Octagon Center for the Arts

Drypoint Printmaking: April 4 – 11
2019-04-04 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Drypoint Printmaking, ages 16+
Thursdays, 6 – 8 pm
April 4 – 11 (2 weeks) $70
Learn the basics of intaglio drypoint printmaking. Week one you will develop a plate using a drypoint needle. Week two, you will learn to ink, print, and use a printmaking press to create your own prints.
Instructor: Kristen Greteman
North Studio
Class Limit: 10

Creative Explorations: Apr 4 - Apr 25
2019-04-04 09:15 - 10:00
Creative Explorations, ages 3 – 5 years
Thursdays, 9:15 – 10:00 am
$55 for each 4 week session below:
January 10 – 31
February 21 – March 14
April 4 – 25
This class is dedicated to the process of exploration through materials such as paint, charcoal, fabric, plastic, sculpture media, cardboard, paper, ink etc…Use of scissors and proper handling of materials will be covered. Basic painting etiquette and mixing of colors will also be explored.
Instructor: Beth Weninger
Hunziker Studio
Class Limit: 6
To register:

enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per student)
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complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
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Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns.
Registration closes on at 6am on 4/2/19.

Exploring Art: April 2 - 23
2019-04-02 09:15 - 10:00
Exploring Art, ages: 18 months – younger 3’s
Tuesdays, 9:15 – 10am
$55 for each 4 week session below:
January 8 – 29
February 19 – March 12
April 2 – 23
May 7 – 28
Children and their adult partner will explore art together in a relaxed environment. Toddlers will create their own works of art while learning new skills like tearing paper, gluing, cutting, coloring over texture, painting with different objects, moving through transitions and imitating art making processes. Activities will focus on age appropriate, playful, artistic and sensory materials.
Limit: 6 adult/child pairs.
Instructor: Beth Weninger
Hunziker Studio
To register:

enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns.
Registration closes on at 6am on 3/31/19.

JORDAN LUCKOW
2019-03-30 - 2019-04-27
LOCATED IN THE SMALL [BUT MIGHTY] WALL GALLERY (3rd floor)
Artist Bio
Jordan Luckow of Sioux City, IA is a recent graduate from Iowa State University. While at Iowa State he received his bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts focusing on printmaking, and painting. Jordan currently is a full-time designer at Lincoln Center Hy-Vee Floral in Ames, where he continues to create and find inspiration arranging flowers. In his downtown he continues to make art, publishing a book, and is participating in Art Festivals and shows.

Artist Statement
Words of rap artist, Lil Wayne “I didn’t set out to be different. I set out to be me and people thought it was different.” Art celebrates one person’s differences and makes them accessible to the world. Acrylic and ink provide the medium for Jordan Luckow to express his uniqueness to the world.
Each of Jordan’s pieces reflects the different steps he takes in the journey of life. His non-traditional content contains metaphors that represent what he was going through, feeling, or experiencing at the time. For example Jordan uses a cacti in most of his pieces as a metaphor for himself, defensive, prick-ish, yet beautiful, strong, and continuously growing. Jordan plays the role of “You can hurt me, but you cant kill me” just like a cactus.
The art comes alive when someone views it and they begin to see the world in a nontraditional way. Although Jordan doesn’t set out for his art to be different, he does set out to be himself.

