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3 events,
LOCATED IN MAIN GALLERY Let’s do a little math! A = πr2 There are 70,686 square miles in a circle with 150 square mile radius. Thus the name for this exhibit… 70K is a juried exhibition of artists located 150 miles from Ames or nearer. This focus on local and regional artists is an important part of the mission […] 
LOCATED IN THE COMMUNITY GALLERY (1st FLOOR/STREET LEVEL) Artist Statement Using site-adjusted installations as my primary mode of practice, I deploy an integrated and focused approach to both theoretical and practical questions pertaining to the nature and impact of materiality specific to the re-occupation of post-industrial spaces. My works provoke a temporal-spatial encounter that reconciles […] 
Beginning Scottish Country Dance Ages: 16 years old and up Day / Time / Dates: Fridays, 7 - 8 pm, October 18 - November 22 (6 weeks) Cost: $45 Description: Learn the art of the very social and lively Scottish Country Dance with experienced Instructors. After your one hour session, you are welcome to […]
$45.00
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4 events,
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Wheelthrowing: Ceramic Mugs & Vases Ages: 16 years old and up Time/Day: Mondays, 6 - 9 pm Dates: (3 weeks) October 28 - November 11 Cost: $95 includes 12.5 lbs. of clay, all glazes and firing. Description: Students at all skill levels will learn, review and hone wheel throwing techniques. Instructor: Jackie Comito Location: Ceramics Studio Class […]
$95.00
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4 events,
EXPLORING ART: SESSION 3 (NOV) Ages: 18 months – younger 3’s Day/Time: Tuesdays, 9:15 - 10am Cost: $60 for each 4 week session below. Session 1 (SEPT): September 3 – 24 Session 2 (OCT): October 1 – 22 Session 3 (NOV): October 29 – November 19 Session 4 (DEC): November 26 – December 17 THIS […]
$60.00
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5 events,
CREATIVE EXPLORATIONS: WEDNESDAYS, SESSION 3 (NOV) Ages: older 3’s - 5 years Day/Time: Wednesdays OR Thursdays, 9:15 – 10:00 am (Sign up for the day that suits you best!) Cost: $60 for each 4 week session below. WEDNESDAYS Session 1: September 4 – 25 Session 2: October 2 – 23 Session 3: October 30 – […]
$60.00
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6 events,
CREATIVE EXPLORATIONS: THURSDAYS, SESSION 3 (NOV) Ages: older 3’s - 5 years Day/Time: Wednesdays OR Thursdays, 9:15 – 10:00 am (Sign up for the day that suits you best!) Cost: $60 for each 4 week session below. WEDNESDAYS Session 1: September 4 – 25 Session 2: October 2 – 23 Session 3: October 30 – […]
$60.00
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7 events,
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Mixed Bag of Art -- One day workshops Ages: K – 5 Time: 9 am – 3 pm Cost: $50 for each one day workshop Monday, October 7 Friday, November 1 THIS REGISTRATION IS FOR FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1 ONLY. Check the class listing for additional sessions. Register for just one or both; a separate registration […]
$50.00
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8 events,
LOCATED IN SWEENEY GALLERY (3RD FLOOR) Emily Verdoorn Through drawing, I form vital relationships with the world of my everyday experience. My process often begins by drawing on location. I enjoy drawing places and spaces steeped in the personality of their inhabitants. My drawings develop in response to time spent observing places and things – […] 
LOCATED IN THE SMALL WALL GALLERY (3RD FLOOR) I think of these works as inklings, for their humble beginnings as tiny ink doodles, and for those small, nagging ideas, fears, and behaviors that have the power to become reality – whether beautiful or monstrous in their realization. The earliest works date back to 1997, when […] |
7 events, |
7 events, |
7 events, |
7 events, |
10 events,
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All Kinds of Art! Fall Conference Workshops Ages: K – 5 Time: 9 am – 3 pm Cost: $50 for each one day workshop Thursday, November 7 Friday, November 8 THIS REGISTRATION IS FOR THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7 ONLY. Check the class listing for additional sessions. Register for just one or both; a separate registration is required for each […]
$50.00
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Caricature Ages: 13 years old and up Day/Date/Time: Thursday, November 7, 6 – 7:30 pm Cost: $60 Description: Have you ever wondered how caricature artist do what they do? Learn basic techniques of caricature art and that of famous artists in the field. Students will learn how to see their subject through the eyes of […]
$60.00
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MAKER NIGHT: Easy Silver Earrings Ages: 21 years old and up Day/Date/Time: Thursday, November 7, 6:30 – 8:30 pm Cost: $45 materials included Description: Learn about wire work and make your own earrings. Learn about metals, wire, gauges, tools, and also learn about gemstones, wrapped eye loops and how to make head pins, bead links […]
$45.00
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9 events,
LOCATED IN THE COMMUNITY GALLERY Ange Altenhofen "Metaphorical function" is a term I use to describe my work, dovetailing sculptural form with the innate potential for usefulness and interaction that every three-dimensional object possesses. In this scenario function follows form, recycling art into a prosaic, functional object that is activated through touch and let loose […]
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All Kinds of Art! Fall Conference Workshops Ages: K – 5 Time: 9 am – 3 pm Cost: $50 for each one day workshop Thursday, November 7 Friday, November 8 THIS REGISTRATION IS FOR FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 ONLY. Check the class listing for additional sessions. Register for just one or both; a separate registration is required for each […]
$50.00
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8 events, |
7 events, |
7 events, |
8 events,
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Hand Built Clay Ornaments (NOV) Ages: 16 years old and up Day/Date/Time: Tuesdays, 6 – 9 pm, November 12 – 19 (2 weeks) Cost: $50 Description: Create autumn and winter hand built ornaments for your holiday packages, wreaths, and for use in decorating. Students will learn to use slab and hand building techniques. Bring your favorite […]
$50.00
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7 events, |
7 events, |
7 events, |
7 events, |
7 events, |
7 events, |
7 events, |
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4 events,
EXPLORING ART: SESSION 4 (DEC) Ages: 18 months – younger 3’s Day/Time: Tuesdays, 9:15 - 10am Cost: $60 for each 4 week session below. Session 1 (SEPT): September 3 – 24 Session 2 (OCT): October 1 – 22 Session 3 (NOV): October 29 – November 19 Session 4 (DEC): November 26 – December 17 THIS […]
$60.00
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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.
© 2025 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)