Exploring Art, ages: 18 months – younger 3’s Tuesdays, 9:15 - 10am $55 for each 4 week session below: January 8 - 29 February 19 – March 12 April 2 – 23 May 7 - 28 Children and their adult partner will explore art together in a relaxed environment. Toddlers will create their own works of art […]
Wheelthrowing: Beginner Bowls, ages 16 + Tuesdays, 6 – 9 pm January 8 – 22 (3 weeks) $85 Create beautiful bowls using the potter’s wheel. Price includes 12 lbs of clay, glazes and firing. Instructor: Jackie Comito Ceramics Studio Class Limit: 7 To register: enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per […]
Creative Explorations, ages 3 - 5 years Thursdays, 9:15 – 10:00 am $55 for each 4 week session below: January 10 - 31 February 21 – March 14 April 4 - 25 This class is dedicated to the process of exploration through materials such as paint, charcoal, fabric, plastic, sculpture media, cardboard, paper, ink etc…Use […]
LOCATED IN THE COMMUNITY GALLERY (Street level) Artist Statement: Pacia Sallomi I began this series in 2010. In the beginning, I was focused on roundabouts or in French, rond-point, which came about because of an experience of being lost on back roads and small villages in the French countryside. I had begun to think about […]
Beginning Knitting Workshop, ages 11+ Sunday, January 13 1 – 4 pm $40 Learn the basics of English-style knitting in one afternoon, and create something more interesting than a potholder! You will learn knitting basics and make an adorable stuffed bunny. You’ll also receive an easy-to-follow pattern to take home so you can make more […]
Painting and Drawing, ages 6 – 8 Mondays, 5:30 – 6:30 pm, $65 January 14 – February 4 (4 weeks) Various drawing, painting and shading techniques using a variety of materials will be covered. Students will use charcoal, pastels, and a variety of paints using techniques learned in class to provide depth and […]
Drawing Skills, ages 9 - 12 Mondays, 7 – 8 pm January 14 – February 4(4 weeks) $65 Learn the basics of drawing and observational skills starting with contour drawings and fundamentals of shading, and color. Weekly assignments complement and enhance previously covered skills. Instructor: Daniel Nutt Adams Studio Class Limit: 8 To register: enter […]
Thursday Morning Art Projects, ages K - 6 11 am – 12 pm $10 Create unique and interesting art projects each class while learning about new artists, their methods and materials. All supplies included. January 17 February 21 March 14 Class Limit: 8 To register: enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket […]
Make Stuff, ages 13 – 15 Thursdays, 6:30 – 8 pm January 17 – 31 (3 weeks) $65 A perfect time to get creative in this all media class. Each week you can dabble in painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, or collage. New skills, materials and techniques will be introduced and amazing projects will be created! […]
Beginning Scottish Country Dance Fridays, 7 - 8 pm January 18 - February 22 (6 weeks) $45 Learn the art of the very social and lively Scottish Country Dance with experienced Instructors. After your one hour session, you are welcome to stay and join in with the Scottish Country Dancers. Wear comfortable clothing and soft […]
Knitted Stocking Cap Saturday, January 19 1 - 4 pm $40 If you already know how to knit and are looking for a simple, quick winter cap project, this is YOUR class. Knit this classic stocking cap on 2 needles in any size (provided pattern includes sizes Child through Adult XL). Class will introduce 2-color […]
All Kinds of Art! Winter Conference Workshop, K – 5 Monday, January 21 9 am – 3 pm $45. Sign up for one or both days. Pre-registration required. Bring a sack lunch and get creative on your days off! To register: enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per student) click […]
Basic Paint Mixing/Color Workshop Saturday, January 26 2 – 4 pm $45 Learn the basics of setting up your paint palette in either oil or acrylic media then create some painted sketches putting into practice how certain colors react each other. All materials provided. Instructor: Dick Shook North Studio To register: enter the number of […]
Mini Makers, ages 3 – 5 with an adult partner Sundays, 1 - 2 pm January 27 February 10 February 24 March 3 $15 per session for one adult/child pair, $12 for each additional child or adult. Spend some creative time making all kinds of art projects including handbuilt clay pieces, canvas paintings, collages, drawings […]
LOCATED IN MAIN GALLERY AND SWEENEY GALLERY (3rd floor) Octagonal: The All-Media Exhibit is the annual, juried all-media exhibition at the Octagon Center for the Arts in Ames, Iowa. Originally titled the Clay and Paper Show, the exhibit opened in 1968 to provide an opportunity to the central Iowa arts community. Over the past 51 years, the […]
Drypoint Printmaking: Condensed Workshop Saturday, February 2 10am – NOON (North Studio) Octagon member discounts may not be used for this special workshop. Limit of 12 people Instructor: Jeanine Coupe Ryding, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Print Media Department Note from Jeanine: workshop is for ALL levels of experience or no experience. If you can hold […]
About Us
The Octagon Center for the Arts is a non-profit community art center in the heart of downtown Ames, Iowa. A cornerstone of the cultural scene in Ames since 1966, the Octagon serves more than 30,000 people each year through art classes and outreach, rotating exhibits, a retail gallery shop, and the annual Octagon Art Festival.
The Octagon Center for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization funded in part through memberships, donations, and grants, including the City of Ames Commission on the Arts (COTA) and the Iowa Arts Council.
© 2023 Octagon Center for the Arts. All rights reserved.
Octagon Center for the Arts
413 & 427 Douglas Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
Phone: 515-232-5331
Email: info@octagonarts.org
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Octagon Shop and Community Gallery
Monday-Wednesday 10:00am-5:30pm
Thursday 10:00am-7:00pm
Friday 10:00am-5:30pm
Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm
Sunday CLOSED (except during the holidays)