A Place To Mend FREE EVENT (Ages 21+)
2024-03-28 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
A Place to Mend
Thursday, March 28th, 5:30 – 8 pm in the Dance Studio
Free, or a suggested donation of $5 for instruction, tips -n- tricks.
Ages 21+ (Feel free to bring your favorite beverage; alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
Have a few mending/repair projects you have been wanting to work on? Gather them up and join the Octagon for some creative, productive, and soulful fun. You are encouraged to bring any projects to work on, ie.. knitting, crochet, needle work, whatever. We will have a special guest, and author of Mend it Better, Kristin Roach, with us for this community gathering. Kristin is also a published author of worldwide knitting patterns, the Craftleftovers zine series, a community organizer, artist, and owner of Little Woods: Herbs and Teas in downtown Ames.
Event Location: Octagon Center for the Arts, Dance Studio
UPCOMING MENDING NIGHTS:
April 25
May 23
June 27

2024 Elementary, Middle School, High School Annual Student Show
2024-04-08 10:00 - 2024-04-20 17:00 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
2024 Elementary, Middle School, High School Annual Student Show
April 8th – April 20th, 2024 At The Octagon Community Gallery
About this group exhibition:

The Student Art Show highlights artwork by local elementary, middle, and high school students annually. Previous participating schools included: Ames, Ballard, Gilbert, Home Schools, Madrid, Nevada, Roland-Story, and United Community School.
Learn more on this exhibition’s webpage here
Exhibition Dates:
April 8th, 2024 – Exhibition Opening Day
April 20th, 2024 – Exhibition Closes

A Place To Mend FREE EVENT (Ages 21+)
2024-04-25 17:30 - 20:00 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
A Place to Mend
Thursday, April 25th, 5:30 – 8 pm in the Dance Studio
Free, or a suggested donation of $5 for instruction, tips -n- tricks.
Ages 21+ (Feel free to bring your favorite beverage; alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
Have a few mending/repair projects you have been wanting to work on? Gather them up and join the Octagon for some creative, productive, and soulful fun. You are encouraged to bring any projects to work on, ie.. knitting, crochet, needle work, whatever. We will have a special guest, and author of Mend it Better, Kristin Roach, with us for this community gathering. Kristin is also a published author of worldwide knitting patterns, the Craftleftovers zine series, a community organizer, artist, and owner of Little Woods: Herbs and Teas in downtown Ames.
Event Location: Octagon Center for the Arts, Dance Studio
UPCOMING MENDING NIGHTS:
May 23
June 27

Iowa State University Integrated Visual Arts MFA Exhibition 2024
2024-05-01 10:00 - 2024-05-09 19:30 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Iowa State University Integrated Visual Arts MFA Exhibition 2024
An exhibition by MFA students in the Integrated Visual Arts program at Iowa State University
May 1st – May 9th, 2024 At The Octagon Community Gallery
About this group exhibition:

The MFA in IVA is a distinctive and unique interdisciplinary program offering integrative study among a combination of the following areas: ceramics, computer applications, drawing, textiles, illustration, jewelry/metalsmithing, painting, printmaking, photography, furniture design, and areas outside of Art and Design.
MFA students are required to participate in an end-of-semester exhibition during the first four semesters of the program. For this public exhibition, each student submits a selection of their strongest and most representative work from the semester along with an artist statement to be critiqued by the Art and Visual Culture faculty at Iowa State University.
Artists:
Omid Afsharpour
Natalie Deam
Parisa Keshavarziyan
Elnaz Masrour
Sam McCauley
Matty Palamara
Maryam Siahgaldeh Ghasempour
Nicole Soriano
Rana Tiba
Michael Vitha Nolan
Ruby Walker

Exhibition Dates:
May 1st, 2024 – Exhibition Opening Day
May 9th, 2024 – Closing Reception 6-7:30pm
May 9th, 2024 – Exhibition Closes

Art Sale at the Octagon!
2024-05-13 12:00 - 2024-05-16 19:00 | IA
The Octagon Center for the Arts is planning to hold an art sale from May 13th to the 16th, 2024. This unique event will allow patrons to view and purchase items from the Octagon which have never before been featured in the Octagon Shop!
May 13-15, Noon-5:00
May 16, Noon-7:00
Octagon Community Gallery

Party on the Patio - May 16th
2024-05-16 17:00 - 20:00 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Thursday, May 16th
5 PM – 8 PM
Party 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.