Naturescapes PRATIK RAY, MIKE LEINHAUSER, & GARY HOARD
2019-03-30 - 2019-05-18
LOCATED IN THE COMMUNITY GALLERY
Artist Statement: Pratik Ray
I am fascinated by the beauty and majesty of nature and light – not just the landscapes and seascapes, but also the light that paints them in vivid colors. It is the many moods of light that gives rise to a range of emotional response to the scene. It is my endeavor to take in these moments, and capture these precious snapshots in time in a way that re-kindles the same feelings when I look back at these images. In short, to quote Robert Kincaid from the Bridges of Madison County, “I don’t take pictures, I make pictures”. Each of these pictures are made in order to preserve the many moods of nature that I have felt during my sojourns in the American West and the Mid-West.
Through my work, I hope to share my excitement and that rare feeling of bliss one experiences when journeying through the lap of nature, motivate people to appreciate nature and spark efforts to preserve and nurture them. Man has a strong connection with nature, but this connection may be latent for many. I endeavor to ignite a spark that helps people reconnect with the majesty of Mother Nature, in all her moods and glory.
Artist Biography: Pratik Ray
Pratik Ray is an artist and a scientist. He started out as an artist working primarily with charcoal and pastels. During his graduate school at Iowa State University, he started delving into the photographic medium. This medium melded beautifully with his other passion, namely electron microscopy. One involves capturing images of our daily visual world using the subtleties of light, while the other relies on electrons at microscopic levels. His art complements his other life as a scientist – with both the worlds studying and describing nature in their own unique ways.
Pratik’s interest in photography is two-fold. His fascination with Mother Earth results in a passion for landscape photography, displaying Nature in all her glory. Based in the American mid-west, his landscape shots reflect some of the mid-west surroundings in general, and his town (Ames, IA) in particular as well as the mountains of United States.
Pratik’s travels often lead him to rugged mountains and fascinating ocean fronts. A second interest relates to exploring the vagaries of the world from different point of views. In this endeavor, the same event is studied from different points of view – an attempt to reveal the underlying currents and counter-currents behind an innocuous image.

Artist’s Statement: Mike Leinhauser
In 1966 my dad took a couple photos of my new bride, developed and printed the negs, I was really impressed by all this. Out of the service in 1970, I got all his equipment and set about teaching myself how to use it. Read lots of articles and looked at lots of photographs and tried to make sense of it all. Took some photos and classes along the way and finally got tired of going classes where the instructors were just showing off their fancy equipment and decided to teach classes myself.
Taught some classes through Scott Community College and one through Lincoln Center for the Arts in Bettendorf. Really enjoyed the experience. Had some shows with the Photo Image League, a very enjoyable time. Had some other shows too. Entered a few contests.
Foggy mornings and inclement weather are when I like to photograph mostly. Suited my needs, did wonders for the backgrounds and I enjoyed the quiet. I just photograph whatever appeals to me, as one can see in my images.
What have I learned from all this? Maybe to have applied myself a bit more.
Artist Biography: Mike Leinhauser
Born 1945 in Ottumwa, IA. Moved a bit growing up, Branson, MO, Dallas, TX, Cleveland, OH, Akron, OH and in 1960 moved to Des Moines, IA where I attended jr. high and high school. Took some classes at Drake University and University of Iowa. Married in 1966 and off to the Air Force from 1966 to 1970, had a daughter and a son during that time and back to Des Moines after I was discharged until 1979 when we moved to Bettendorf, IA where I now currently live. Lost my wife Sally to cancer in Dec. 2015. Since 2002 I have worked as an electrician at John Deere Seeding in Moline IL.

Artist’s Statement: Gary Hoard
Photography is my way to capture the ordinary and unusual moments in the nature around us. Looking through the lens and composing an interesting shot forces me to be more aware of what is going on around me, enhancing the outdoor experience. I enjoy this natural experience whether or not I get the photo – the image is a bonus which allows me to share a special moment with others.
This ‘Naturescapes’ exhibit includes a collection of my photographic images on metal of plants, birds and animals in their natural environments, hopefully uncommon views of common subjects. I also include some landscapes that evoke the feeling of peace and solitude that being ‘close to nature’ brings us. The images are printed on metal which reflects the vibrancy I see in the natural world.
Artist Biography: Gary Hoard
Gary has been photographing for over 50 years, predominantly nature and city and rural landscapes. His interest in both photography and nature was kindled early by his parents: his Dad a US Navy photographer stationed at Pearl Harbor during the attack, and his Mom an avid naturalist and gardener. Gary’s 40-year career in plant genetics research furthered his interest in the natural world. He has enhanced his photographic skills by studying the biology of animals and plants, and by attending photography workshops and seminars.
His award-winning work has appeared in several exhibits including Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, Ankeny Art Center, Iowa State Fair Photography Salon and Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel FL. His photographs were used in the State Capitol Tour Guide.
Gary enjoys capturing uncommon views of common subjects. He spends most of his camera-time photographing at state, county and national parks, urban areas, or in his home gardens. He finds Iowa offers many beautiful photographic opportunities including lots of green space, interesting cityscapes and beautiful architecture, both historic and modern.
Website: GaryHoardPhotography.com

