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SUMMARY:“Visions of Hildegard” Reception
DESCRIPTION:Visions of Hildegard\nSolo Exhibition by Christopher Hynes \n\nExhibition Dates:\nSeptember 12th\, 2025 – Exhibition Opening Day\nSeptember 12th\, 2025 – Exhibition Reception 5:30PM – 7PM in the Community Gallery with choir performance by the group “Good Company” at 6pm\nSeptember 28th\, 2025 – Exhibition Closes \n \nArtist Statement:\n“There is a little bit of something in everything and that is what I like to explore.” \nMy work is all about storytelling–my Assemblages\, Sculptures\, Collages\, and Pigmented Plasters all bear a narrative element. Through observing\, reinterpreting\, repurposing\, and reimagining objects\, materials and artifacts\, I create visual poems that are sometimes political and serious\, sometimes whimsical and humorous\, but always with purpose and intent. When I’m in my studio everything I need is there and the universe is perfect. \nHildegard of Bingen saw the world as a whole – nearly nine  centuries before spaceflight allowed us to see the Earth as a  vulnerable orb against the darkness of space. I have long had a  personal connection with this exceptional mystic. Having raised  ten children- I was the tenth- my mother returned to her vocation  as a Benedictine nun after my father passed away. She told me  about Hildegard\, her work and her visions in the early eighties  before she became known and celebrated in bibliotherapy  research. So when Alex [collaborative composer] shared his ideas of working with Hildegard of  Bingen’s concepts and music for our second collaboration\, I was immediately drawn in. The number 3 occurs with regularity in  Hildegard’s writings\, and Alex made this central in his new  composition. I then decided to base my palette on the three  primary colors and their opposites. The nine paintings divided in  three subsets of three sizes – 24 x 24\, 48 x 48\, and 24 x 48 inches  determined the size of the paintings. I worked exclusively in pigmented plaster\, which dates back to  the Babylonians. It is a material that Hildegard would have been  familiar with and that I discovered while working the trades in  the early 2000s. I apply the plaster with a variety of knives ranging  from large mud knives to very small palette knives typically used  for oil Paint on a surface of wood Panels or from plywood found  on job sites. Each tool allows me to create different textures and  details\, working with this ancient medium in a modern context. I  chose the orbs to reflect Hildegard’s visionary depictions and the  larger expansive world she perceived. The paintings represent the  vibrant energy she found within her contemplative state in  monastic life. I must say creating them takes me into a deep  meditative state. The first three paintings I created\, measuring 24″ x 24″\, have the  primary colors red\, blue\, and yellow\, on a field of their complementary opposites\, green\, orange\, and purple. \nAt the heart of each piece is an orb within a square\, symbolically  enclosed by a gilt cross. These simple yet powerful forms are  inspired by Hildegard’s Benedictine tradition\, evoking spiritual  balance\, the intersection of the earthly and the divine\, and the  cyclical nature of spiritual growth. The gold reflects spiritual awareness. Hildegard explained that  her visions were not observed by the senses but within her soul\,  opened to experience. She called it “the reflection of the living light” and said it was “not spatial\, but far\, far brighter than a  cloud which carries the sun. The three larger square paintings\, 48″ x 48”\, have an orb in a  secondary color on a field of blended primary and secondary  colors. These paintings symbolize Hildegard’s visions of the great  unknown cosmos and her mystical experiences of astral travel.  The orbs serve as metaphors for Hildegard’s visions and meditations on the divine order of the cosmos\, which she documented in  her manuscripts. These orbs also evoke the mystical nature of her  “Music of the Spheres\,” an ancient and medieval philosophical  idea where the movements of celestial bodies are not random but  instead follow a harmonious and ordered system\, stirring with  life. As she writes in her final text\, The Book of Divine Works: “the  waters flow as if alive\, and the sun lives within its own light\, and  when the moon has waned it is rekindled by the light of the sun  and thereby lives anew\, and the stars shine forth in their own light  as though alive.”‘ The final three paintings are horizontal works\, measuring 24×48\,  inspired by the trio of musicians’ free improvisations that run  throughout the jazz composition. The three primary colors in  these pieces mirror the fluid and spontaneous nature of improvisation\, where distinct yet interconnected elements come together  to create a cohesive whole. The paintings have a visual reference  to Physica\, Hildegard’s treatises on medicinal plants\, recording  one of the first compendiums of European plants that offered  insight into their herbal properties and their use as remedies. \nArtist Biography:\nChristopher Hynes is the youngest of 10 children and grew up in Washington\, D.C. around artists\, writers\, and politicos. As a young man he was a studio assistant for several Washington artists. He also worked in an archival frame shop but\, mostly\, he played in rock and roll bands. In 1988 he turned to the visual arts full time. He is mostly self-taught and has had numerous group and one-man shows in Texas\, New York\, D.C.\, and other cities. His work is in many private collections across the United States. He’s lived in Austin since 1984. \n  \nPerformers:\nGood Company is a premier women’s ensemble\, bringing together women of all ages and walks of life to share the beauty of choral music in Ames. A small group of Good Company members will be performing two works by Hildegard of Bingen\, under the direction of Steve Hoifeldt.  \nWebsite: goodcompanysings.com
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/visions-of-hildegard-reception/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events,Exhibits
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DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250928T170000
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SUMMARY:Solo Art Exhibition: Christopher Hynes “Visions of Hildegard”
DESCRIPTION:Visions of Hildegard\nSolo Exhibition by Christopher Hynes\n\nExhibition Dates:\nSeptember 12th\, 2025 – Exhibition Opening Day\nSeptember 12th\, 2025 – Exhibition Reception 5:30PM – 7PM in the Community Gallery with choir performance by the group “Good Company” at 6pm\nSeptember 28th\, 2025 – Exhibition Closes \n \nArtist Statement:\n“There is a little bit of something in everything and that is what I like to explore.” \nMy work is all about storytelling–my Assemblages\, Sculptures\, Collages\, and Pigmented Plasters all bear a narrative element. Through observing\, reinterpreting\, repurposing\, and reimagining objects\, materials and artifacts\, I create visual poems that are sometimes political and serious\, sometimes whimsical and humorous\, but always with purpose and intent. When I’m in my studio everything I need is there and the universe is perfect. \nHildegard of Bingen saw the world as a whole – nearly nine  centuries before spaceflight allowed us to see the Earth as a  vulnerable orb against the darkness of space. I have long had a  personal connection with this exceptional mystic. Having raised  ten children- I was the tenth- my mother returned to her vocation  as a Benedictine nun after my father passed away. She told me  about Hildegard\, her work and her visions in the early eighties  before she became known and celebrated in bibliotherapy  research. So when Alex [collaborative composer] shared his ideas of working with Hildegard of  Bingen’s concepts and music for our second collaboration\, I was immediately drawn in. The number 3 occurs with regularity in  Hildegard’s writings\, and Alex made this central in his new  composition. I then decided to base my palette on the three  primary colors and their opposites. The nine paintings divided in  three subsets of three sizes – 24 x 24\, 48 x 48\, and 24 x 48 inches  determined the size of the paintings. I worked exclusively in pigmented plaster\, which dates back to  the Babylonians. It is a material that Hildegard would have been  familiar with and that I discovered while working the trades in  the early 2000s. I apply the plaster with a variety of knives ranging  from large mud knives to very small palette knives typically used  for oil Paint on a surface of wood Panels or from plywood found  on job sites. Each tool allows me to create different textures and  details\, working with this ancient medium in a modern context. I  chose the orbs to reflect Hildegard’s visionary depictions and the  larger expansive world she perceived. The paintings represent the  vibrant energy she found within her contemplative state in  monastic life. I must say creating them takes me into a deep  meditative state. The first three paintings I created\, measuring 24″ x 24″\, have the  primary colors red\, blue\, and yellow\, on a field of their complementary opposites\, green\, orange\, and purple. \nAt the heart of each piece is an orb within a square\, symbolically  enclosed by a gilt cross. These simple yet powerful forms are  inspired by Hildegard’s Benedictine tradition\, evoking spiritual  balance\, the intersection of the earthly and the divine\, and the  cyclical nature of spiritual growth. The gold reflects spiritual awareness. Hildegard explained that  her visions were not observed by the senses but within her soul\,  opened to experience. She called it “the reflection of the living light” and said it was “not spatial\, but far\, far brighter than a  cloud which carries the sun. The three larger square paintings\, 48″ x 48”\, have an orb in a  secondary color on a field of blended primary and secondary  colors. These paintings symbolize Hildegard’s visions of the great  unknown cosmos and her mystical experiences of astral travel.  