2024 Annual Members' Show
2024-05-20 10:00 - 2024-06-15 17:00 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
2024 Annual Members’ Show
Group Exhibition by members of the Octagon Center for the Arts
May 20th – June 15th, 2024 At The Octagon Community Gallery
About this group exhibition:
This unjuried 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.

Exhibition Dates:
May 20th, 2024 – Exhibition Opening Day
June 15th, 2024 – Exhibition Closes
Artist Biographies:
TBA

A Place To Mend FREE EVENT (Ages 21+)
2024-05-23 17:30 - 20:00 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
A Place to Mend
Thursday, May 23rd, 5:30 – 8 pm in the Dance Studio
Free, or a suggested donation of $5 for instruction, tips -n- tricks.
Ages 21+ (Feel free to bring your favorite beverage; alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
Have a few mending/repair projects you have been wanting to work on? Gather them up and join the Octagon for some creative, productive, and soulful fun. You are encouraged to bring any projects to work on, ie.. knitting, crochet, needle work, whatever. We will have a special guest, and author of Mend it Better, Kristin Roach, with us for this community gathering. Kristin is also a published author of worldwide knitting patterns, the Craftleftovers zine series, a community organizer, artist, and owner of Little Woods: Herbs and Teas in downtown Ames.
Event Location: Octagon Center for the Arts, Dance Studio
UPCOMING MENDING NIGHTS:
June 27

Party on the Patio - June 20th - Ben Sanders
2024-06-20 17:00 - 20:00 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Thursday, June 20th
5 PM – 8 PM
Party 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.
Thursday, June 20th Performer:
Ben Sanders, piano

Ben Sanders is a jazz pianist from Des Moines Iowa who performs in both group and solo acts around the metro. While Ben primarily performs jazz music his repertoire is influenced by blues, funk and pop music.

American Oddities
2024-06-24 10:00 - 2024-07-18 17:00 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
American Oddities
Solo Exhibition by Nick Gadbois
June 24th – July 18th, 2024 At The Octagon Community Gallery
About this solo exhibition:

I am a contemporary painter living and working in Kansas City, Missouri. My landscape work centers on subjects mostly from the Heartland of America. The artwork ranges from a somewhat straightforward painting approach to surreal tinged scenes. My palette displays a heightened dramatic sense of color. The paintings I create are based on photographs, many of which I take myself. In terms of surrealism, I chose to not create scenes from the imagination but paint scenes from real life that already appear surreal. My newer work pays tribute to what I call American oddities. To me these subjects show the offbeat, quirky, and playful side of the American spirit. Subjects such as the World’ largest rocking chair, the giant strawberry, Cornhenge, Carhenge, Wall Drug and the World’s largest ball of twine show a creative inventiveness uniquely American. My work celebrates subjects from the Heartland that I feel deeply attracted to. I want to call attention to the roadside attractions in America.
Exhibition Dates:
June 24th, 2024 – Exhibition Opening Day
July 18th, 2024 – Exhibition Closing Reception 4:30pm – 6:00pm in the Community Gallery
July 18th, 2024 – Exhibition Closes

A Place To Mend FREE EVENT (Ages 21+)
2024-06-27 17:30 - 20:00 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
A Place to Mend
Thursday, June 27th, 5:30 – 8 pm in the Dance Studio
Free, or a suggested donation of $5 for instruction, tips -n- tricks.
Ages 21+ (Feel free to bring your favorite beverage; alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
Have a few mending/repair projects you have been wanting to work on? Gather them up and join the Octagon for some creative, productive, and soulful fun. You are encouraged to bring any projects to work on, ie.. knitting, crochet, needle work, whatever. We will have a special guest, and author of Mend it Better, Kristin Roach, with us for this community gathering. Kristin is also a published author of worldwide knitting patterns, the Craftleftovers zine series, a community organizer, artist, and owner of Little Woods: Herbs and Teas in downtown Ames.
Event Location: Octagon Center for the Arts, Dance Studio
UPCOMING MENDING NIGHTS:
TBA