Drawing Workshop: March 23
2019-03-23 14:00 - 16:00
Drawing Workshop, ages 18+
Saturday, March 23 (This is the re-scheduled date.)
2 – 4 pm
$45
Learn some fundamentals of drawing and shading in this condensed drawing session. Bring a sketchbook, at least 9”x12” and favorite drawing materials. Some paper and drawing materials will be supplied.
Instructor: Dick Shook
North Studio
To register:

enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per student)
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complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
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Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns.
Registration closes on at 6am on 3/20/19.

Spring Break Art Camp: March 18 - 22
2019-03-18 09:00 - 15:00
Spring Break Art Camp, ages K – 5
March 18 – 22
9 am – 3 pm
$210
Bring a sack lunch and drink each day to art camp
Scholarships Available
Class Limit: 16
To register:

enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per student)
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complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
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Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns.
Registration closes on at 6am on 3/16/19.

Thursday Morning Art Projects: March 14
2019-03-14 11:00 - 12:00
Thursday Morning Art Projects, ages K – 6
11 am – 12 pm
$10
Create unique and interesting art projects each class while learning about new artists, their methods and materials. All supplies included.
January 17
February 21
March 14
Class Limit: 8
To register:

enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per student)
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complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
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Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns.
Registration closes on at 6am on 3/12/19.

Iowa State MFA Exhibit
2019-03-07 - 2019-03-23
LOCATED IN THE COMMUNITY GALLERY
Artist Statement: Jasmine Beul
I see my ceramic works as sculptural vessels. They are inspired by historical vessel forms, but without the functionality. The utilitarian function is removed by making the forms asymmetrical, and exaggerating the scale and perforations. When utilitarian nature is removed what remains is an exploration of formal elements.
With my paintings, I was interested in creating a fragmented view of a landscape to be somewhere between realism and abstraction. In these close up views, there is never a sense of the surrounding scenery, but instead, the confrontation of a vertical surface. This close inspection tells the partial story of a place, but obscures the whole truth. It hints at a layered history, but in this extreme close up only a specific part of a story is being told. It becomes a metaphor for the way we retell stories, remembering only certain details, and maybe failing to see the complete truth behind a narrative.

Artist Biography: Jasmine Beul
Jasmine Beul is grew up in Denver, Colorado, and is currently a first year graduate student in the Integrated Visual Art program at Iowa State University. She graduated from the University of Montana in Missoula in 2017 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and creative writing. Her emphasis with her BFA was in ceramics, an interest which started in high school and she decided to pursue further in college. She also spent a year as a post-baccalaureate student at Montana State University in Bozeman, MT from 2017-2018. Her work has been influenced by living in these places, as well as travelling. This is her first solo exhibition of work in the state of Iowa.

Artist Statement: Manatsa Mazimbe
Art curator and Afrofuturist, Ingrid LaFleur, quotes, “Afrofuturism is an intersection of imagination, technology, the future, and liberation. I generally define Afrofuturism as a way of imagining possible futures through a black cultural lens.” My work will be a series of digital, traditional, and animated works based on an afro-futuristic setting where Africans and African Americans live in a thriving utopian society. It is an optimistic view of the combination of both cultures in the future through the lens of a character named, Mana.
Artist Biography: Manatsa Mazimbe
I am currently a third-semester M.F.A graduate student majoring in the Integrated Visual Arts with a focus on Illustration for Animation. I attained my B.F.A in Animation from an enriching education at the Savannah College of Art and Design. The combination of both areas of study has allowed me to expand my work and offer a complete design and storytelling experience.
My time as a student-athlete for four years helped me become disciplined in my work and to appreciate challenges, allowing for continuous focus and diligence. I also had the privilege to work on an Annie nominated film called, Frog Legs, which was directed by an old colleague and friend, Katie Tamboer. Coming from an African background with no knowledge and experience with technology prior to college, this was a satisfying accomplishment.