The orbs serve as metaphors for Hildegard’s visions and meditations on the divine order of the cosmos\, which she documented in  her manuscripts. These orbs also evoke the mystical nature of her  “Music of the Spheres\,” an ancient and medieval philosophical  idea where the movements of celestial bodies are not random but  instead follow a harmonious and ordered system\, stirring with  life. As she writes in her final text\, The Book of Divine Works: “the  waters flow as if alive\, and the sun lives within its own light\, and  when the moon has waned it is rekindled by the light of the sun  and thereby lives anew\, and the stars shine forth in their own light  as though alive.”‘ The final three paintings are horizontal works\, measuring 24×48\,  inspired by the trio of musicians’ free improvisations that run  throughout the jazz composition. The three primary colors in  these pieces mirror the fluid and spontaneous nature of improvisation\, where distinct yet interconnected elements come together  to create a cohesive whole. The paintings have a visual reference  to Physica\, Hildegard’s treatises on medicinal plants\, recording  one of the first compendiums of European plants that offered  insight into their herbal properties and their use as remedies.  \nArtist Biography:\nChristopher Hynes is the youngest of 10 children and grew up in Washington\, D.C. around artists\, writers\, and politicos. As a young man he was a studio assistant for several Washington artists. He also worked in an archival frame shop but\, mostly\, he played in rock and roll bands. In 1988 he turned to the visual arts full time. He is mostly self-taught and has had numerous group and one-man shows in Texas\, New York\, D.C.\, and other cities. His work is in many private collections across the United States. He’s lived in Austin since 1984.
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/solo-art-exhibition-christopher-hynes-visions-of-hildegard/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events,Exhibits
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DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250906T140000
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SUMMARY:Art Supply Treasure Hunt!
DESCRIPTION:Find your art supply treasures and bag them up for free!   \nFrom 10am – 2pm\nIn the Octagon 2nd Floor Dance Studio \nPrairie Rose Needleworks\, Knittery Nook and the Octagon have been gathering art and craft supplies from the community throughout August. And now we want to make them available to you – for free! Join us on the 2nd floor of the Octagon on September 6 and hunt for the art supplies you need. Or the art supplies that you wanted but didn’t know if you would use. Now is the time to find out! (We know there’s a big game that day – come before it starts or sneak away at halftime. There’s time!) \nFree and open to all ages; 12 & under must be accompanied by an adult 
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/art-supply-giveaway/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250905T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250905T193000
DTSTAMP:20260423T062114
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SUMMARY:"Just Duet” Reception
DESCRIPTION:Just Duet\nGroup Exhibition by Alexandra Ackerman and Jeremy Ackerman\n\nExhibition Dates:\nAugust 18th\, 2025 – Exhibition Opening Day\nSeptember 5th\, 2025 – Exhibition Reception 5:30PM – 7:30PM in the Community Gallery\nSeptember 5th\, 2025 – Exhibition Closes\n\n \nArtists’ Statements:\n\nAlexandra Ackerman:\nFor as long as I can remember I have found comfort and joy in making things with my hands. Art has helped me process and respond to the beauty and complexity of the world through every phase of life. Now\, as an adult\, I can see that all my work is in honor of childhood and in dedication to my childhood self\, the girl who found pure freedom in creating her own worlds. My paintings are “internal landscapes”\, unique environments that reflect a deep love of color\, pattern\, nature\, and play. My visual language draws from my years of experience farming and gardening across the country. I have found infinite pleasure in the simple act of watching plants grow; my hands in the soil\, bearing witness to the life cycle from seed to fruit\, contemplating the mysteries of clouds\, bugs\, and steaming piles of compost. The transformative experience of pregnancy and motherhood have also shaped me as an artist\, giving new meaning to the concept of “creation”.\nFor the past twenty years I have constantly sought to balance my roles of mother and artist\, finding joy and tears in the process. During the pandemic I shifted my focus from watercolor to acrylic and mixed media. I began gluing fabric scraps onto wood panels\, and painting around and over them. Cutting and gluing was grounding and healing in a time of extreme uncertainty. My current work – a series of acrylic and fabric paintings on wood – explores a combination of contrasting themes: wild vs. cultivated landscape\, domestic vs. natural environment\, order vs. chaos. Each painting seeks harmony and balance in color and composition\, texture and pattern. I am especially inspired by folk art\, botanical art\, aboriginal art\, and patchwork quilts. I hope my paintings will stimulate curiosity and encourage the viewer to look at the world with fresh eyes. \nJeremy Ackerman:\nThe irreverent artist Ray Johnson produced a series of seemingly improvised performances during his career that he referred to as “Throw Away Gestures.” Usually consisting of a few unremarkable objects\, Johnson would break down social norms by interacting with these objects in playful yet unsettling ways. These performances were not slick but rather a series of untethered gestures that were meant to surprise those\nbearing witness. Simple\, uncomplicated\, yet full of possibilities. In my most recent series of mixed media cut paper collages\, I’ve adapted Johnson’s concept of the “Throw Away Gesture” for two dimensional work. Scribbles became loose forms that were drawn up very quickly; sometimes without even looking at the paper. As the number of my throw away gestures accumulated I would look for interesting relationships between them. The drawn gestures then went through a comically tedious process of being cut out with an x-acto blade. Ultimately\, I was left with a collection of forms that were chopped up\, reduced\, expanded\, connected\, colored\, layered and sometimes actually thrown away.\nMy lifelong fascination with music played a major role in the aesthetic of these works. Rhythm and color push against each other as the cut out gestures dive\, slam\, twerk\, bounce and pogo; avatars for all the things floating around in my head. In these artworks the viewer might see glimmers of my lived experience of punk rock\, doo-wop\, death obsession\, new age philosophy\, hamburgers\, boom boxes\, spirits in the material world\, guilt\, divine comedies\, garbage collection\, aboriginal dreamtime conduits\, cosmic jazz and other such additions to a life time laundry list. In the end\, these sets of throw away gestures and random rules ushered in a new era of psychedelic storytelling that was in hot pursuit of self actualization. \n \nArtists’ Biographies:\n \nAlexandra Ackerman:\nAlexandra Ackerman is a mixed media artist who uses color\, pattern\, and form (both organic and geometric) to create playful and dynamic abstract landscapes. Her artwork has been influenced by her years of experience working on farms and in gardens across the U.S. She is also inspired by folk art\, patchwork quilts\, abstract expressionism\, and the Midwest landscape. Originally from Ann Arbor\, Michigan\, Ackerman grew up a keen observer of the natural world\, knowing from a young age that she would be an artist. She earned her BFA at Massachusetts College of Art\, where she explored a variety of media\, often incorporating fabric\, collage\, and found objects into her work. Ackerman has continued her exploration for three decades\, maintaining a childlike freedom in her painting while balancing her roles as artist and mother. She has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions nationally and her work has found a home in many public and private collections. Recent exhibitions include the Iowa State Capitol\, Memorial Union Gallery at ISU\, and the Dubuque Museum of Art biennial. Her work can be found at Liz Lidgett Gallery and Prairie Lights Bookstore. Alexandra shares a studio with her husband\, Jeremy\, in downtown Iowa City. \nJeremy Ackerman:\nIn the 1990’s\, visual artist Jeremy Ackerman attended Massachusetts College of Art in Boston. There he studied unconventional painting and installation with Afro Cuban artist Magadlena Compos-Pons. Heavily influenced by Compos-Pons’ polymathic approach to art making\, Jeremy began to explore a multitude of media including drawing\, sculpture\, film and performance. After moving back to his hometown of Minneapolis at the end of the century\, Jeremy continued to create art work while also founding the critically acclaimed eclectic pop group\, Walker Kong. During this creative era of music making\, Jeremy also began to experiment with cut paper collage. As his cut paper practice developed\, so did his vision for what could be expressed with the medium. Jeremy has spent the last two decades creating a body of cut paper work that distills hyperactive movement into eye popping psychedelic dreamscapes.