Party on the Patio - July 18th - TBD
2024-07-18 17:00 - 20:00 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Thursday, July 18th
5 PM – 8 PM
Party 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.
Thursday, July 18th Performer:
TBD

Compositions of Line
2024-07-29 10:00 - 2024-08-24 17:00 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Compositions of Line
Solo Exhibition by Isaac Prior
July 29th – August 24th, 2024 At The Octagon Community Gallery
About this solo exhibition:

Exhibition Dates:
July 29th, 2024 – Exhibition Opening Day
August 24th, 2024 – Exhibition Closes
Artist Biography:
Born and raised in Ames, I have been creating artwork professionally since 2012. I am a full time precious metalsmith at Ames Silversmithing, creating, repairing, and designing jewelry. My focus is on abstract line art, using hundreds of lines to give illusions of folds, dimension, or twists.

Party on the Patio - August 15th - Sweet Tator
2024-08-15 17:00 - 20:00 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Thursday, August 15th
5 PM – 8 PM
Party 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.
Thursday, August 15th Performer:
Sweet Tator

We are excited to welcome Sweet Tator to our monthly patio party. Sweet Tator has been busking since 1982 and loves playing with a variety of musicians. He will be joined by Kurt, a longtime friend in music. They got together several years ago to play at some local farmers markets. They decided they really needed to hire some “real musicians”, so they started drafting some of the locals to play with and “The Luther Jam” was born. With the belief that music really is too important to leave to professionals, they soldier on in the service of song.

Mixed Emotions
2024-09-03 10:00 - 2024-09-28 17:00 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Mixed Emotions
Solo Exhibition by Kelly Devitt
September 3rd – September 28th, 2024 At The Octagon Community Gallery
About this solo exhibition:

Exhibition Dates:
September 3rd, 2024 – Exhibition Opening Day
September 26th, 2024 – Exhibition Closing Reception, 5pm – 7pm in the Community Gallery
September 28th, 2024 – Exhibition Closes
Artist Biography:
Kelly Devitt is a ceramic artist who primarily creates sculptures depicting emotions physically expressed through the human body. Born in Ames, Iowa, she received her BFA in Integrated Studio Arts from Iowa State University in 2017 and her MFA in Ceramics from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in 2022. Kelly is currently an Instructor of Art at the Southwestern Community College in Creston, IA.

Party on the Patio - September 19 - Marilyn Jerome
2024-09-19 17:00 - 20:00 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Thursday, September 19th
5 PM – 8 PM
Party 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.
Thursday, August 15th Performer:
Marilyn Jerome

Marilyn Jerome has been performing for about 15 years in central Iowa; before moving to Iowa, she was performing in the Kansas City area as the lead vocalist in a country rock band. Her sound is a blend of genres including country, rock, folk, and blues. She covers Johnny Cash, Bonnie Raitt, The Everly Brothers, Elle King, Eric Clapton, John Prine, Brandi Carlisle, The Eagles, and many, many more.

Demulcent Terrain
2024-10-07 10:00 - 2024-11-02 17:00 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Demulcent Terrain
Solo Exhibition by Lisa Truax
October 7th – November 2nd, 2024 At The Octagon Community Gallery
Reception: October 10th 5PM – 7PM in the Community Gallery

About this solo exhibition:

I 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.
I 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.
Natural 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.
Exhibition Dates:
October 7th, 2024 – Exhibition Opening Day
November 2nd, 2024 – Exhibition Closes
Reception: October 10th 5PM – 7PM in the Community Gallery
Artist Biography:

Party on the Patio - October 17 - Paige Clouse
2024-10-17 17:00 - 20:00 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Thursday, October 17th
5 PM – 8 PM
Party 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.
Thursday, October 17th Performer:
Paige Clouse

Paige 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.

The Octagon 2nd Annual Winter Market
2024-11-11 10:00 - 2024-12-10 17:00 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
The Octagon 2nd Annual Winter Market
Event by Octagon Shop
November 11th – December 10th, 2024 in the Octagon Community Gallery
About this event:
The 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!

