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Jared Curtis
Christine Mullane, Corona. Oil on Canvas 48 x 48 in. Courtesy of ArtDive.In 2007, the Des Moines art scene blossomed into an interactive night out on the town. With the debut of Art Stop, the growth of the Des Moines Arts Festival, and the large number of gallery shows, Des Moines has turned into a Midwest art Mecca.
Art Stop connected seven different culturally minded neighborhoods and offered free shuttle rides to the different galleries. For two days, art lovers toured the eclectic mix of galleries, performing centers, museums, and artist buildings. The tour was a great success, beyond being a great pilot system for other cities filled with art and creativity.
The growth of the Des Moines Arts Festival was a large boost to the scene, drawing record crowds and showcasing more than 120 artists throughout the weekend. It enriches the quality of life in central Iowa by creating an opportunity for people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds to embrace the arts. Mark your calendar–the 2008 Festival is June 27-29.
Here’s a quick tour of Des Moines’ art galleries:
Olson-Larsen Gallery is definitely not your run-of-the-mill gallery, offering local artists up to eight shows a year. “We work with more than 70 different artists,” says manager Susan Watts. “It’s a challenge to get everybody on the wall.” Before owner Marlene Olson purchased the store, Janice Shotwell had her art gallery in the space. In fact, she is credited for turning Valley Junction into an artsy district.
Fitch Gallery marks their home in downtown Des Moines. Along with Artdive, Fitch Gallery has changed their corner from a rundown area to a hotbed of artist involvement, as the building also houses 4 floors of artist studios. Jeffrey Morgan and co-owner David Llewelyn opened the gallery in 2005, with a goal of offering an innovative event-driven art gallery, established to provide passionate emergent and mature artists a venue for exposure and promotion. “Des Moines is hungry for art,” Morgan says. “There is a re-urbanization of the art culture going on. The town has a deep tradition, but we are seeing the next generation of artists starting to grow.”
Moberg Gallery has a reputation for offering a home to out-of-the-ordinary shows and artists, and is located in a part of town that needs no revival. One of the more untraditional galleries in the area, they pride themselves on being a contemporary gallery representing fine Midwest artists working in mediums including paintings, metalwork, wood, ceramic, glass, and mixed media.
Hentschel Art Gallery features everything from drawings, paintings, and sculptures, along with featuring both local and international artists. After leaving the corporate world, Joan Hentschel wanted something more out of life and in May of last year, she got it. “I have always had passion for the arts, and I’m inspired by other artists and family,” she says.
This year the Des Moines Art Center celebrates its 60th anniversary. It presents thought-provoking exhibitions and educational programs, as well as hands-on studio art classes. The museum offers world-class architecture and an outstanding permanent collection. “We strive to be a community center,” says Marketing director Christine Doolittle. “I came back to town 10 years ago, and the scene had grown,” Doolittle says. “Now there are art events every weekend, and Des Moines is full of really talented artists. Our goal is to offer new, exciting, and innovative artists not just to Des Moines, but to all the states.”
Originally published in Art Scene, January 2008.
All rights reserved by publisher. Material may not be reprinted in any form without written permission from the publisher.For a complete listing of art galleries in Des Moines check out Art Scene’s web site.
