There are successes. There are failures. ⁣
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Coming together and sharing our experiences, being vulnerable, and open about what works for us and does not is how we learn. It is how we feel less isolated and supported on this journey.⁣
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On Sunday the Des Moines Art Center has created an opportunity for us to come together and chat safely about parenting in the pandemic. ⁣
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I will be a part of a small panel for the ‘Photography + Pandemic Parenting: Celebrating Cupcake’ event. During this time, we will be taking time to look at pieces of art and chat about parenting + pandemic. ⁣
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Join us on Sunday at 2 p.m. for this free, virtual event. I cannot wait to encourage, listen, and connect with all of you ♥️⁣

Register here: https://www.desmoinesartcenter.org/calendar/eid/FD3CD5A6215317C0/special-events/photography--pandemic-parenting-celebrating-cupcake/

01/26/2021

Due to the heavy snowfall, the Art Center will be closed today, Tuesday, January 26. On-site classes are canceled, but virtual classes will proceed as scheduled.

We plan to return to regular hours on Wednesday, January 27, but please stay tuned to our website and social media channels for updates.

01/25/2021

There's nothing quite like the beauty of freshly fallen snow.

Olafur Eliasson (Danish, born 1967)
Panoramic awareness pavilion, 2013
Glass, metal, and light
9 × 31 ft.
Des Moines Art Center Permanent Collections; Purchased with funds from John and Mary Pappajohn, 2013.42
Photo credit: Rich Sanders, Des Moines

01/23/2021

Turnaround Arts: Des Moines

This podcast episode by Turnaround Arts: Des Moines is the perfect introduction to Visual Thinking Strategies! Listen and learn ⬇️

This episode explores a favorite arts integration tool, visual thinking strategies or VTS! The Des Moines team took a virtual field trip to the Des Moines Art Center for the exhibition Black Stories co-curated by Jordan Weber and Mitchell Squire. The exhibition presents artwork created by Black and African artists from the permanent collection at the museum. The group explores the question, how can viewing and discussing artwork support anti-racist work in our schools and classrooms?

Enjoy!

https://open.spotify.com/show/4ybGtBRbGT3dHLPVeMV9Ov

01/22/2021

dsm Magazine

Want to explore art with the Flemings, but not a member of the Art Center? There has never been a better time to join! 🖼️ Become a member: bit.ly/3o8DCUf

Des Moines Art Center's Jeff Fleming and his wife, Carrie Marshburn-Fleming, are hosting a virtual happy hour next week, showing Art Center members through their art collection.

01/19/2021

Famed artist's sculpture will greet motorists at Des Moines airport - Iowa Capital Dispatch

The Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation has firmed up plans for a large-scale, outdoor sculpture installed near a new planned entrance to the DSM International Airport. Plans are taking off to dedicate the piece in the fall! 🛫

New York City-based artist Alice Aycock's “Lift Off” will be her first permanent installation in Iowa. However, eagle-eyed viewers may recall Aycock's print in the exhibition, 'Researchers: Women Artists Inspired by Science,' at the Art Center: bit.ly/3ipKaww

A Des Moines foundation has firmed up plans for an $850,000 sculpture resembling a tornado near a new entrance to the Des Moines airport.

01/18/2021

The exhibition 'Black Stories' has concluded its in-person run at the Art Center, but you can continue to experience the exhibition online, any time with virtual tours! Drawing from the Art Center’s permanent collections, it features a compelling mix of works by a wide range of Black artists. Acclaimed Central Iowa-based artists Jordan Weber and Mitchell Squire co-curated the exhibition, and both have artworks featured in the show.

Virtual tours can be seen on any computer or smart device with internet access and a web browser. Explore each gallery with a 360-degree view. As you click through the gallery, you will see circles that will help you move seamlessly between works. You can even zoom in on labels to see the title and artist.

🔸 'Black Stories' in the Anna K. Meredith Gallery: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=Hqau5fnKKc6

🔸 'Black Stories' in the I.M. Pei Building: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=YbGq8YtQUAf

01/18/2021

11 Fantastic Stops Along I-35 In Iowa

On your next road trip, be sure to exit I-35 for a visit to the Pappajohn Sculpture Park! 🗺️

There are several fantastic places to stop while driving I-35 in Iowa. Here's a list of our favorite stops that you must experience while you're exploring I-35.

01/15/2021

The Art Center will be closed today, Friday, January 15, due to inclement weather. ❄️ We plan to return to normal hours on Saturday, but please stay tuned to our website and our social media channels for further updates.

