LOCATED IN THE SMALL WALL GALLERY Artist Statement I first fell in love with the prairie when studying art at UNI. Wandering the twisting paths of the restored prairie calmed my mind. As I drank in grasshopper droning, late summer’s scent of grass, the pollen, the leaves, and the many colors, I felt grounded and […]
Comic Book Class Ages: 8-13 years old Day/Time: Saturdays, 9 – 10:30 am Dates: September 28 – October 12 (3 weeks) Cost: $70 Description: Learn the basics of what it takes to create your very own comic book. Students will learn basic layout and design, Story structure, and how to create effective dialogue. Instructor: Tim […]
EXPLORING ART: SESSION 2 (OCT) Ages: 18 months – younger 3’s Day/Time: Tuesdays, 9:15 - 10am Cost: $60 for each 4 week session below. Session 1 (SEPT): September 3 – 24 Session 2 (OCT): October 1 – 22 Session 3 (NOV): October 29 – November 19 Session 4 (DEC): November 26 – December 17 THIS […]
CREATIVE EXPLORATIONS: WEDNESDAYS, SESSION 2 (OCT) Ages: older 3’s - 5 years Day/Time: Wednesdays OR Thursdays, 9:15 – 10:00 am (Sign up for the day that suits you best!) Cost: $60 for each 4 week session below. WEDNESDAYS Session 1: September 4 – 25 Session 2: October 2 – 23 Session 3: October 30 – […]
CREATIVE EXPLORATIONS: THURSDAYS, SESSION 2 (OCT) Ages: older 3’s - 5 years Day/Time: Wednesdays OR Thursdays, 9:15 – 10:00 am (Sign up for the day that suits you best!) Cost: $60 for each 4 week session below. WEDNESDAYS Session 1: September 4 – 25 Session 2: October 2 – 23 Session 3: October 30 – […]
MAKER NIGHT: Stamped Copper Charms Ages: 21 and up Date & Time: Thursday, October 3, 6 - 9 pm Cost: $45 Materials included Description: MAKER NIGHTS are for those ages 21 and above. Bring your friends and your favorite beverage & snacks to enjoy while you create! Or come by yourself and make some new […]
Mixed Bag of Art -- One day workshops Ages: K – 5 Time: 9 am – 3 pm Cost: $50 for each one day workshop Monday, October 7 Friday, November 1 THIS REGISTRATION IS FOR MONDAY, OCTOBER 7 ONLY. Check the class listing for additional sessions. Register for just one or both; a separate registration […]
Art Buffet, ages 7 - 9 Day / Date / Time: Thursdays, October 10 - 24 (3 weeks), 5 - 6:00 pm Cost: $35 Description: Students will have a unique opportunity to create mixed media art pieces using tools and materials from our overflowing trove of art supplies. Elements of 2 and 3 - D […]
Watercolor Workshop with Jo Myers-Walker Ages: 16 years old and above, All skill levels Day / Day / Time: Saturday, October 12, 9 am – 1 pm Cost: $120 Description: Join local artist, Jo Myers-Walker in exploring the fluid and magical medium, watercolor. Jo will guide students with demonstrations on how to paint neighborhoods, backyards, […]
Beginning Scottish Country Dance Ages: 16 years old and up Day / Time / Dates: Fridays, 7 - 8 pm, October 18 - November 22 (6 weeks) Cost: $45 Description: Learn the art of the very social and lively Scottish Country Dance with experienced Instructors. After your one hour session, you are welcome to […]
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)