Holiday Ornaments 20% Off & Select Artist’s Works 20-50% Off Get ready… Set… Shop local! Winter Sidewalk Sales in Downtown Ames are a semi-annual sale held by businesses in the Downtown district. Not only will you find great deals, you’ll be supporting the local community by shopping local! You’ll find discounts, promotions, sales and many […]
Snack, Sip, and Sparkle! Jewelry Night Thursday, January 15th, 6:00pm - 8:00pm Join us for a metal jewelry demonstration by Terrie Hoefer and an opportunity to make your own jewelry. For $5, adults have an opportunity to create a metal piece with Terrie - pre-registration required. Click Tickets to register. We will also have […]
Octagonal: The All Media Show Group Exhibition by Various Artists Exhibition Dates: January 19, 2026 – Exhibition Opening DayJanuary 22, 2026– Exhibition ReceptionMarch 14, 2026 – Exhibition Closes Exhibiting Artist List:Joanne Alberda – Lunar LandscapeShelly Bales – WonderlustJasmine Beul – Rose Window BottleAmanda Brown – SpaceBetsy Busby – Behold the OnionMaureen Burke – AweTroy Cannon – Osprey’s […]
Octagonal: The All Media Show Group Exhibition by Various Artists Exhibition Dates: January 19, 2026 – Exhibition Opening DayJanuary 22, 2026 – Exhibition Reception Awards announced at 6:15pmMarch 14, 2026 – Exhibition Closes Exhibiting Artist List:Joanne Alberda – Lunar LandscapeShelly Bales – WonderlustJasmine Beul – Rose Window BottleAmanda Brown – SpaceBetsy Busby – Behold the […]
Love is in the Air in the Heart of Ames! Indulge in all that Downtown Ames has to offer as our Downtown Businesses present a curated celebration of love and connection February 1-16! Our mission? To showcase Downtown Ames as the ultimate date night destination to celebrate those you love! Our Downtown Businesses have curated […]
We will gather at the Octagon Center, 427 Douglas, to create Norwegian protest hats, called a nisselue. You bring your supplies, we will provide the pattern and the space. Why the nisselue? In the 1940’s, Norwegians made and wore red pointed hats with a tassel as a form of visual protest against Nazi occupation of […]
Spend a few hours relaxing while creating beautiful mandalas and enjoying meditative music. This free event is open to ages 16+ and refreshments will be available for a donation.
Join us for a fun night of board games and cards. Families and friends of all ages, join us from 5:30-7:00. If you prefer an adults only space and more advanced games, come from 7:00-8:30. Beverages will be available for a donation. Bring your own favorite game or use one of ours!
The Annual High School Senior & Junior Show Group Exhibition by Various High School Artists Exhibition Dates: March 26, 2026 – Exhibition Opening Day TBD – Exhibition Opening Day April 4, 2026 – Exhibition Closes Artist Statements: More information to come Artist Biographies: More information to come
Lessons Learned: Explorations in Metal Group Exhibition by Joe Muench & former students of the ISU jewelry/metalsmithing courses This exhibit features work created by Joe Muench, Professor Emeritus of Art and Visual Culture, in the College of Design at Iowa State University and Mr. Muench's former students of the jewelry/metalsmithing courses. Exhibition Dates: April 10, […]
About Us
The Octagon Center for the Arts is a non-profit community art center in the heart of downtown Ames, Iowa. A cornerstone of the cultural scene in Ames since 1966, the Octagon serves more than 30,000 people each year through art classes and outreach, rotating exhibits, a retail gallery shop, and the annual Octagon Art Festival.
The Octagon Center for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization funded in part through memberships, donations, and grants, including the City of Ames Commission on the Arts (COTA) and the Iowa Arts Council.
© 2025 Octagon Center for the Arts. All rights reserved.
Octagon Center for the Arts
413 & 427 Douglas Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
Phone: 515-232-5331
Email: info@octagonarts.org
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We encourage online shopping! Contact us with questions.
Octagon Shop and Community Gallery
Monday-Wednesday 10:00am-5:30pm
Thursday 10:00am-7:00pm
Friday 10:00am-5:30pm
Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm
Sunday CLOSED (except during the holidays)