Mini Makers: Mar 3
2019-03-03 13:00 - 14:00
Mini Makers, ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner
Sundays, 1 – 2 pm
January 27
February 10
February 24
March 3
$15 per session for one adult/child pair, $12 for each additional child or adult.
Spend some creative time making all kinds of art projects including handbuilt clay pieces, canvas paintings, collages, drawings independently or together.
Instructor: Maki Koep
Hunziker Studio
To register:

enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns.
Registration closes on at 6am on 3/1/19.

Mini Makers: Feb 24
2019-02-24 13:00 - 14:00
Mini Makers, ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner
Sundays, 1 – 2 pm
January 27
February 10
February 24
March 3
$15 per session for one adult/child pair, $12 for each additional child or adult.
Spend some creative time making all kinds of art projects including handbuilt clay pieces, canvas paintings, collages, drawings independently or together.
Instructor: Maki Koep
Hunziker Studio
To register:

enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns.
Registration closes on at 6am on 2/22/19.

A Soldier Says Good-bye RICH ABRAHAMSON
2019-02-23 - 2019-03-23
LOCATED IN THE SMALL WALL GALLERY (Third Floor)
Artist Statement
Camera’s freeze moments in split seconds while life passes in days, weeks and years.
Some lives are mixed with both quality and quantity of time. Those individuals celebrate memories while unaware that the final chapters of their lives are being written.
Photographs help us punctuate their journeys, empowering us to tell important stories. Photojournalists are called upon to document these events. This is our legacy.
In “A Soldier Says Good-bye” we follow a World War II veteran through the twilight of life. A time when moments resonate with love, vulnerability and tears.
The soldier, a 96 year-old Swede from Boxholm, Iowa, farmed with horses and picked corn by hand before joining the first group of Boone County Iowa men drafted into service in 1942. He joined the Army Air Corps and was assigned to crew on a B-24 heavy bomber.
Instead of harnessing a team of horses and working the fields, he was completing pre flight inspections on his plane. He’d push the aircraft’s throttles full forward, bringing four thundering 1200 horse power Pratt and Whitney engines to life.
The serene view over an Iowa corn field was replaced with the sensation of flying over the white caps of the Adriatic Sea, skimming above the water to avoid radar detection.
Some soldiers never came home. Others returned to Central Iowa and into the arms of their families. Many returned to the farm and their jobs. They got married. Started families.
A few lived to be old men One of them was my dad, Staff Sergeant Richard L. Abrahamson.
This is his story. A tribute told through the eyes of his son, the photojournalist.

Biography
Rich Abrahamson of Ames, Iowa is a career photojournalist and writer. His appreciation for photography and stories began as a kid while watching slide shows his dad created with photos shot around the family farm and during summer vacations.
In high school and college, he was part of the newspaper and yearbook staffs. The experience laid the groundwork for his career choice and showed him that work could be fun.
At 21, he bought his first 35 mm film camera while taking a photography course taught by Bob Person at the Des Moines Area Community College. Person’s style of instruction impacted students, including Abrahamson, with thoughtful advice and passionate critiques of student work.
In 1987 Abrahamson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Northwest Missouri State University. A few months later he was hired as the lone photographer on the staff of the Fort Morgan Times, a small family-owned newspaper on Colorado’s northeast plains.
In 1991 he joined the staff of the Fort Collins Coloradan where he worked for the next 22 years.
Abrahamson has completed news, sports and documentary assignments throughout Colorado and the United States. He’s built a portfolio of images from 46 states and nine Canadian provinces.
For 26 years he covered professional and college sports including the Denver Broncos, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rockies and Colorado State University Rams.
His subjects have included Pope John Paul II, the Dalai Lama, Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, hall of fame quarterback John Elway, musicians Ray Charles, David Bowie, Carlos Santana, Buddy Rich and the Grateful Dead.
In 2013 Abrahamson returned to central Iowa and began freelancing as a photographer, writer and columnist for central Iowa newspapers. He also serves as a writer and photographer for Iowa State University’s Department of Residence newsletter.