\nDuring the pandemic Jeremy created his most ambitious work to date “Run Run Run (We Could Have Died)!” The first public viewing will be at Octagon Center for the Arts. In addition to growing his visual art\, Jeremy recently started a recording studio/ DIY music label\, Mouse Traxx Sounds. He is a current member of the music group\, Oranj Ruffs\, whose debut album was released in June 2024. He lives in Iowa City with his partner Alexandra\, and their two children.
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/just-duet-reception/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events,Exhibits
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250821T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250821T200000
DTSTAMP:20260423T062115
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SUMMARY:Third Thursdays: Poetry SLAM!
DESCRIPTION:  \nPoetry SLAM!\nThursday\, August 21st\, 5:30pm – 8pm \nThe Octagon is holding its first ever poetry slam! Come hear original work from local poets of all ages and styles. The event will begin at 5:30 and poets will take the stage at 6:00. This is a free event\, for attendees and poets alike. We prefer that poets sign up in advance at this link: Poet Registration.  However\, we will allow same-day sign up at the event. We hope you’ll join us and support the poets who are participating!
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/third-thursdays-poetry-slam/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250818T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250905T170000
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SUMMARY:Group Art Exhibition: Alexandra and Jeremy Ackerman "Just Duet”
DESCRIPTION:Just Duet\nGroup Exhibition by Alexandra Ackerman and Jeremy Ackerman\n\nExhibition Dates:\nAugust 18th\, 2025 – Exhibition Opening Day\nSeptember 5th\, 2025 – Exhibition Reception 5:30PM – 7:30PM in the Community Gallery\nSeptember 5th\, 2025 – Exhibition Closes\n\n \nArtists’ Statements:\n\nAlexandra Ackerman:\nFor as long as I can remember I have found comfort and joy in making things with my hands. Art has helped me process and respond to the beauty and complexity of the world through every phase of life. Now\, as an adult\, I can see that all my work is in honor of childhood and in dedication to my childhood self\, the girl who found pure freedom in creating her own worlds. My paintings are “internal landscapes”\, unique environments that reflect a deep love of color\, pattern\, nature\, and play. My visual language draws from my years of experience farming and gardening across the country. I have found infinite pleasure in the simple act of watching plants grow; my hands in the soil\, bearing witness to the life cycle from seed to fruit\, contemplating the mysteries of clouds\, bugs\, and steaming piles of compost. The transformative experience of pregnancy and motherhood have also shaped me as an artist\, giving new meaning to the concept of “creation”.\nFor the past twenty years I have constantly sought to balance my roles of mother and artist\, finding joy and tears in the process. During the pandemic I shifted my focus from watercolor to acrylic and mixed media. I began gluing fabric scraps onto wood panels\, and painting around and over them. Cutting and gluing was grounding and healing in a time of extreme uncertainty. My current work – a series of acrylic and fabric paintings on wood – explores a combination of contrasting themes: wild vs. cultivated landscape\, domestic vs. natural environment\, order vs. chaos. Each painting seeks harmony and balance in color and composition\, texture and pattern. I am especially inspired by folk art\, botanical art\, aboriginal art\, and patchwork quilts. I hope my paintings will stimulate curiosity and encourage the viewer to look at the world with fresh eyes. \nJeremy Ackerman:\nThe irreverent artist Ray Johnson produced a series of seemingly improvised performances during his career that he referred to as “Throw Away Gestures.” Usually consisting of a few unremarkable objects\, Johnson would break down social norms by interacting with these objects in playful yet unsettling ways. These performances were not slick but rather a series of untethered gestures that were meant to surprise those\nbearing witness. Simple\, uncomplicated\, yet full of possibilities. In my most recent series of mixed media cut paper collages\, I’ve adapted Johnson’s concept of the “Throw Away Gesture” for two dimensional work. Scribbles became loose forms that were drawn up very quickly; sometimes without even looking at the paper. As the number of my throw away gestures accumulated I would look for interesting relationships between them. The drawn gestures then went through a comically tedious process of being cut out with an x-acto blade. Ultimately\, I was left with a collection of forms that were chopped up\, reduced\, expanded\, connected\, colored\, layered and sometimes actually thrown away.\nMy lifelong fascination with music played a major role in the aesthetic of these works. Rhythm and color push against each other as the cut out gestures dive\, slam\, twerk\, bounce and pogo; avatars for all the things floating around in my head. In these artworks the viewer might see glimmers of my lived experience of punk rock\, doo-wop\, death obsession\, new age philosophy\, hamburgers\, boom boxes\, spirits in the material world\, guilt\, divine comedies\, garbage collection\, aboriginal dreamtime conduits\, cosmic jazz and other such additions to a life time laundry list. In the end\, these sets of throw away gestures and random rules ushered in a new era of psychedelic storytelling that was in hot pursuit of self actualization. \n \nArtists’ Biographies:\n \nAlexandra Ackerman:\nAlexandra Ackerman is a mixed media artist who uses color\, pattern\, and form (both organic and geometric) to create playful and dynamic abstract landscapes. Her artwork has been influenced by her years of experience working on farms and in gardens across the U.S. She is also inspired by folk art\, patchwork quilts\, abstract expressionism\, and the Midwest landscape. Originally from Ann Arbor\, Michigan\, Ackerman grew up a keen observer of the natural world\, knowing from a young age that she would be an artist. She earned her BFA at Massachusetts College of Art\, where she explored a variety of media\, often incorporating fabric\, collage\, and found objects into her work. Ackerman has continued her exploration for three decades\, maintaining a childlike freedom in her painting while balancing her roles as artist and mother. She has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions nationally and her work has found a home in many public and private collections. Recent exhibitions include the Iowa State Capitol\, Memorial Union Gallery at ISU\, and the Dubuque Museum of Art biennial. Her work can be found at Liz Lidgett Gallery and Prairie Lights Bookstore. Alexandra shares a studio with her husband\, Jeremy\, in downtown Iowa City. \nJeremy Ackerman:\nIn the 1990’s\, visual artist Jeremy Ackerman attended Massachusetts College of Art in Boston. There he studied unconventional painting and installation with Afro Cuban artist Magadlena Compos-Pons. Heavily influenced by Compos-Pons’ polymathic approach to art making\, Jeremy began to explore a multitude of media including drawing\, sculpture\, film and performance. After moving back to his hometown of Minneapolis at the end of the century\, Jeremy continued to create art work while also founding the critically acclaimed eclectic pop group\, Walker Kong. During this creative era of music making\, Jeremy also began to experiment with cut paper collage. As his cut paper practice developed\, so did his vision for what could be expressed with the medium. Jeremy has spent the last two decades creating a body of cut paper work that distills hyperactive movement into eye popping psychedelic dreamscapes.\nDuring the pandemic Jeremy created his most ambitious work to date “Run Run Run (We Could Have Died)!” The first public viewing will be at Octagon Center for the Arts. In addition to growing his visual art\, Jeremy recently started a recording studio/ DIY music label\, Mouse Traxx Sounds. He is a current member of the music group\, Oranj Ruffs\, whose debut album was released in June 2024. He lives in Iowa City with his partner Alexandra\, and their two children.