Need a fun indoor activity? Virtual tours are the perfect way to experience the Art Center from the warmth of your couch! Check it out: https://www.desmoinesartcenter.org/visit/virtualtours

01/14/2021

Spring Break Camps are enrolling now! All camps will be held virtually Monday, March 15 through Friday, March 19. Morning and afternoon sessions are available. Spring Break Camps are offered for children ages 5 to 15. Make this a rockin' spring break with the "Build Your Own Band" theme!

🎸 Build Your Own Rock Band (Virtual Class): Design and build your own handmade instrument!

👕 Create Your Own Merch (Virtual Class): Now that you are a rockstar, create and design your own merch for you and your friends!

🔊 Soundscapes (Virtual Class): Visualize your favorite songs and turn them into creative masterpieces!

Explore Camps: bit.ly/2LLdZLR

Enroll now: https://www.desmoinesartcenter.org/education/register-for-classes/

01/12/2021

Photography + Pandemic Parenting: Celebrating Cupcake - Des Moines Art Center

{Photography + Pandemic Parenting} One of the newest additions to the Art Center's permanent collections, Julie Blackmon’s 'Cupcake' captures a domestic and slightly chaotic moment frozen in time. Parenting has never been easy, but the pressures and demands of parenting during this pandemic are immense for many.

On Sunday, January 31 at 2 pm, join Erin Huiatt, Owner of Des Moines Parent, and Breanna Young, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, for a Zoom conversation about parenting and mental health. Participants will look at photographs like 'Cupcake' together, learn about the artists who created the works, and share perspectives on how parents can best cope with the challenges of parenting in a pandemic.

Register now: https://my.desmoinesartcenter.org/8517/8518

One of the newest additions to the Art Center's permanent collections, Julie Blackmon’s Cupcake captures a domestic and slightly chaotic moment frozen in time. A rambunctious child attempts to climb a column with a Target bag in hand. In the kitchen, a baby is on the verge of screaming while bei...

01/12/2021

{Exhibition Closing} This is the final week to see 'Black Stories' in the Anna K. Meredith Gallery and I.M. Pei Building before the exhibition closes on Sunday, January 17. Drawing from the Art Center’s permanent collections, the exhibition features a compelling mix of works by a wide range of Black artists. Acclaimed Central Iowa-based artists Jordan Weber and Mitchell Squire are each featured artists, as well as co-curators.

🎟 Plan ahead and reserve your free ticket for admission: https://my.desmoinesartcenter.org/events

01/10/2021

It's National House Plant Appreciation Day! We can't keep living plants inside the galleries, but we love tending to the ample flora found in our permanent collections! 🪴 #NationalHousePlantAppreciationDay

You can see Mikhail Larionov's 'Nature Morte' on view in the Blank II and III Galleries.

Mikhail Larionov (Russian, 1881 - 1964)
Nature Morte (Still Life), 1908
Oil on canvas
46 x 40 1/8 in.
Des Moines Art Center Permanent Collections; Bequest of Myron and Jacqueline Blank, 2006.30
Photo credit: Rich Sanders, Des Moines

01/09/2021

In celebration of his birthday week, we're taking a moment to recognize Louis Ritman – an artist who is best known for his sunny, Impressionistic canvases. Like many other American artists of his time, Ritman traveled from his home in Chicago to Paris as soon as he could afford to pay for the trip. After studying at the Academie Julian, he was accepted into the prestigious Ecole des Beaux-Arts. However, it was at one of the legendary cafes in Paris that he became acquainted with Frederick Frieseke, who introduced Ritman to the artistic scene in Giverny.

While many of his counterparts were assiduously emulating the work of Claude Monet, Ritman chose a more subtle approach. His works were closely associated with American intimism which was, by contrast, quiet, reserved, and above all, discreet, never outside the parameters of the genteel tradition.

Louis Ritman (American, 1889 - 1963)
At the Table (French Girl), 1918
Oil on canvas
41 x 41 in.
Des Moines Art Center Permanent Collections; Gift of the Des Moines Association of Fine Arts, 1924.4
Photo credit: Rich Sanders, Des Moines
Additional sources: Louis Ritman: From Chicago to Giverny

01/08/2021

'Human/Nature: An Exhibition Inspired by the Art of Judith Schaechter' opens today in the John Brady Print Gallery. Artist Judith Schaechter worked with Curatorial Manager Laura Burkhalter to choose work from the Art Center’s collection by artists who inspire her or works which contain thematic connections to her masterful glass constructions to accompany 'A Path to Paradise: Judith Schaechter’s Stained-Glass Art' (featured in the Meredith gallery from February 13 – May 23, 2021).