Printmaking 101: February 21 - March 14
2019-02-21 18:00 - 19:30
Printmaking 101, ages 9 – 13
February 21 – March 14 (4 weeks)
6 – 7:30 pm
$75
In this class, young artists will sharpen their drawing skills to create eye-catching printed artworks. Students will explore intricate designs and techniques of mono-print and relief printmaking, as well as alternative processes. Students will develop skills in layering, carving, composition and design as they explore materials and techniques. Each student will leave with their very own portfolio of prints. Class Limit: 8
North Studio
Instructor: Hannah Becker

Thursday Morning Art Projects: Feb 21
2019-02-21 11:00 - 12:00
Thursday Morning Art Projects, ages K – 6
11 am – 12 pm
$10
Create unique and interesting art projects each class while learning about new artists, their methods and materials. All supplies included.
January 17
February 21
March 14
Class Limit: 8
To register:

enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns.
Registration closes on at 6am on 2/19/19.

Creative Explorations: Feb 21 - Mar 14
2019-02-21 09:15 - 10:00
Creative Explorations, ages 3 – 5 years
Thursdays, 9:15 – 10:00 am
$55 for each 4 week session below:
January 10 – 31
February 21 – March 14
April 4 – 25
This class is dedicated to the process of exploration through materials such as paint, charcoal, fabric, plastic, sculpture media, cardboard, paper, ink etc…Use of scissors and proper handling of materials will be covered. Basic painting etiquette and mixing of colors will also be explored.
Instructor: Beth Weninger
Hunziker Studio
Class Limit: 6
To register:

enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns.
Registration closes on at 6am on 2/19/19.

Exploring Art: Feb 19 - Mar 12
2019-02-19 09:15 - 10:00
Exploring Art, ages: 18 months – younger 3’s
Tuesdays, 9:15 – 10am
$55 for each 4 week session below:
January 8 – 29
February 19 – March 12
April 2 – 23
May 7 – 28
Children and their adult partner will explore art together in a relaxed environment. Toddlers will create their own works of art while learning new skills like tearing paper, gluing, cutting, coloring over texture, painting with different objects, moving through transitions and imitating art making processes. Activities will focus on age appropriate, playful, artistic and sensory materials.
Limit: 6 adult/child pairs.
Instructor: Beth Weninger
Hunziker Studio
To register:

enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns.
Registration closes on at 6am on 2/17/19.

Bring a date -- Make a Plate: February 15
2019-02-15 18:00 - 21:00
Bring a date — Make a Plate, ages 21+
Friday, February 15, 6 – 9 pm
$60 per couple
Open to couples who wish to create a plates together on the potter’s wheel and/or a handbuilt platter or container. Class size is limited to 5 couples. Plates will be ready for pick up two weeks after workshop.
Instructor: Suzy Block
Ceramics Studio
Class limit 10
To register:

enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per couple)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns.
Registration closes on at 6am on 2/13/19.

Mini Makers: Feb 10
2019-02-10 13:00 - 14:00
Mini Makers, ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner
Sundays, 1 – 2 pm
January 27
February 10
February 24
March 3
$15 per session for one adult/child pair, $12 for each additional child or adult.
Spend some creative time making all kinds of art projects including handbuilt clay pieces, canvas paintings, collages, drawings independently or together.
Instructor: Maki Koep
Hunziker Studio
To register:

enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns.
Registration closes on at 6am on 2/08/19.

Make Your Own Mugs – all skill levels: February 4 – 18
2019-02-04 18:00 - 21:00
Make Your Own Mugs – all skill levels, ages 16+
Mondays, 6 – 9 pm
February 4 – 18 (3 weeks) $85
Beginning students will learn basic wheel throwing techniques to create mugs, and learn the fundamentals of wedging clay and glazing. Intermediate and advanced students will be guided to continue and practice their artistic pursuits. All skill levels will have finished functional pieces at the end of class. Finished pieces may be picked up two weeks after class ends.
Instructor: Suzy Block
Ceramics Studio
Class Limit: 7
To register:

enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns.
Registration closes on at 6am on 2/1/19.