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/justduet/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events,Exhibits
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250809T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250809T170000
DTSTAMP:20260423T062115
CREATED:20250821T220718Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250821T220718Z
UID:17205-1754748000-1754758800@octagonarts.org
SUMMARY:“Elusive Balance” Reception
DESCRIPTION:Elusive Balance\nGroup Exhibition by Iowa Artist/Mother Group\n\nExhibition Dates:\nJuly 21st\, 2025 – Exhibition Opening Day\nAugust 9th\, 2025 – Exhibition Reception 2:00PM – 5:00PM in the Community Gallery\nAugust 9th\, 2025 – Exhibition Closes \n \nArtist Statement:\nWorks in this exhibition will include fiber art\, painting\, printmaking\, mixed media\, performance\, sculpture\, photography\, and video with a variety of processes and methods. With our intention to showcase the voices of Iowa artist mothers who represent a range of diverse backgrounds\, ages\, motherhood stages\, and mediums\, the exhibition will convey a collection of experiences and perspectives that the work of one singular artist’s body of work would prove challenging to convey. The Iowa Artist/Mother group presents an exhibition entitled “Elusive Balance.” The theme of this exhibition explores the challenges of finding balance within artist and mother/caregiver identities. Since there is no one way to embody motherhood\, this theme is open to broad interpretation\, encompassing ideas of rest and productivity\, contentment and overwhelm\, stability and transition\, responsibility and absurdity/play\, and societal expectations vs. personal intuition. We are interested in how one finds personal balance or simply lets go of this elusive state\, embracing or celebrating imbalance within life and art. This exhibition showcases the voices of Iowa artist mothers who represent a range of diverse backgrounds\, ages\, motherhood stages\, and mediums. Each artist has one piece on exhibit. Many of the artists are affiliated with the Iowa Artist/Mother group\, an egalitarian group started in 2021 that meets regularly to build community\, share resources\, and support artists who are also caregivers. \n \nArtist Biography:\nThe Iowa Artist/Mother group presents an exhibition entitled “Elusive Balance.” The theme of this exhibition explores the challenges of finding balance within artist and mother/caregiver identities. Since there is no one way to embody motherhood\, this theme is open to broad interpretation\, encompassing ideas of rest and productivity\, contentment and overwhelm\, stability and transition\, responsibility and absurdity/play\, and societal expectations vs. personal intuition. We are interested in how one finds personal balance or simply lets go of this elusive state\, embracing or celebrating imbalance within life and art. \nThis exhibition showcases the voices of Iowa artist mothers who represent a range of diverse backgrounds\, ages\, motherhood stages\, and mediums. Each artist has one piece on exhibit. \nMany of the artists are affiliated with the Iowa Artist/Mother group\, an egalitarian group started in 2021 that meets regularly to build community\, share resources\, and support artists who are also caregivers. \nYou can learn more about this travelling exhibition HERE \nParticipating Artists:\nAlicia Wilkinson\, Akwi Nji\, Alexandra Ackerman\, Allison Rowe\, Amenda Tate\, Astrid Hilger Bennett\, Catherine Reinhart\, Bailey Fry-Schnormeier\, Emily Newman\, Emily Jalinsky\, Genevra Daley\, Hope Spragg\, Jamie Elizabeth Hudrlik\, Jill Wells\, Julia Franklin\, Kelly Devitt\, Kay Ireland\, Kristin M. Roach\, Larassa Kabel\, Lauren A. Ross\, Mirzam Perez\, Ramona Muse Lambert\, Sheena Daugherty\, Stephanie Brunia\nNote: These artists have extend invitations to a selection of other female-identifying Iowa artists/caregivers for inclusion in the exhibition.
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/elusive-balance-reception/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events,Exhibits
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250801T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250831T173000
DTSTAMP:20260423T062115
CREATED:20250804T215755Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250805T164740Z
UID:17137-1754038800-1756661400@octagonarts.org
SUMMARY:Art Supply Drive!
DESCRIPTION: Calling for all spare art supplies!  \nWe are partnering with area art stores and community members to provide a free art supply day for artists of all ages in September!\nPrairie Rose Needleworks\, The Knittery Nook\, and The Octagon Center for the Arts are committed to making creativity inclusive so we’ve teamed up to for a special art & craft supply drive. Bring your new and/or gently used art & craft supplies to one of our locations during the month of August. The Octagon will then host a special free art supply day for the community in September. \nDonation Rules: \n\nWe accept items that can be used for art/craft activities for any age\, from fingerpaints and fat paintbrushes to oil paint and embroidery thread.\n Any liquids (paint\, glue\, etc.) should be at least half full and able to flow through the lid.\nYarn\, thread and other fibers should be wound or neatly presented. Please do not send a nest that needs to be untangled.\nFiber (yarn\, roving\, etc.) donations should be packaged in a Ziploc bag or airtight container\nItems should be in clean containers. A little paint on the bottle is fine but please don’t send dusty or musty items.\nItems should not be overly faded or smell bad.\nAll items should be unbroken and able to be used without requiring repair.\nStorage space is limited so please bring in a reasonable amount of donations.\nOnly drop off donations during open hours and bring them inside the location. Do not leave items in front of locations during closed hours.
