Second Annual Member Show

Located in the Community Gallery

This unjuried show celebrates the skills, creativity, and lived experiences of the Octagon community! Let’s fill the gallery and surround ourselves with our own amazing work — established artists next to emerging artists, all media.

The Octagon’s Member Show 2022: Participating Artists

Member Show artists respond to the question, 

“What does Octagon membership mean to you?”

“The Octagon thanks each of its members and patrons when we all should be thanking them for being here!  In my opinion, The Octagon has become the cornerstone of the art world in Ames, Iowa.  Through their hard work they have moved the arts forward in such a way that the lives of the community members has become enriched in many ways.” – Penny Adam

“Art is important, it feeds our souls and helps us find our place in the world. The Octagon, by nurturing artists all ages, enriches the fabric of life in Ames.” – Ruthellen Cunnally

“Octagon membership is an intentional way to participate in our local creative community, which is invaluable.” – Naomi Friend

“The Octagon has been my safe space to think and create, teach and be taught.” – Cathie Gebhart

“Octagon membership is mutually beneficial: It is gratifying to support the arts in Ames, thereby enriching the broader community. And it is rewarding that the Octagon encourages and supports individual artists and engages those who appreciate art.” – Rex Heer

“My membership means that I have a place to belong in the community. Where I can experience art and create art.” – Katharine Hensley 

“The arts are essential to the human experience, and membership is just a tiny way to show support for local art and artists.  The Octagon has made dramatic, intentional changes over the past few years and is now I think the most relevant and necessary it has ever been – it is often art that builds empathy within a community, creates space for dialogue, and elevates expression so we can connect to each other in meaningful and transformative ways. I am proud to be a member, and hope to see the arts in Ames expand even more with the Octagon leading the way.” – Sara Merritt

“Octagon membership means that I can partner with and learn from the greater art community here in Ames and beyond in an accessible and accepting space.” – Sasha Phillips

“I get to be a part of a great art organization that I can help support, while it also supports me.” – Josh Sorrell

The Details

If you want to join next year’s show by signing up for a membership, visit https://octagonarts.org/home/membership/

For further information, please contact us at exhibits@octagonarts.org