Handbuilt Pottery: Feb 3 - 24
2019-02-03 15:00 - 16:30
Handbuilt Pottery, ages 11 – 14
Sundays, 3 – 4:30 pm
February 3 – 24 (4 weeks) $80
This is a class where pottery, sculpture and painting meet. Design your own creative forms (functional and non-functional) while learning the basics of hand-building techniques. Pieces will be glazed and fired. Pick up pieces 2 weeks after class ends.
Instructor: Maki Koep
Ceramics Studio
Class Limit: 10
To register:

enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns.
Registration closes on at 6am on 2/1/19.

Drypoint Printmaking: Condensed Workshop
2019-02-02 10:00 - 12:00
Drypoint Printmaking: Condensed Workshop
Saturday, February 2 10am – NOON (North Studio)
Octagon member discounts may not be used for this special workshop.
Limit of 12 people
Instructor: Jeanine Coupe Ryding, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Print Media Department
Note from Jeanine: workshop is for ALL levels of experience or no experience. If you can hold a pencil, you have the skills.
In this workshop participants will learn the basics of drypoint intaglio printmaking including how to prepare and draw on plexiglass plates as well as inking, wiping and printing their plates on an etching press. This is a simple, non-toxic form of image making with many possibilities.
Supplies for participants to bring:
Laser prints or sketches (about 3×5” or 4×6”) of images they want to draw onto their plates.
Apron or wear old clothes
Instructor Bio: Jeanine Coupe Ryding’ prints and artists books are in museum and private collections in the U.S, Europe and Japan. Her work focuses primarily on woodcut prints, etchings, artist’s books, drawing and collage. She founded both Shadow Press and Press 928 in Evanston, Illinois for fine art printing and publishing. She received her BA degree from The University of Iowa and her MFA from the Universitat der Kunste, in Berlin, Germany. Jeanine has received various awards and residencies including Illinois Arts Council Award, Arts Midwest Grant, Frans Masereel Center residency in Belgium and Anchor Graphics residency in Chicago. She has been teaching in the Print Media Department at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago since 1991.
To register:

enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
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complete the payment information
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Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns.

Octagonal: The All Media Exhibit
2019-02-01 - 2019-03-30
LOCATED IN MAIN GALLERY AND SWEENEY GALLERY (3rd floor)
Octagonal: The All-Media Exhibit is the annual, juried all-media exhibition at the Octagon Center for the Arts in Ames, Iowa. Originally titled the Clay and Paper Show, the exhibit opened in 1968 to provide an opportunity to the central Iowa arts community. Over the past 51 years, the exhibit morphed over the decades to become the Clay, Fiber, Paper, Glass, Metal, Wood Exhibit that has featured hundreds of artists from dozens of states. The newest version of the exhibit, Octagonal: The All-Media Exhibit, launched in 2018 taking a note from the past while moving forward to continue to provide an exciting opportunity for artists across Iowa, the Midwest, and the nation. This exhibit features a regionally-recognized juror each year, attracts artists from across the United States, and provides significant cash awards.
2019 Awards
The following media awards are named in honor of the four women who founded the Octagon Center for the Arts in 1966.
Special thanks to Haila Architecture, Structure, Planning to sponsoring the following four media awards.
Priscilla Sage Fiber Award: Incubator (tapestry) by Betty Busby from Albuquerque, NM
Janet Harris Squires Clay Award: Wedding Vase (ceramic) by Jasmine Beul of Ames, IA
Martha Benson Metal Media Award: Mater et Filia (Raised Copper Vessel) by Gina Westergard from Lawrence, KS
Veronika Ruedenberg Mixed Media Award: The Sunny Day (linoleum tile sculpture,) by Sue Berkey from Fairfield, IA
The following awards are generously funded by the Brown Family Endowment Fund in honor of Donald Brown Jr. and Winifred V. Brown
Paper: March 28th (digital photograph) by Angela Beckwith of Ames, IA
Glass: Veiled Cane on a Blue & White Overlay by Art Ciccotti from Ames, IA
Wood: One Million Rocks (rocking chair) by Matthew Obbink from Boone, IA
Painting: Crush No. 1 by Jeremy Roy from Grimes, IA
Emerging Artist Award: Scarecrow in the Garden by Robert Jinkins from Rewey, WI
Winifred V. Brown Best of Show Award: Drained (painting) by Josh Sorrell from Ankeny, IA
Award winners pictured with Juror, Jeanine Coupe Ryding; Executive Director, Heather Johnson; and Board President, Sam Stagg