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/art-supply-drive/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250721T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250809T170000
DTSTAMP:20260423T062115
CREATED:20250130T165240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250714T190532Z
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SUMMARY:Group Art Exhibition: Iowa Artist/Mother Group “Elusive Balance”
DESCRIPTION:Elusive Balance\nGroup Exhibition by Iowa Artist/Mother Group\n\nExhibition Dates:\nJuly 21st\, 2025 – Exhibition Opening Day\nAugust 9th\, 2025 – Exhibition Reception 2:00PM – 5:00PM in the Community Gallery\nAugust 9th\, 2025 – Exhibition Closes \n \nArtist Statement:\nWorks in this exhibition will include fiber art\, painting\, printmaking\, mixed media\, performance\, sculpture\, photography\, and video with a variety of processes and methods. With our intention to showcase the voices of Iowa artist mothers who represent a range of diverse backgrounds\, ages\, motherhood stages\, and mediums\, the exhibition will convey a collection of experiences and perspectives that the work of one singular artist’s body of work would prove challenging to convey. The Iowa Artist/Mother group presents an exhibition entitled “Elusive Balance.” The theme of this exhibition explores the challenges of finding balance within artist and mother/caregiver identities. Since there is no one way to embody motherhood\, this theme is open to broad interpretation\, encompassing ideas of rest and productivity\, contentment and overwhelm\, stability and transition\, responsibility and absurdity/play\, and societal expectations vs. personal intuition. We are interested in how one finds personal balance or simply lets go of this elusive state\, embracing or celebrating imbalance within life and art. This exhibition showcases the voices of Iowa artist mothers who represent a range of diverse backgrounds\, ages\, motherhood stages\, and mediums. Each artist has one piece on exhibit. Many of the artists are affiliated with the Iowa Artist/Mother group\, an egalitarian group started in 2021 that meets regularly to build community\, share resources\, and support artists who are also caregivers. \n \nArtist Biography:\nThe Iowa Artist/Mother group presents an exhibition entitled “Elusive Balance.” The theme of this exhibition explores the challenges of finding balance within artist and mother/caregiver identities. Since there is no one way to embody motherhood\, this theme is open to broad interpretation\, encompassing ideas of rest and productivity\, contentment and overwhelm\, stability and transition\, responsibility and absurdity/play\, and societal expectations vs. personal intuition. We are interested in how one finds personal balance or simply lets go of this elusive state\, embracing or celebrating imbalance within life and art. \nThis exhibition showcases the voices of Iowa artist mothers who represent a range of diverse backgrounds\, ages\, motherhood stages\, and mediums. Each artist has one piece on exhibit. \nMany of the artists are affiliated with the Iowa Artist/Mother group\, an egalitarian group started in 2021 that meets regularly to build community\, share resources\, and support artists who are also caregivers. \nYou can learn more about this travelling exhibition HERE \nParticipating Artists:\nAlicia Wilkinson\, Akwi Nji\, Alexandra Ackerman\, Allison Rowe\, Amenda Tate\, Astrid Hilger Bennett\, Catherine Reinhart\, Bailey Fry-Schnormeier\, Emily Newman\, Emily Jalinsky\, Genevra Daley\, Hope Spragg\, Jamie Elizabeth Hudrlik\, Jill Wells\, Julia Franklin\, Kelly Devitt\, Kay Ireland\, Kristin M. Roach\, Larassa Kabel\, Lauren A. Ross\, Mirzam Perez\, Ramona Muse Lambert\, Sheena Daugherty\, Stephanie Brunia\nNote: These artists have extend invitations to a selection of other female-identifying Iowa artists/caregivers for inclusion in the exhibition.
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/elusivebalance/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events,Exhibits
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250717T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250717T200000
DTSTAMP:20260423T062115
CREATED:20250616T205350Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250616T205429Z
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SUMMARY:Third Thursdays: Musical Guests on the Patio Featuring The Bone People!
DESCRIPTION:  \n\nMusical Guests on the Patio Featuring The Bone People!\nThursday\, July 17 5pm – 8pm \nThe Bone People are back! This longtime Iowa-based band is back in the studio and ready to spend an evening singing for you. Join us on the patio\, on the west side of the Octagon\, from 5-8 PM on Thursday\, July 17 for an evening of great music. This is a free event for all ages! Drinks will be available for a donation.
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/third-thursdays/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250630T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250712T170000
DTSTAMP:20260423T062115
CREATED:20230921T203859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250625T174003Z
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SUMMARY:Solo Art Exhibition: Raluca Iancu "Over + Under"
DESCRIPTION:Over + Under\nSolo Exhibition by Raluca Iancu\n\nExhibition Dates:\nJune 30th\, 2025 – Exhibition Opening Day\nJuly 10th\, 2025 – Exhibition Reception from 6pm – 7:30pm in the Community Gallery\nRaluca will be giving an Artist Talk at 6:30pm on July 10th!\nJuly 12th\, 2025 – Exhibition Closes \n \nArtist Statement:\nMy work explores disaster\, memory and vulnerability through different media\, ranging from printmaking to performance\, to edible art and printed objects. I question the way we look at tragedy as well as the way we deal with the aftermath. We depend on our technology (planes\, trains\, automobiles) and easily forget that it is just as fallible as our bodies. In our contemporary media driven culture\, catastrophes\, of all kinds\, are trivialized by their frequent appearances across the spectrum of information media\, especially as access to data is more widespread than ever before. We\, as a society\, have become desensitized to these events through constant exposure\, unable to understand the serious consequences of our actions. Separated from the outside world by our screens and windshields\, we create a culture of indifference as we learn to consume tragedy\, on all scales\, as entertainment. The automobile drastically changed the way that we experience the world\, physically\, as well as intellectually. We find ourselves with endless facets for the consideration of our impermanence\, as morbid curiosity pushes us to hyperextend our necks\, to the point of material transformation (skin\, bone\, and muscle\, into rubber). The work in this exhibition is centered on the role of automobiles in our lives and their impact on our environment. \n \nArtist Biography:\nRaluca Iancu is currently an Assistant Professor in Art & Visual Culture\, Printmaking\, at Iowa State University (ISU). She earned her MFA in Studio Art\, Printmaking\, from The University of Tennessee\, Knoxville (UTK)\, and her BFA in Printmaking from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University\, Halifax\, Nova Scotia. \nHer work investigates disaster\, memory\, and vulnerability through different media\, ranging from printmaking to performance\, to edible art and printed objects. She is interested in how our relationship with technology simultaneously enhances our lives\, while also leaving us vulnerable. \nShe has exhibited internationally\, at venues including the Art Museum of Cluj-Napoca (Romania)\, and the CICA Museum (Korea); and nationally at the International Print Center of New York (NY)\, the Bradbury Art Museum\, (AR)\, the Art Institute of Boston (MA)\, and the Hunterdon Museum (NJ)\, among others. She has been an artist in residence in the United States\, at the Hambidge Center for Creative Arts & Sciences (GA) and the Vermont Studio Center (VT)\, among others; and internationally Art Print Residence (Spain)\, the Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Fine Arts (Poland)\, St Michael’s Printshop (Canada)\, Mi-LAB and Studio Kura (Japan)\, and\, most recently\, BetterPress Lab (Italy).
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/overunder/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events,Exhibits
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ORGANIZER;CN="Octagon Center for the Arts":MAILTO:info@octagonarts.org
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250619T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250619T193000
DTSTAMP:20260423T062115
CREATED:20250616T204814Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250616T205546Z
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SUMMARY:Third Thursdays: Paint & Plant on the Patio!
