Group Art Exhibition: Joe Muench “Lessons Learned: Explorations in Metal”
2026-04-10 10:00 - 2026-04-30 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
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 – Exhibition Opening Day
TBD – Exhibition Reception
April 30, 2026 – Exhibition Closes

Artist Statements:
More information to come

Artist Biographies:
More information to come

2026 College of Design MFA Capstone Show
2026-05-04 10:00 - 2026-05-11 17:00
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 projects in the Community Gallery.

Exhibition Dates:
May 4th, 2026 – Exhibition Opening Day
May 7, 2026 – Exhibition Reception
May 11th, 2026 – Exhibition Closes

2026 College of Design MFA Capstone Reception
2026-05-07 17:30 - 19:00

Art From the Attic - Octagon Art Sale
2026-05-13 10:00 - 2026-05-16 17:00
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 have graciously donated original artwork, and pieces we have gathered from our building that need a new home. We believe that art is for everyone, so you will find a variety of styles and prices that are affordable. Stop by the gallery between 10AM and 7PM to browse through one-of-a-kind artworks that will fit perfectly in your space at incredibly low prices. The sale continues Friday and Saturday, from 10AM to 5PM.

Donating Artwork:
If you have quality art pieces that you no longer have room for or no longer fits with your décor, we would love to have you consider donating it to our art sale. We provide incredible discounts on quality work to make it accessible to people from all walks of life. We are focused on original art and prints, as opposed to items purchased from box stores or home décor businesses. All proceeds go to support classes and events at the Octagon.

If you choose to donate, please make sure artwork is not damaged, dirty or faded. If you have multiple or large pieces, live in Ames, and don’t have a way to transport them to the Octagon, please contact office@octagonarts.org or admin@octagonarts.org and the Octagon staff will make arrangements for pick up. Also, we are not able to accept jewelry for the sale. Once donated to the sale, the Octagon has full ownership and discretion of any remaining, unsold artwork.

We appreciate your commitment to the Octagon and our mission, through your membership, donations and attendance at events. If this is something you are interested in participating in, you can bring your art pieces to the Octagon Monday through Thursday, 10 AM to 5:30 PM. If those times don’t work for you, give us a call and we can set up a time to meet you.

NOTE: Per IRS guidelines, the Octagon is not able to provide a donation receipt for artwork since it’s a noncash charitable contribution, and the Octagon is unable to establish a cash value for donated artwork.

Octagon 60th Birthday Hullabaloo
2026-08-31 10:00 - 2026-10-10 17:00
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

55th Annual Octagon Art Festival
2026-09-27 10:00 - 16:00
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.

4th Annual Winter Market
2026-11-23 10:00 - 2026-12-24 17:00
4th Annual Winter Market
Event by Octagon Shop

Event Dates:
November 23, 2026 – Event Opening Day
December 24, 2026 – Event Closes

About This Event:
The Octagon will hold the 4rd annual Winter Market, featuring great finds on holiday-themed artworks from local artists and week-by-week special deals.