Exhibition Dates:
November 11th, 2024 – Exhibition Opening Day
December 10th, 2024 – Exhibition Closes

The Faces I've Seen.
2024-12-16 10:00 - 2025-01-11 17:00 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
The Faces I’ve Seen.
Solo Exhibition by Karen Cooper
December 16th, 2024 – January 11th, 2025 At The Octagon Community Gallery
About this solo exhibition:

Exhibition Dates:
December 16th, 2024 – Exhibition Opening Day
December 19th, 2024 – Exhibition Reception 6PM – 7PM in the Community gallery
January 11th, 2025 – Exhibition Closes
Artist Biography:

I am a watcher.
If 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.
Karen 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.

Third Thursday: Winter Maker's Table Public Craft Event
2025-01-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Winter Maker’s Table Public Craft Event
January 16th
6PM – 8PM
Join 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.

Solo Art Exhibition: Denice Peters “Be Still”
2025-01-20 10:00 - 2025-02-15 17:00 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Be Still
Solo Exhibition by Denice Peters
January 20th – February 15th, 2025 At The Octagon Community Gallery
About this solo exhibition:

Creating 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.
Exhibition Dates:
January 20th, 2025 – Exhibition Opening Day
January 23rd, 2025 – Exhibition Reception, 5:30PM – 7:30PM in the Community Gallery
February 15th, 2025 – Exhibition Closes
Artist Biography:

Denice 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.

Valentine Makers’ Table
2025-02-08 14:00 - 16:00 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Valentine Makers’ Table
Saturday, February 8
2 – 4 pm
$5
Make beautiful “Valentine-y”art, cards and messages for your special people. All supplies provided. Children under 10 must bring a paying adult partner.
Click here to RSVP!

Third Thursdays: Ames High String Quartet
2025-02-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
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!
Sponsored by Lott Music Studio

RSVP Here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AAeFtdCED/

Octagonal: The All Media Show 2025
2025-02-27 10:00 - 2025-03-29 17:00 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
February 27th – March 29th, 2025
RECEPTION:
February 27th 5:30PM-7:30PM
In the Community Gallery
Awards announced at 6:30PM
ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND!

Octagonal: 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.

2025 Juror: Chris Vance

Click Here to learn more
Artist List:
Alicia 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

Third Thursdays - Game Night at the Octagon
2025-03-20 17:00 - 20:00 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Third Thursdays:
♟♜♞♛ Game Night at the Octagon! ♥ ♠ ♦ ♣
Spring 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.

Draw Your Pet with Bethany Schultz
2025-03-27 18:00 - 19:30 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Draw Your Pet with Bethany Schultz
Thursday March 27 6:00pm-7:30pm
Donations encouraged!
This 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!

2025 Elementary, Middle School, High School Annual Student Show
2025-04-07 10:00 - 2025-04-18 17:00 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
2025 Elementary, Middle School, High School Annual Student Show
April 7th – April 18th, 2025 in the Octagon Community Gallery
About this group exhibition:
The Annual Student Art Show highlights artwork by elementary, middle, and high school students from schools within 20 miles of Ames.
Learn more on this exhibition’s webpage here
Exhibition Dates:
April 7th, 2025 – Exhibition Opening Day
April 18th, 2025 – Exhibition Closes

Third Thursdays: Needle Night at the Octagon with Nittery Nook and Prairie Rose Needleworks
2025-04-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Needle Night
Thursday, April 17th 6PM – 8PM
It’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.
Artists: Amanda Zagloba, Rochelle Nickolay, Teddy Stark, Jill Guffy, Marilyn Andersen, Kristen Roach

Group Exhibition: Round Up
2025-04-22 10:00 - 2025-05-10 17:00 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Round Up
Group Exhibition by Various Artists
Exhibition Dates:
April 22nd, 2025 – Exhibition Opening Day
April 25th, 2025 – Exhibition Public Reception, 6:00PM – 7:30PM in the Community Gallery
May 10th, 2025 – Exhibition Closes
About This Exhibition:
A “round-up” of a few like-minded artists living and working in Iowa.
Artist List:
Sean Thornton
Ruby Walker
Rat Tunnel
Juan Gomez
Lydia Nong
Zack Bukovich
Rafa
Spike Dupree