🎟 Plan ahead and reserve your free ticket for admission: https://my.desmoinesartcenter.org/events

Antoine-Louis Barye (French, 1796 - 1875)
Etude de chats, 1836
Lithograph on paper
5 11/16 × 8 3/4 in.
John C. Huseby Print Collection of the Des Moines Art Center through Bequest, 1994.40
Photo credit: Rich Sanders, Des Moines

01/06/2021

Spring Break Camps for kids are also enrolling now! All camps will be held virtually from Monday, March 15 through Friday, March 19. Morning and afternoon sessions are available. Make this a rockin' spring break with the "Build Your Own Band" theme. Spring Break Camps are offered for children ages 5 to 15.

🎸 Build Your Own Rock Band (Virtual Class): Explore the properties of sound and the various ways everyday materials can be used to create instruments. Discuss and collaborate with your classmates to create and demonstrate with your handmade instruments at the end of the week.

👕 Create Your Own Merch (Virtual Class): Now that you are a Rockstar, create and design your own merch for you and your friends. Using a variety of painting and drawing techniques, create a T-shirt, posters, and stickers for your fans. Not a fan of the band? Create merch inspired by your favorite animals and interests.

🔊 Soundscapes (Virtual Class): Visualize your favorite songs and turn them into creative masterpieces. Learn about the multiple ways that sound can create movement and interpret the movement and sound through drawing, painting, and sculpting.

Explore Spring Break Camps: https://www.desmoinesartcenter.org/webres/File/Spring 2021 Class Schedule.pdf

Enroll now: https://www.desmoinesartcenter.org/education/register-for-classes/

01/02/2021

Iowa Artists 2020: Rachel Cox - Des Moines Art Center

This is the final weekend 'Iowa Artists 2020: Rachel Cox' will be on view in the Blank One Gallery. The exhibition features selections from photographer Rachel Cox’s “Mors Scena” series. The resulting photos are part documentary, part formal exploration, and part arranged fiction, all working together to capture the surreal uncertainty and a concrete sense of loss often present after a death in contemporary America.

🎫 Book your free ticket for admission: https://my.desmoinesartcenter.org/events

Iowa Artist 2020 will feature selections from photographer Rachel Cox’s “Mors Scena” series. After participating in funeral arrangements for family members, Cox became interested in the décor of funeral homes, and how the colors, lighting, and formal elements of these staged environments mani...

01/01/2021

Happy New Year!

Winslow Homer (American, 1836 - 1910)
Waiting for Calls on New-Years Day, January 2, 1869
Electrotype from wood engraving, with typographic text on paper
9 1/8 x 13 13/16 in.
Des Moines Art Center; Richard and Kay Ward Collection, 2003.129
Photo credit: Rich Sanders, Des Moines

12/30/2020

Exploration + Inspiration: Ebony G. Patterson

🎥 Take a virtual tour of the exhibition 'Black Stories' with Museum Educator Mia Buch. View an incredible work by Ebony G. Patterson and learn about the inspiration behind her art.

This video was created in conjunction with the Des Moines Symphony At Home Family Concert: Art + Music, which can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8NYEOdLHJA

Take a virtual tour of the exhibition 'Black Stories' with Museum Educator Mia Buch. View an incredible work by Ebony G. Patterson and learn about the inspir...

12/29/2020

Due to the impending snowstorms, the Art Center will be closed today, Tuesday, December 29, for the safety of our visitors and staff.

We plan to return to normal hours on Wednesday, but please stay tuned to our website and our social media channels for further updates.

12/27/2020

The Art Center will be open modified hours on Thursday, December 31, and closed on Friday, January 1. As always, admission is free for all. Masks are required at all times. We hope to see you soon!

In this busier and chillier holiday season, the best way to avoid waiting in line is to reserve your free museum tickets before you arrive. We hope that the new, same-day ticket option makes planning your visit easier than ever - you can even reserve your tickets on your smartphone when you arrive in the parking lot and skip the line upon entry. Book now: https://my.desmoinesartcenter.org/events

Holiday Hours
Mon: CLOSED
Tues: 11 am – 4 pm
Wed: 11 am – 4 pm
*Thurs: 11 am – 4 pm*
*Fri: CLOSED*
Sat: 10 am – 4 pm
Sun: 10 am – 4 pm