DESCRIPTION:Paint & Plant on the Patio!\nJune 19 from 5:30 – 7:30pm \nChoose a free flower pot and decorate it in any way you can dream up! All are welcome – grab a friend\, bring your family\, or have an evening on your own!\nBack Alley Plants will have a variety of plants available if your pot is in need of a resident. Free cuttings and $5 plants will be offered!
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/third-thursdays-paint-plant-on-the-patio/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events
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ORGANIZER;CN="Octagon Center for the Arts":MAILTO:info@octagonarts.org
GEO:42.0257584;-93.6123172
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Octagon Center for the Arts 427 Douglas Avenue Ames IA 50010 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=427 Douglas Avenue:geo:-93.6123172,42.0257584
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250527T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250621T170000
DTSTAMP:20260423T062115
CREATED:20240307T184829Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T185530Z
UID:16125-1748340000-1750525200@octagonarts.org
SUMMARY:2025 Annual Members' Show
DESCRIPTION:2025 Annual Members’ Show\nGroup Exhibition by members of the Octagon Center for the Arts\nMay 27th – June 21st\, 2025 in the Octagon Community Gallery \nAbout this group exhibition:\nThis non-juried show celebrates the skills\, creativity\, and lived experiences of the Octagon community! Let’s fill the gallery and surround ourselves with our own amazing work — established artists next to emerging artists\, all media.\n \nExhibition Dates:\nMay 27th\, 2025 – Exhibition Opening Day\nJune 21st\, 2025 – Exhibition Closes \nArtist List:\nCarolyn Abbott\, Sushila Anderson\, Abigail Badger\, Janice Bell\, Tina Campbell\, Vivian M. Cook\, Pamela Douglas\, Lisa Fontaine\, Jennifer Gauerke\, Joe Geha\, Raina Genaw\, Erik Gustafson\, Rex Heer\, Gary Hoard\, Denise Hoffman\, Laurie Hoifeldt\, Diane Holland Rickerl\, Evan Hoyt\, Summer Hoyt\, Sean Johnson\, Letitia Kenemer\, Nancy Lindsay\, Charissa Menefee\, Susan Norris\, Dori Patrick\, Clint Petersen\, Timothy F. Pross\, Kristin M. Roach\, Kimberlee Rocca\, Delayne Segar\, Robert Sunderman\, Kathy Svec\, Troy Thomas\, Barb Thompson\, Sean Thornton\, Karen Van Wert\, Rob Wallace\, Kelsey Wilson\, Jennifer Withers\, J Yang\, Thomas Zimmerman
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/2025-annual-members-show/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events,Exhibits
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250521T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250627T170000
DTSTAMP:20260423T062115
CREATED:20260113T211807Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260113T211807Z
UID:17443-1747821600-1751043600@octagonarts.org
SUMMARY:2026 Annual Members' Show
DESCRIPTION:2026 Annual Members’ Show\nGroup Exhibition by members of the Octagon Center for the Arts\nTBD in the Octagon Community Gallery \nAbout this group exhibition:\nThis non-juried show celebrates the skills\, creativity\, and lived experiences of the Octagon community! Let’s fill the gallery and surround ourselves with our own amazing work — established artists next to emerging artists\, all media.\nSubmission information to come!\n \nExhibition Dates:\nMay 21\, 2026 – Exhibition Opening Day\nTBD – Exhibition Reception\nJune 27\, 2026 – Exhibition Closes \nArtist List:\nTBD
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/2026-annual-members-show/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events,Exhibits
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250515T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250517T170000
DTSTAMP:20260423T062115
CREATED:20250130T165020Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T143654Z
UID:16776-1747303200-1747501200@octagonarts.org
SUMMARY:Art From the Attic - Octagon Art Sale
DESCRIPTION:Art From the Attic\nArt Sale Event by Octagon Shop\n\nEvent Dates:\nMay 15th\, 2025 – Event Opening Day\nMay 17th\, 2025 – Event Closes \n \nAbout This Event:\nArt from the Attic begins Thursday\, May 15! 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. \nDonating Artwork:\nIf 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 decor businesses. All proceeds go to support classes and events at the Octagon.\n \nIf 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 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. \n \nWe 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.\n \nNOTE: 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.
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/octagon-art-sale/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250424T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250424T190000
DTSTAMP:20260423T062115
CREATED:20250401T174353Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T174411Z
UID:16958-1745517600-1745521200@octagonarts.org
SUMMARY:Live Jewelry Making Demo with Featured Artist\, Margie Magnuson
DESCRIPTION:Live Jewelry Making Demo with Margie Magnuson\nApril 24th at 6PM at the Octagon Center for the Arts \nMargie Magnuson\, a goldsmith from Omaha\, NE designs and creates her own jewelry line of pendants\, earrings\, and rings.  She uses sterling silver\, 14kt. gold and precious and semi-precious gemstones.  Margie says her formal training stressed clean\, simple design\, employing hand forging techniques using a hammer and anvil to form her creations.   \nMargie will travel to Ames on April 24th and demonstrate some of her techniques at 6pm. Please join us and meet Margie in person! \nCLICK HERE for the Facebook Event Page
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/live-jewelry-making-demo-with-featured-artist-margie-magnuson/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250422T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250510T170000
DTSTAMP:20260423T062115
CREATED:20250401T175241Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250421T205824Z
UID:16964-1745316000-1746896400@octagonarts.org
SUMMARY:Group Exhibition: Round Up
DESCRIPTION:Round Up\nGroup Exhibition by Various Artists \nExhibition Dates:\nApril 22nd\, 2025 – Exhibition Opening Day\nApril 25th\, 2025 – Exhibition Public Reception\, 6:00PM – 7:30PM in the Community Gallery\nMay 10th\, 2025 – Exhibition Closes \nAbout This Exhibition:\nA “round-up” of a few like-minded artists living and working in Iowa. \nArtist List:\nSean Thornton\nRuby Walker\nRat Tunnel\nJuan Gomez\nLydia Nong\nZack Bukovich\nRafa\nSpike Dupree
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/group-exhibition-round-up/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events,Exhibits
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250417T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250417T200000
DTSTAMP:20260423T062115
CREATED:20250401T174604Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T174643Z
UID:16961-1744912800-1744920000@octagonarts.org
SUMMARY:Third Thursdays: Needle Night at the Octagon with Nittery Nook and Prairie Rose Needleworks
DESCRIPTION:Needle Night\nThursday\, April 17th 6PM – 8PM \nIt’s needle night at the Octagon! Come see local artists demonstrate a variety of needle and fiber arts\, including knitting\, crocheting\, embroidery\, felting\, quilting and mending. This come-and-go event is from 6:00-8:00 PM and is for all ages. Feel free to bring your own fiber projects to work on as you sit alongside our artists. No need to have experience or skill – enjoy seeing the work of others and possibly try something new! Co-sponsored by Prairie Rose Needleworks and Knittery Nook. \nArtists: Amanda Zagloba\, Rochelle Nickolay\, Teddy Stark\, Jill Guffy\, Marilyn Andersen\, Kristen Roach
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/needle-night-at-the-octagon-with-nittery-nook-and-prairie-rose-needleworks/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250407T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250418T170000
DTSTAMP:20260423T062115
CREATED:20240307T173251Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250130T163737Z
UID:16117-1744020000-1744995600@octagonarts.org
SUMMARY:2025 Elementary\, Middle School\, High School Annual Student Show
DESCRIPTION:2025 Elementary\, Middle School\, High School Annual Student Show\nApril 7th – April 18th\, 2025 in the Octagon Community Gallery \nAbout this group exhibition:\nThe Annual Student Art Show highlights artwork by elementary\, middle\, and high school students from schools within 20 miles of Ames. \nLearn more on this exhibition’s webpage here \nExhibition Dates:\nApril 7th\, 2025 – Exhibition Opening Day\nApril 18th\, 2025 – Exhibition Closes
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/2025-elementary-middle-school-high-school-annual-student-show/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events,Exhibits
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250327T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250327T193000
DTSTAMP:20260423T062115
CREATED:20250310T172942Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T140846Z
UID:16922-1743098400-1743103800@octagonarts.org
SUMMARY:Draw Your Pet with Bethany Schultz
DESCRIPTION:Draw Your Pet with Bethany Schultz\nThursday March 27 6:00pm-7:30pm\nDonations encouraged! \nThis month’s featured artist\, Bethany Schultz\, is holding a drawing workshop on March 27th! Submit your photo to shop@octagonarts.org and Bethany will prep your drawing with a grid to help you in your drawing adventure!