Mini Makers: Jan 27
2019-01-27 13:00 - 14:00
Mini Makers, ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner
Sundays, 1 – 2 pm
January 27
February 10
February 24
March 3
$15 per session for one adult/child pair, $12 for each additional child or adult.
Spend some creative time making all kinds of art projects including handbuilt clay pieces, canvas paintings, collages, drawings independently or together.
Instructor: Maki Koep
Hunziker Studio
To register:

enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns.
Registration closes on at 6am on 1/25/19.

Basic Paint Mixing/Color Workshop: Jan 26
2019-01-26 14:00 - 16:00
Basic Paint Mixing/Color Workshop
Saturday, January 26
2 – 4 pm
$45
Learn the basics of setting up your paint palette in either oil or acrylic media then create some painted sketches putting into practice how certain colors react each other. All materials provided.
Instructor: Dick Shook
North Studio
To register:

enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns.
Registration closes on at 6am on 1/24/19.

All kinds of Art: January
2019-01-21 09:00 - 15:00
All Kinds of Art!
Winter Conference Workshop, K – 5
Monday, January 21
9 am – 3 pm
$45. Sign up for one or both days. Pre-registration required.
Bring a sack lunch and get creative on your days off!

To register:

enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns.
Registration closes on at 6am on 1/17/19.

Knitted Stocking Cap: Jan 19
2019-01-19 13:00 - 16:00
Knitted Stocking Cap
Saturday, January 19
1 – 4 pm
$40
If you already know how to knit and are looking for a simple, quick winter cap project, this is YOUR class. Knit this classic stocking cap on 2 needles in any size (provided pattern includes sizes Child through Adult XL). Class will introduce 2-color knitting and include ideas for Pompoms and tassels. Skill level: Advanced Beginner
Instructor: Diane Corson
Studio: Adams
Class Limit: 10
To register:

enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns.
Registration closes on at 6am on 1/17/19.

Beginning Scottish Country Dance: Jan 18 - Feb 22
2019-01-18 19:00 - 20:00
Beginning Scottish Country Dance
Fridays, 7 – 8 pm
January 18 – February 22 (6 weeks) $45
Learn the art of the very social and lively Scottish Country Dance with experienced Instructors. After your one hour session, you are welcome to stay and join in with the Scottish Country Dancers. Wear comfortable clothing and soft soled, bendable shoes. A dance party will take place the last day of class. No experience or partner necessary.
Instructor: Linda Lewis Lieberman
Dance Studio
To register:

enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns.
Registration closes on at 6am on 1/16/19.

Make Stuff: Jan 17 - 31
2019-01-17 18:30 - 20:00
Make Stuff, ages 13 – 15
Thursdays, 6:30 – 8 pm
January 17 – 31 (3 weeks) $65
A perfect time to get creative in this all media class. Each week you can dabble in painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, or collage. New skills, materials and techniques will be introduced and amazing projects will be created!
Instructor: Daniel Nutt
Adams Studio
Class Limit: 8
To register:

enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns.
Registration closes on at 6am on 1/15/19.

Thursday Morning Art Projects: Jan 17
2019-01-17 11:00 - 12:00
Thursday Morning Art Projects, ages K – 6
11 am – 12 pm
$10
Create unique and interesting art projects each class while learning about new artists, their methods and materials. All supplies included.
January 17
February 21
March 14
Class Limit: 8
To register:

enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns.
Registration closes on at 6am on 1/15/19.

Drawing Skills: Jan 14 - Feb 4
2019-01-14 19:00 - 20:00
Drawing Skills, ages 9 – 12
Mondays, 7 – 8 pm
January 14 – February 4(4 weeks) $65
Learn the basics of drawing and observational skills starting with contour drawings and fundamentals of shading, and color. Weekly assignments complement and enhance previously covered skills.
Instructor: Daniel Nutt
Adams Studio
Class Limit: 8
To register:

enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns.
Registration closes on at 5pm on 1/12/19.
