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, […]
2026 College of Design MFA Capstone Show Group Exhibition by graduate students in the Integrated Visual Arts MFA program at Iowa State University May 4th - May 11th, 2026 in the Octagon Community Gallery About this group exhibition: Graduate students in the Integrated Visual Arts MFA program at Iowa State University will showcase their capstone […]
2026 College of Design MFA Capstone Show Group Exhibition by graduate students in the Integrated Visual Arts MFA program at Iowa State University May 4th - May 11th, 2026 in the Octagon Community Gallery About this group exhibition: Graduate students in the Integrated Visual Arts MFA program at Iowa State University will showcase their capstone […]
Art From the Attic Art Sale Event by Octagon Shop Event Dates: Wednesday, May 13th, 2025 – Member's Only Pre-Sale Thursday, May 14th, 2025 – Event Public Opening Day Saturday, May 16th, 2025 – Event Closes About This Event: Art from the Attic begins Thursday, May 14! Purchase art from members of the Octagon who […]
Octagon 60th Birthday Hullabaloo Octagon History Exhibition by the Octagon Staff Exhibition Dates: August 31, 2026 – Exhibition Opening Day TBD – Exhibition Reception October 10, 2026 – Exhibition Closes
The Octagon Art Festival takes place the fourth Sunday of September along Main Street in downtown Ames, IA. The festival is held outdoors on pavement, RAIN OR SHINE. Visual arts, children’s art area, food vendors and performing arts form the foundation of the Octagon Art Festival. Approximately 10,000 people attend the festival.
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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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)