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/draw-your-pet-with-bethany-schultz/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events,Workshop
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250320T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250320T200000
DTSTAMP:20260423T062115
CREATED:20250311T155008Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T155329Z
UID:16937-1742490000-1742500800@octagonarts.org
SUMMARY:Third Thursdays - Game Night at the Octagon
DESCRIPTION:Third Thursdays:\n♟♜♞♛ Game Night at the Octagon! ♥ ♠ ♦ ♣ \nSpring break will be wrapping up and you might need an activity to keep the family busy! Or\, an opportunity to hang around some fun adults! Join us for Game Night on Thursday\, March 20. From 5:00-6:30 pm we welcome people of all ages to play board games and card games. Then from 6:30-8:00 we will host an adults-only game time. Feel free to bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages with you. Adult beverages will be provided from 6:30-8:00 for a donation.
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/third-thursdays-game-night-at-the-octagon/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250227T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250329T170000
DTSTAMP:20260423T062115
CREATED:20250108T201957Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250130T164235Z
UID:16696-1740650400-1743267600@octagonarts.org
SUMMARY:Octagonal: The All Media Show 2025
DESCRIPTION:February 27th – March 29th\, 2025 \nRECEPTION:\nFebruary 27th 5:30PM-7:30PM\nIn the Community Gallery\nAwards announced at 6:30PM\nALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND! \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nOctagonal: The All-Media Show 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 56 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 Show\, 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.\n\n\n2025 Juror: Chris Vance\n\n\n \n\nClick Here to learn more \nArtist List:\nAlicia Wilkinson\, Amy Williams\, Angie Huffman\, Barb Thompson\, Carolyn Abbott\, Diana Friend\, Diane Michaud Lowry\, Emily Milewsky\, Geri Wolfe Boesen\, Hana Brock\, Isaac Prior\, Jerene Kruse\, Jess Quinn\, Joanne Alberda\, Joseph Wyckoff\, Josh Sorrell\, Kaitlin Harvey\, Kelly Devitt\, Kelsey Wilson\, Kimberlee Rocca\, Linda Lewis\, Lucy Watters\, Lydia Nong\, Maggie Douglas\, Mattea Whetstone\, Megan Hammer\, Meghan Flynn\, Melynda Van Zee\, Michele Hardy\, Natalie Deam\, Pam Hibbs\, Robert Wallace\, Sara Slee Brown\, Sean Thornton\, Sydney Thompson\, Tiffany Antone\, Tim Olson\, Trey Reis\, Will Hildebrandt\, Zack Bukovich
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/octagonal-the-all-media-show-2025/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events,Exhibits
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250220T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250220T200000
DTSTAMP:20260423T062115
CREATED:20250204T161005Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250204T183927Z
UID:16801-1740074400-1740081600@octagonarts.org
SUMMARY:Third Thursdays: Ames High String Quartet
DESCRIPTION:Join us in the gallery for beautiful music from the Ames High String Quartet. We will have drinks and snacks available for a donation and\, if you’re interested\, a music related craft at each table. It’s a great reason to get out of the house\, spend time with friends\, or maybe make up for that missed Valentine date. The event begins at 6:00 and music will start at 6:30. Join us anytime from 6:00-8:00 – we hope to see you here!\nSponsored by Lott Music Studio \n\nRSVP Here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AAeFtdCED/
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/third-thursdays-ames-high-string-quartet/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events
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ORGANIZER;CN="Octagon Center for the Arts":MAILTO:info@octagonarts.org
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250208T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250208T160000
DTSTAMP:20260423T062115
CREATED:20250128T173213Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250203T202638Z
UID:16730-1739023200-1739030400@octagonarts.org
SUMMARY:Valentine Makers’ Table
DESCRIPTION:Valentine Makers’ Table\nSaturday\, February 8\n2 – 4 pm\n$5 \nMake beautiful “Valentine-y”art\, cards and messages for your special people. All supplies provided. Children under 10 must bring a paying adult partner. \nClick here to RSVP!
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/valentine-makers-table/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events
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ORGANIZER;CN="Octagon Center for the Arts":MAILTO:info@octagonarts.org
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250120T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250215T170000
DTSTAMP:20260423T062115
CREATED:20230921T204230Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250130T165340Z
UID:15368-1737367200-1739638800@octagonarts.org
SUMMARY:Solo Art Exhibition: Denice Peters “Be Still”
DESCRIPTION:Be Still\nSolo Exhibition by Denice Peters\nJanuary 20th – February 15th\, 2025 At The Octagon Community Gallery \nAbout this solo exhibition:\n \nCreating realistic pastel paintings using strong light and shadow with a bit of nostalgia and a sense of peace is my goal. I’m inspired by the effect that light has on objects. It’s the spark of brightness shining against the darkness that appeals to me. Every painting is about this dramatic glow evoking an emotional response\, regardless of the subject. Ipaint without any tools other than my fingers and pastel sticks. My work is pure soft pastels. No other medium is used . I paint in my self honed style I call ‘Blended Reality’. I want to help others see the beauty and peace that is all around us. Life is too short to do otherwise. \nExhibition Dates:\nJanuary 20th\, 2025 – Exhibition Opening Day\nJanuary 23rd\, 2025 – Exhibition Reception\, 5:30PM – 7:30PM in the Community Gallery\nFebruary 15th\, 2025 – Exhibition Closes \nArtist Biography:\n \nDenice Peters is a recognized woman artist in Contemporary Realism Art. This native of NW Iowa has painted with pastels for over 30 years. Her work centers around dramatic light and mood. Her artworks resonate with the viewer and is laced with nostalgia. Her level of skill has bestowed her with recognition In magazines\, national and international competitions and awards. Also she’s achieved a level of talent that garnered her as a juried member of the prestigious International Guild of Realism and earned Signature Status in Pastel Society of America\, MidAmerican Pastel Society and the Iowa Pastel Society and elected as President of the Iowa Pastel Society. Born in 1958 in LeMars\, Iowa\, USA\, and raised on a farm instilled in her connection to the earth and Midwest values. She incorporates these things into her still life paintings. Married to her high school sweetheart and raising a family slowed her art career until they got older. When she decided to take a workshop \, it changed her life\, introducing her to pastels. She had found her medium and never looked back She didn’t have the opportunity to earn an art degree\, so she took it upon herself to hone her talent\, learning by trial and error. She took every art class she could in high school and was selected to be in the advanced art class as a senior. In time she developed a style that she refers to as “Blended Reality”. She worked with pastels until she reached the outcome she could see in her head. She was told you can’t paint realistically with soft pastels\, but she bucked the trend and painted in her own way. She uses no implements\, just pastels and her fingers. So she becomes a part of the work in every way. Her work is collected mostly by private collectors in the US and 2 other countries Denice’s work can be seen on her website denicepelers.com and through Kavanaugh Gallery in West Des Moines\, IA. \n 
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/be-still/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events,Exhibits
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250116T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250116T200000
DTSTAMP:20260423T062115
CREATED:20241218T203927Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250113T212800Z
UID:16659-1737050400-1737057600@octagonarts.org
SUMMARY:Third Thursday: Winter Maker's Table Public Craft Event
DESCRIPTION:Winter Maker’s Table Public Craft Event\nJanuary 16th\n6PM – 8PM \nJoin us January 16th for a come and go Winter Maker’s Table in the gallery of the Octagon. Break out of the winter doldrums with an evening of creativity! We provide supplies\, you create to your heart’s content for only $5. Make simple and beautiful art and artsy stuff with friends\, family or folks you haven’t met (yet). Children under 10 must bring a paying adult partner.
