Membership
Art matters. It brings us together, helps us express ourselves, and sometimes challenges us. Whether you are a creator or observer, a veteran artist or a first-time maker, regardless of your background or age, art is for everyone and all are welcome!
What is membership and why is it important?
Being a part of the Octagon community through membership means directly supporting arts education and outreach programs for our Ames community. We can do great things together that can’t be done alone. Our members are united by a shared passion for art and a desire to be a part of something bigger than themselves.
Membership is community. And you belong.
Becoming a Member is Easy!
Use the buttons below to join or renew your membership online or feel free to make a donation through our secure online portal:
Or, if you prefer, you can send checks payable to the Octagon Center for the Arts to 427 Douglas Ave., Ames, IA 50010. Please be sure to include your desired membership level in the memo line.
Questions? Call us at 515-232-5331 or email us at office@octagonarts.org.
$35 for Individuals OR $60 for Households
- 10% off all classes, workshops, Octagon Shop purchases, and for sale gallery art
- Double Discount Day (20% off) in the Octagon Shop on the third Thursday of each month
- 15% off at the The Frame Shop on Main Street in Ames
- Subscription to our weekly email newsletter
- Exclusive invitation to members only events
- Opportunity to be apart of the annual non-juried Member’s Show
$100 for Supporters
- Discounts on entry fees for juried exhibit opportunities
- Invitation to apply to exhibit in the Community Gallery
- Opportunity to be a part of the annual non-juried Member’s Show
- Invitation to propose and teach a class
- Invitation to apply to consign work in the Octagon Shop
- Opportunity to attend and to apply to present at the Business of Art Conference
- Exclusive invitation to members only events
- 10% off all classes, workshops, Octagon Shop purchases, and for sale gallery art
- Double Discount Day (20% off) in the Octagon Shop on the third Thursday of each month
- Subscription to our weekly email newsletter
- 15% off at the The Frame Shop on Main Street in Ames
$25 for Artists and Creatives
- 10% off all classes, workshops, Octagon Shop purchases, and for sale gallery art
- Double Discount Day (20% off) in the Octagon Shop on the third Thursday of each month
- 15% off at the The Frame Shop on Main Street in Ames
- Subscription to our weekly email newsletter
- Exclusive invitation to members only events
- Opportunity to be apart of the annual non-juried Member’s Show
- Exclusive invitation to annual donor recognition event
- Special recognition in our annual report upon cumulative annual donation total over $1,000
MEMBERSHIP LEVELS:
Individual ($35) – This is a one-year membership for an individual adult (18 years old or older).
Household ($60) – This is a one-year membership for up to two adults in the same household and any dependent children or grandchildren under 18 years of age.
Supporter ($100) – This is a one-year membership for up to two adults in the same household and any dependent children or grandchildren under 18 years of age.
Artist ($25) – This is a one-year membership for an individual who self-identifies as an artist and is 18 years old or older.
Looking for ways to support the arts at a higher level? Through Boosted Giving, members can supplement their membership with additional donations at their own pace. Any and all support is greatly appreciated!
Business memberships are in the works! For now, we are offering options for business to sponsor students, classes, exhibits, and events. These are great ways for your business to directly support the arts in our community!
Please email director@octagonarts.org for more information.
F.A.Q.
Click the modules below to learn more about some frequently asked questions!
Do I have to become a member to enjoy Octagon classes, workshops, and events?
Of course not, the Octagon is your community art center! Membership is a way for you to support us so we can keep providing arts education, outreach programs, and events, plus you get a discount when you sign-up for classes or make purchases at the Octagon Shop.
What are sustaining memberships?
Sustaining memberships automatically renew on the date you sign-up each year that you are a member. Your credit card information is saved in our secure Square payment processor and can be managed, paused, or canceled at your convenience.
You can sign-up for any of our four membership levels as a sustaining member, no more forgetting to renew, no more hassle of mailing in a check. Sign-up today and brag about supporting the arts tomorrow!
What is 'Boosted Giving'?
Boosted Giving is an optional way to “boost” your support when signing-up for or renewing your membership. For 1-year memberships, this will be a one time donation in addition to your membership fee. For sustaining memberships, this will be an annual donation in addition to your membership fee that will be charged with your membership fee each year you are a member.
Do you have to do 'Boosted Giving'?
Nope, Boosted Giving is totally optional. We appreciate and are deeply grateful for any and all support!
Can I donate different or higher amounts than the 'Boosted Giving' options?
Yes! Thank you for considering it! If you’d like to donate a specific or higher amount than the Boosted Giving options provide, you can follow this link to our donation page to make a one time donation at your convenience.
We’re working on creating a method to allow for regular donations as well (monthly, annually), much like the sustaining memberships. Check back soon!
I’m a business owner, how can my business offer support?
We’re working on creating a business membership where businesses can support us while receiving adequate benefits.
If you are a business owner or employee and are interested in supporting the Octagon and the arts, consider sponsoring one of our classes, exhibits, or events. These sponsorships have a range of benefits from your business branding on signage, website, and/or social media, to presenting sponsor awards to our participating artists, to providing the supplies for a children’s summer art camp. Email director@octagonarts.org for more information.
I can’t find membership in my budget but still want to help! What are my options?
No one should feel like they can’t afford to belong. We strive to make membership as affordable and accessible as possible. Individuals who volunteer 20 hours or more per are eligible for membership. This can include helping in the Octagon Shop, working during the Octagon Art Festival, prepping for our education classes and workshops, and more.
We occasionally have generous donors that donate the gift of membership, this allows us to pass that generosity on to our community. Email office@octagonarts.org for more information.
Is membership tax deductible?
Membership fees and Boosted Giving are deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor.
Can I just sign-up for a 1-year membership?
Yup, all of our membership levels can still be purchased as 1-year memberships. Consider giving the gift of membership next time you’re looking for something for that “hard to shop for” person.