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/16659/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
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ORGANIZER;CN="Octagon Center for the Arts":MAILTO:info@octagonarts.org
GEO:42.0257584;-93.6123172
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241216T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250111T170000
DTSTAMP:20260423T062115
CREATED:20230921T204100Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241218T195911Z
UID:15366-1734343200-1736614800@octagonarts.org
SUMMARY:The Faces I've Seen.
DESCRIPTION:The Faces I’ve Seen.\nSolo Exhibition by Karen Cooper\nDecember 16th\, 2024 – January 11th\, 2025 At The Octagon Community Gallery \nAbout this solo exhibition:\n \nExhibition Dates:\nDecember 16th\, 2024 – Exhibition Opening Day\nDecember 19th\, 2024 – Exhibition Reception 6PM – 7PM in the Community gallery\nJanuary 11th\, 2025 – Exhibition Closes \nArtist Biography:\n \nI am a watcher. \nIf someone with an interesting face\, or someone who looks like they might be great in a painting\, is out there on a sidewalk somewhere in the world\, then I say ‘game on’. It’s time to capture some reference material. Lots of these captures come via my camera. On a perfect day\, some of these random\, and often unknowing ‘models’ are stationary long enough to make it to my sketchbook. I have said the bottom line and always the focus\, is that the painting be a thing of substance and solidity and interest and beauty. But here’s something I am observing as my work matures – I no longer like playing it safe. I find it important and necessary to NOT paint safe – but rather to see the challenge\, accept it\, and give it my best shot. \nKaren was born and raised in Nebraska\, and then moved across the river to live in Iowa. From 2013 thru 2017\, Karen lived in Lipetsk\, Russia – long enough for the power and beauty of Russian impressionist art to make a potent impact. Study with a talented figurative artist while in Lipetsk\, increased the desire/need to draw with substance and clarity\, as part of the painting process. Karen has now returned to live\, and paint in Grinnell\, Iowa. \n 
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/the-faces-ive-seen/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events,Exhibits
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241111T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241210T170000
DTSTAMP:20260423T062115
CREATED:20240307T172804Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241029T164120Z
UID:16114-1731319200-1733850000@octagonarts.org
SUMMARY:The Octagon 2nd Annual Winter Market
DESCRIPTION:The Octagon 2nd Annual Winter Market\nEvent by Octagon Shop\nNovember 11th – December 10th\, 2024 in the Octagon Community Gallery \nAbout this event:\nThe Octagon Shop is excited to announce a temporary expansion in our Community Gallery! From November 11th – December 10th\, we will have new work by Shop artists\, fun discounts and other surprises! Stay tuned!\n \nExhibition Dates:\nNovember 11th\, 2024 – Exhibition Opening Day\nDecember 10th\, 2024 – Exhibition Closes
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/16114/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events,Exhibits
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://octagonarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Winter-Market-2024.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Octagon Center for the Arts":MAILTO:info@octagonarts.org
GEO:42.0257584;-93.6123172
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241017T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241017T200000
DTSTAMP:20260423T062115
CREATED:20241015T141420Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241015T141912Z
UID:16500-1729184400-1729195200@octagonarts.org
SUMMARY:Party on the Patio - October 17 - Paige Clouse
DESCRIPTION:  \nThursday\, October 17th\n5 PM – 8 PM \nParty on the Patio is every third Thursday of the month\, May – September from 5 PM – 8 PM. Performers are scheduled to perform from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM unless otherwise noted. Drinks and light refreshments provided for a donation. \nThursday\, October 17th Performer:\nPaige Clouse\n \nPaige Clouse is a singer/songwriter from Southeast Iowa. She writes songs primarily about her experiences as a member of the LGBTQIA population\, as well as songs about general life experiences. Music is about connection\, and she hopes that her music helps people to feel seen and heard. \n  \n \n\n 
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/party-on-the-patio-october-17-paige-clouse/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events
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ORGANIZER;CN="Octagon Center for the Arts":MAILTO:info@octagonarts.org
GEO:42.0257584;-93.6123172
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241007T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241102T170000
DTSTAMP:20260423T062115
CREATED:20230921T202712Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241008T171119Z
UID:15360-1728295200-1730566800@octagonarts.org
SUMMARY:Demulcent Terrain
DESCRIPTION:Demulcent Terrain\nSolo Exhibition by Lisa Truax\nOctober 7th – November 2nd\, 2024 At The Octagon Community Gallery\nReception: October 10th 5PM – 7PM in the Community Gallery\n \nAbout this solo exhibition:\n \nI am interested in the contrast between places such as parks and natural areas and modern ways of building and living. We have cultural ideas of beauty and the sense of the untouched associated with these places. Outdoor landscapes seem to be in their natural state\, but are actually created\, planned\, built\, and maintained as part of our culture. We think of nature as untouched and wild\, and not something controlled or created by humans.  \nI question the idea of culturally valuable versus personally valuable natural space. The contrast between the natural and man-made\, and the seen and the unseen are determining factors. The effect of these elements on our lives and psyche are important considerations.  \nNatural places can have positive effects on our well being\, many of which we may not yet understand. The relationship we have both culturally and individually\, the contrast between wildness and wilderness\, and the effect this relationship has on daily living is the focus of my work. \nExhibition Dates:\nOctober 7th\, 2024 – Exhibition Opening Day\nNovember 2nd\, 2024 – Exhibition Closes\nReception: October 10th 5PM – 7PM in the Community Gallery \nArtist Biography:
URL:https://octagonarts.org/event/demulcent-terrain/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events,Exhibits
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END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR