Creative Explorations, ages older 3’s - 5 years (Thurs. Session 3: NOV)
2019-10-31 09:15 - 2019-11-21 10:00 (America/Chicago) | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
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 – November 20
THURSDAYS
Session 1: September 5 – 26
Session 2: October 3 – 24
Session 3: October 31 – November 21
THIS REGISTRATION IS FOR THURSDAY, SESSION 2 (OCT) ONLY. Check the class listing for additional sessions. Register for just one or all four; a separate registration is required for each session.
Description.This class is dedicated to the process of exploration through materials such as paint, charcoal, fabric, plastic, sculpture media, cardboard, paper, ink etc…Use of scissors and proper handling of materials will be covered. Practice of arranging materials, and basic color mixing projects will also be explored.
Class Limit: 6
Instructor: Beth Weninger
Location: Hunziker Studio
Registration closes when the class fills or on at 6am on 10/29/19. Students cannot be added after the registration closes.

To register:

scroll down to the “Tickets” section near the bottom of this page
enter the number of “tickets” you want (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please note:

Students cannot be added after the registration closes.
Octagon members receive class discounts. Please login before registering for classes and your discount will be applied automatically.
If you are not a member, but would like to join, click here. Purchase your membership first. Then login and proceed as noted above to receive your discount. Your discount will not be applied unless you are logged in.

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns. Click here to send a message. Thanks for supporting arts education at the Octagon!

Creative Explorations, ages older 3’s - 5 years (Wed. Session 3: NOV)
2019-10-30 09:15 - 2019-11-20 10:00
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 – November 20
THURSDAYS
Session 1: September 5 – 26
Session 2: October 3 – 24
Session 3: October 31 – November 21
THIS REGISTRATION IS FOR WEDNESDAY, SESSION 3 (NOV) ONLY. Check the class listing for additional sessions. Register for just one or all four; a separate registration is required for each session.
Description.This class is dedicated to the process of exploration through materials such as paint, charcoal, fabric, plastic, sculpture media, cardboard, paper, ink etc…Use of scissors and proper handling of materials will be covered. Practice of arranging materials, and basic color mixing projects will also be explored.
Class Limit: 6
Instructor: Beth Weninger
Location: Hunziker Studio
Registration closes when the class fills or on at 6am on 10/28/19. Students cannot be added after the registration closes.

To register:

scroll down to the “Tickets” section near the bottom of this page
enter the number of “tickets” you want (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please note:

Students cannot be added after the registration closes.
Octagon members receive class discounts. Please login before registering for classes and your discount will be applied automatically.
If you are not a member, but would like to join, click here. Purchase your membership first. Then login and proceed as noted above to receive your discount. Your discount will not be applied unless you are logged in.

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns. Click here to send a message. Thanks for supporting arts education at the Octagon!

Exploring Art, ages: 18 months – younger 3’s (Session 3: NOV)
2019-10-29 09:15 - 2019-11-19 10:00
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 REGISTRATION IS FOR SESSION 3 (NOV) ONLY. Check the class listing for additional sessions. Register for just one or all four; a separate registration is required for each session.
Description. Children and their adult partner will explore art together in a relaxed environment. Toddlers will create their own works of art while learning new skills like tearing paper, gluing, cutting, coloring over texture, painting with different objects, moving through transitions and imitating art making processes. Activities will focus on age appropriate, playful, artistic and sensory materials.
Limit: 6 adult/child pairs.
Instructor: Beth Weninger
Location: Hunziker Studio
Registration closes when the class fills or on at 6am on 10/25/19. Students cannot be added after the registration closes.

To register:

scroll down to the “Tickets” section near the bottom of this page
enter the number of “tickets” you want (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please note:

Students cannot be added after the registration closes.
Octagon members receive class discounts. Please login before registering for classes and your discount will be applied automatically.
If you are not a member, but would like to join, click here. Purchase your membership first. Then login and proceed as noted above to receive your discount. Your discount will not be applied unless you are logged in.

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns. Click here to send a message. Thanks for supporting arts education at the Octagon!

Wheelthrowing: Ceramic Mugs & Vases, ages 16+ (OCT/NOV)
2019-10-28 18:00 - 21:00
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 Limit: 7
Registration closes when the class fills or on at 10am on 10/28/19. Students cannot be added after the registration closes.

To register:

scroll down to the “Tickets” section near the bottom of this page
enter the number of “tickets” you want (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please note:

Students cannot be added after the registration closes.
Octagon members receive class discounts. Please login before registering for classes and your discount will be applied automatically.
If you are not a member, but would like to join, click here. Purchase your membership first. Then login and proceed as noted above to receive your discount. Your discount will not be applied unless you are logged in.

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns. Click here to send a message. Thanks for supporting arts education at the Octagon!

Handmade Booklets with Decorated Papers (OCT)
2019-10-24 18:30 - 20:30
Handmade Booklets with Decorated Papers
Day / Date / Time: Thursday, October 24, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Cost: $40
Description: Using your previously made marbled papers, papers from home, or decorated papers provided in class, learn to make small, soft cover booklets using basic stitch bindings. We will cover other stitches if time allows.
If you like this class, consider taking Paper Marbling! Click here.
Minimum class limit: 6 Maximum class limit: 12
Instructor: Beth Weninger
Studio: TBA
Registration closes when the class fills or on at 6am on 10/22/19. Students cannot be added after the registration closes.

To register:

scroll down to the “Tickets” section near the bottom of this page
enter the number of “tickets” you want (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please note:

Students cannot be added after the registration closes.
Octagon members receive class discounts. Please login before registering for classes and your discount will be applied automatically.
If you are not a member, but would like to join, click here. Purchase your membership first. Then login and proceed as noted above to receive your discount. Your discount will not be applied unless you are logged in.

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns. Click here to send a message. Thanks for supporting arts education at the Octagon!

Paper Marbling, ages 16+ (OCT)
2019-10-24 18:30 - 20:30
Paper Marbling
Ages: 16+
Day / Date / Time: Thursday, October 24, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Cost: $40
Description: Join Rhonda Scott in creating a collection of beautiful marbled papers using the traditional Turkish form of paper marbling, Ebru.
Minimum class limit: 6 Maximum class limit: 12
Instructor: Rhonda Scott
Studio: TBA
Registration closes when the class fills or on at 6am on 10/22/19. Students cannot be added after the registration closes.

To register:

scroll down to the “Tickets” section near the bottom of this page
enter the number of “tickets” you want (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please note:

Students cannot be added after the registration closes.
Octagon members receive class discounts. Please login before registering for classes and your discount will be applied automatically.
If you are not a member, but would like to join, click here. Purchase your membership first. Then login and proceed as noted above to receive your discount. Your discount will not be applied unless you are logged in.

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns. Click here to send a message. Thanks for supporting arts education at the Octagon!

MAKER NIGHT: Radical Rivets, ages 21+ (OCT)
2019-10-22 18:00 - 21:00
MAKER NIGHT: Radical Rivets
Ages: 21 years old and up
Day/Date/Time: Tuesday, October 22, 6 – 9 pm
Cost: $45 materials included
Description: Learn how to drill and rivet metal. Create designs on copper or bring your charms that you made in Copper Charms class and rivet different elements together to create fun and expressive designs. You’ll explore surface textures and embellishments and learn how to cold-connect them together in different ways. Add beads, and found items to further embellish your designs.
MAKER NIGHTS are for those ages 21 and above. Bring your friends and your favorite beverage & snacks to enjoy while you create! Or come by yourself and make some new pals. Novice and experienced makers are welcome!
Instructor: Terrie Hoefer
Location: Adams Studio
Class limit: 8
Registration closes when the class fills or on at 6am on 10/18/19. Students cannot be added after the registration closes.

To register:

scroll down to the “Tickets” section near the bottom of this page
enter the number of “tickets” you want (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please note:

Students cannot be added after the registration closes.
Octagon members receive class discounts. Please login before registering for classes and your discount will be applied automatically.
If you are not a member, but would like to join, click here. Purchase your membership first. Then login and proceed as noted above to receive your discount. Your discount will not be applied unless you are logged in.

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns. Click here to send a message. Thanks for supporting arts education at the Octagon!

Beginning Scottish Country Dance, ages 16+ (OCT/NOV)
2019-10-18 19:00 - 2019-11-22 20:00
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 stay and join in with the Scottish Country Dancers. A dance party will take place the last day of class. No experience or partner necessary.

Instructor: Linda Lewis Lieberman

Location: Dance Studio
Registration closes when the class fills or on at 6am on 10/16/19. Students cannot be added after the registration closes.

To register:

scroll down to the “Tickets” section near the bottom of this page
enter the number of “tickets” you want (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please note:

Students cannot be added after the registration closes.
Octagon members receive class discounts. Please login before registering for classes and your discount will be applied automatically.
If you are not a member, but would like to join, click here. Purchase your membership first. Then login and proceed as noted above to receive your discount. Your discount will not be applied unless you are logged in.

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns. Click here to send a message. Thanks for supporting arts education at the Octagon!

Watercolor Workshop with Jo Myers-Walker
2019-10-12 09:00 - 13:00
Watercolor Workshop with Jo Myers-Walker
Ages: 16 years old and above, All skill levels
Day / Day / Time: Saturday, October 12, 9 am – 1 pm
Cost: $120
Description: Join local artist, Jo Myers-Walker in exploring the fluid and magical medium, watercolor. Jo will guide students with demonstrations on how to paint neighborhoods, backyards, etc. inhabited by people, giving artwork a sense of place. The fall season will be used as a backdrop; taking note of its long lingering shadows and brilliant warm colors. There will be focus on color mixing, composition, value and putting down big shapes first. Bring watercolor supplies you have on hand. Some loaded paint pans and brushes for beginners will be available, if needed. Students will be given one sheet of 22” x 30” 140# Arches watercolor paper. Students may also bring a sack lunch if needed.
Class Limit: 20
Location: North Studio
Registration closes when the class fills or on at 6am on 10/10/19. Students cannot be added after the registration closes.

To register:

scroll down to the “Tickets” section near the bottom of this page
enter the number of “tickets” you want (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please note:

Students cannot be added after the registration closes.
Octagon members receive class discounts. Please login before registering for classes and your discount will be applied automatically.
If you are not a member, but would like to join, click here. Purchase your membership first. Then login and proceed as noted above to receive your discount. Your discount will not be applied unless you are logged in.

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns. Click here to send a message. Thanks for supporting arts education at the Octagon!

Art Buffet, ages 7 - 9 (OCT 10-24)
2019-10-10 17:00 - 2019-10-24 18:00
Art Buffet, ages 7 – 9
Day / Date / Time: Thursdays, October 10 – 24 (3 weeks), 5 – 6:00 pm
Cost: $35
Description: Students will have a unique opportunity to create mixed media art pieces using tools and materials from our overflowing trove of art supplies. Elements of 2 and 3 – D art will be covered during the process in a relaxed and creative environment. Students will be instructed on the use of low-temp glue guns and construction techniques. This is your time to choose freely from the buffet line of materials like wire, cardboard, fabric, felt, feathers, beads, bobbles, bric – a – brac, paint, sparkly stuff. Then build, design, arrange and execute your design aesthetic.
Instructor: Henry Crowley
Studio: TBA
Class Limit: 8
Registration closes when the class fills or on at 6am on 10/8/19. Students cannot be added after the registration closes.

To register:

scroll down to the “Tickets” section near the bottom of this page
enter the number of “tickets” you want (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please note:

Students cannot be added after the registration closes.
Octagon members receive class discounts. Please login before registering for classes and your discount will be applied automatically.
If you are not a member, but would like to join, click here. Purchase your membership first. Then login and proceed as noted above to receive your discount. Your discount will not be applied unless you are logged in.

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns. Click here to send a message. Thanks for supporting arts education at the Octagon!

Mixed Bag of Art, K-5 (OCT 7)
2019-10-07 09:00 - 15:00
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 MONDAY, OCTOBER 7 ONLY. Check the class listing for additional sessions. Register for just one or both; a separate registration is required for each session.
Description: Join the Octagon and get creative on your day off! Bring a sack lunch and drink.
Registration closes when the class fills or on at 6am on 10/3/19. Students cannot be added after the registration closes.

To register:

scroll down to the “Tickets” section near the bottom of this page
enter the number of “tickets” you want (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please note:

Students cannot be added after the registration closes.
Octagon members receive class discounts. Please login before registering for classes and your discount will be applied automatically.
If you are not a member, but would like to join, click here. Purchase your membership first. Then login and proceed as noted above to receive your discount. Your discount will not be applied unless you are logged in.

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns. Click here to send a message. Thanks for supporting arts education at the Octagon!

MAKER NIGHT: Stamped Copper Charms, ages 21+
2019-10-03 18:00 - 21:00
MAKER NIGHT: Stamped Copper Charms
Ages: 21 and up
Date & Time: Thursday, October 3, 6 – 9 pm
Cost: $45 Materials included
Description:
MAKER NIGHTS are for those ages 21 and above. Bring your friends and your favorite beverage & snacks to enjoy while you create! Or come by yourself and make some new pals. Novice and experienced makers are welcome!
Learn to create unique copper charms, dangles or other fun adornments with stamping techniques. Make a fun new necklace. Learn about metalsmithing and the some of the techniques artists use to create their work.
Instructor: Terrie Hoefer
Location: Adams Studio
Class Limit: 12
Registration closes when the class fills or on at 6am on 10/1/19. Students cannot be added after the registration closes.

To register:

scroll down to the “Tickets” section near the bottom of this page
enter the number of “tickets” you want (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please note:

Students cannot be added after the registration closes.
Octagon members receive class discounts. Please login before registering for classes and your discount will be applied automatically.
If you are not a member, but would like to join, click here. Purchase your membership first. Then login and proceed as noted above to receive your discount. Your discount will not be applied unless you are logged in.

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns. Click here to send a message. Thanks for supporting arts education at the Octagon!

Creative Explorations, ages older 3’s - 5 years (Thurs. Session 2: OCT)
2019-10-03 09:15 - 2019-10-24 10:00
CREATIVE EXPLORATIONS: THURSDAYS, SESSION 2 (OCT)
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 – November 20
THURSDAYS
Session 1: September 5 – 26
Session 2: October 3 – 24
Session 3: October 31 – November 21
THIS REGISTRATION IS FOR THURSDAY, SESSION 2 (OCT) ONLY. Check the class listing for additional sessions. Register for just one or all four; a separate registration is required for each session.
Description.This class is dedicated to the process of exploration through materials such as paint, charcoal, fabric, plastic, sculpture media, cardboard, paper, ink etc…Use of scissors and proper handling of materials will be covered. Practice of arranging materials, and basic color mixing projects will also be explored.
Class Limit: 6
Instructor: Beth Weninger
Location: Hunziker Studio
Registration closes when the class fills or on at 6am on 10/1/19. Students cannot be added after the registration closes.

To register:

scroll down to the “Tickets” section near the bottom of this page
enter the number of “tickets” you want (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please note:

Students cannot be added after the registration closes.
Octagon members receive class discounts. Please login before registering for classes and your discount will be applied automatically.
If you are not a member, but would like to join, click here. Purchase your membership first. Then login and proceed as noted above to receive your discount. Your discount will not be applied unless you are logged in.

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns. Click here to send a message. Thanks for supporting arts education at the Octagon!

Creative Explorations, ages older 3’s - 5 years (Wed. Session 2: OCT)
2019-10-02 09:15 - 2019-10-23 10:00
CREATIVE EXPLORATIONS: WEDNESDAYS, SESSION 2 (OCT)
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 – November 20
THURSDAYS
Session 1: September 5 – 26
Session 2: October 3 – 24
Session 3: October 31 – November 21
THIS REGISTRATION IS FOR WEDNESDAY, SESSION 2 (OCT) ONLY. Check the class listing for additional sessions. Register for just one or all four; a separate registration is required for each session.
Description.This class is dedicated to the process of exploration through materials such as paint, charcoal, fabric, plastic, sculpture media, cardboard, paper, ink etc…Use of scissors and proper handling of materials will be covered. Practice of arranging materials, and basic color mixing projects will also be explored.
Class Limit: 6
Instructor: Beth Weninger
Location: Hunziker Studio
Registration closes when the class fills or on at 6am on 9/30/19. Students cannot be added after the registration closes.

To register:

scroll down to the “Tickets” section near the bottom of this page
enter the number of “tickets” you want (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please note:

Students cannot be added after the registration closes.
Octagon members receive class discounts. Please login before registering for classes and your discount will be applied automatically.
If you are not a member, but would like to join, click here. Purchase your membership first. Then login and proceed as noted above to receive your discount. Your discount will not be applied unless you are logged in.

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns. Click here to send a message. Thanks for supporting arts education at the Octagon!

Exploring Art, ages: 18 months – younger 3’s (Session 2: OCT)
2019-10-01 09:15 - 2019-10-22 10:00
EXPLORING ART: SESSION 2 (OCT)
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 REGISTRATION IS FOR SESSION 2 (OCT) ONLY. Check the class listing for additional sessions. Register for just one or all four; a separate registration is required for each session.
Description. Children and their adult partner will explore art together in a relaxed environment. Toddlers will create their own works of art while learning new skills like tearing paper, gluing, cutting, coloring over texture, painting with different objects, moving through transitions and imitating art making processes. Activities will focus on age appropriate, playful, artistic and sensory materials.
Limit: 6 adult/child pairs.
Instructor: Beth Weninger
Location: Hunziker Studio
Registration closes when the class fills or on at 6am on 9/27/19. Students cannot be added after the registration closes.

To register:

scroll down to the “Tickets” section near the bottom of this page
enter the number of “tickets” you want (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please note:

Students cannot be added after the registration closes.
Octagon members receive class discounts. Please login before registering for classes and your discount will be applied automatically.
If you are not a member, but would like to join, click here. Purchase your membership first. Then login and proceed as noted above to receive your discount. Your discount will not be applied unless you are logged in.

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns. Click here to send a message. Thanks for supporting arts education at the Octagon!

Comic Book Class, ages 8-13 (SEPT/OCT)
2019-09-28 09:00 - 2019-10-12 10:30
Comic Book Class
Ages: 8-13 years old
Day/Time: Saturdays, 9 – 10:30 am
Dates: September 28 – October 12 (3 weeks)
Cost: $70
Description: Learn the basics of what it takes to create your very own comic book. Students will learn basic layout and design, Story structure, and how to create effective dialogue.
Instructor: Tim Read
Location: Adams Studio
Class limit: 12
Registration closes when the class fills or on at noon on 9/26/19. Students cannot be added after the registration closes.

To register:

scroll down to the “Tickets” section near the bottom of this page
enter the number of “tickets” you want (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please note:

Students cannot be added after the registration closes.
Octagon members receive class discounts. Please login before registering for classes and your discount will be applied automatically.
If you are not a member, but would like to join, click here. Purchase your membership first. Then login and proceed as noted above to receive your discount. Your discount will not be applied unless you are logged in.

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns. Click here to send a message. Thanks for supporting arts education at the Octagon!

A Prairie Seed AUTUMN ROZARIO HALL
2019-09-28 - 2019-10-26
LOCATED IN THE SMALL WALL GALLERY
Artist Statement
I first fell in love with the prairie when studying art at UNI. Wandering the twisting paths of the restored prairie calmed my mind. As I drank in grasshopper droning, late summer’s scent of grass, the pollen, the leaves, and the many colors, I felt grounded and renewed. The prairie sang to me in a way that allowed me to simply be. I began my prairie series after I moved to Des Moines. I immersed myself in the local prairie, sketching and collecting photos, and samples for reference. I wanted this series to capture the feelings I had while wandering those prairie paths. This idea blossomed into the series Prairie Seed Dreaming. The series explores the relationship between woman, plant, and pollinator, through botanically accurate renderings of native plants, and dreamlike imagery of women immersed in the prairie
landscape. As the divide between woman and prairie blurs, the roles separating them blur, each becoming wholly dependent on the other. Through these paintings I invite the viewer into the prairie. I will use this series to raise awareness about the importance of prairie restoration and open a dialogue about the benefits of planting natives for both pollinators and people.
Artist Bio
Autumn Rozario Hall is a painter, dreamer, and collector of stories. Autumn grew up by the banks of the Mississippi river. Although she lived in town, she always sought the wild places, where the brambles overran the houses, and the gardens outgrew their yards. These wild places inspire her art which seeks to capture a sense of wonder. Autumn currently lives in Des Moines, Iowa and works in acrylic and mixed media. She had her first solo exhibition in 2014, and has since participated in group shows in several states including, California, Maryland, Texas, Michigan, Iowa, and one international show in Portugal. She also participates in community art projects, and is a member of the Urbandale Art Gallery Committee. Her work explores folklore and human connectivity to nature.
https://www.autumnrozariohall.com/

Intermediate Oil Painting, ages 16+ (SEPT/OCT, 4 weeks)
2019-09-23 18:00 - 2019-10-14 21:00
Intermediate Oil Painting
Ages: 16 years old and up
Day / Date / Time: Mondays, September 23 – October 14(4 weeks), 6 – 9 pm
Cost: $140
Description: Suitable for beginning/intermediate experienced painters who would like to dive deeper and paint with others. This 4 – week intensive class will include work done in the classroom as well as homework between sessions. Each week we will focus on a specific skill: composition, color, paint application, and completing a painting. Please bring an apron or wear appropriate painting clothes. See supply list below for required materials.
Instructor: Sara Merritt
Location: North Studio
Class Limit: 12
Supplies:
Please bring the following supplies. The Octagon will have some palette knives, some brushes, limited student oil painting kits available for students to borrow if needed.

Paint (titanium white, zinc white, alizarin crimson, cadmium red light, cadmium yellow, lemon yellow, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, Prussian or pthalo blue, raw umber, raw sienna, burnt umber, burnt sienna, van dyke brown, mars or ivory black)
Brushes (mostly hog’s hair/stiff bristle brushes in various sizes, and some soft bristle/sable brushes in various sizes)
Paper palettes and cardboard or other support
Masking tape
Color wheel (I can bring this if needed)
12 x 16 stretched canvas per person
Easels (standing and/or tabletop)
Turpenoid or Gamsol
Rags & glass jars with lids
Refined linseed oil
Palette knives (metal, various)
Baby oil (optional)

Registration closes when the class fills or on at 6am on 9/13/19. Students cannot be added after the registration closes.

To register:

scroll down to the “Tickets” section near the bottom of this page
enter the number of “tickets” you want (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please note:

Students cannot be added after the registration closes.
Octagon members receive class discounts. Please login before registering for classes and your discount will be applied automatically.
If you are not a member, but would like to join, click here. Purchase your membership first. Then login and proceed as noted above to receive your discount. Your discount will not be applied unless you are logged in.

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns. Click here to send a message. Thanks for supporting arts education at the Octagon!

Very Silly Monster Creative Adventure, ages 5 – 8 (SEPT)
2019-09-18 16:00 - 17:30
Very Silly Monster Creative Adventure
Ages: 5 – 8 years old
Day/Date/Time: Wednesday, September 18, 4 – 5:30 pm
Cost: $40
Description: Join children’s author and Illustrator Tim Read as he embarks on a Very Silly Creative Adventure. Students will learn how to draw Very Silly Monsters, make puppets, bookmarks, mini books, and more!
Instructor: Tim Read
Location: Hunziker Studio
Class limit: 8
Registration closes when the class fills or on at 6am on 9/16/19. Students cannot be added after the registration closes.

To register:

scroll down to the “Tickets” section near the bottom of this page
enter the number of “tickets” you want (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please note:

Students cannot be added after the registration closes.
Octagon members receive class discounts. Please login before registering for classes and your discount will be applied automatically.
If you are not a member, but would like to join, click here. Purchase your membership first. Then login and proceed as noted above to receive your discount. Your discount will not be applied unless you are logged in.

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns. Click here to send a message. Thanks for supporting arts education at the Octagon!

Wheelthrowing: Ceramic Bowls and Mugs, ages 16+ (SEPT/OCT)
2019-09-17 18:00 - 2019-10-22 21:00
Wheelthrowing: Ceramic Bowls and Mugs
Ages: 16 years old and up
Time/Day: Tuesdays, 6 – 9 pm
Dates: (6 weeks) September 17 – October 22
Cost: $165 includes 25lbs. of clay, all glazes and firing. [Tuition: $135 + Clay/Glazes/Firing: $30]
Description: Students at all skill levels will learn, review and hone wheel throwing techniques from wedging to glazing. Students will have finished bowls at the end of the course.
Instructor: Suzy Block
Location: Ceramics Studio
Class Limit: 7
Registration closes when the class fills or on at 6am on 9/13/19. Students cannot be added after the registration closes.

To register:

scroll down to the “Tickets” section near the bottom of this page
enter the number of “tickets” you want (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please note:

Students cannot be added after the registration closes.
Octagon members receive class discounts. Please login before registering for classes and your discount will be applied automatically.
If you are not a member, but would like to join, click here. Purchase your membership first. Then login and proceed as noted above to receive your discount. Your discount will not be applied unless you are logged in.

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns. Click here to send a message. Thanks for supporting arts education at the Octagon!

Surface Works PETE GOCHE
2019-09-14 - 2019-11-02
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 the simultaneous and complex nature of cerebral and corporeal experience. Each inquiry utilizes a range of domains including art, architecture and anthropology as a means of exploring not only what material cultivations can be, but also what they, in fact, do. Based on a series of modulated experimental actions (material modalities), each installation is driven by the nascent possibility of a persistent desire to intercourse with existing material surrounds pursuant a philosophical position that leverages perceptual notions of chiaroscuro – the disposition of light and dark. By extension, the conscious and unconscious, the seen and the unseen, focus and open awareness and the made and re-made are factors in the realm of understanding and producing space. It is a full-scale, three-dimensional methodology that is followed by exploratory drawing and photography as a means to express its affects (immaterial harmonics).
Artist Bio
Peter P. Goché is a practicing artist, architect and educator. Goché works with the nature of perception and spatial phenomenon in developing his material practice. His works provoke a temporal-spatial encounter that understand the simultaneous and complex nature of cerebral and corporeal experience. He is founder and executive curator of Black Contemporary, a rural field station dedicated to the study of spatial phenomena and perception. His research on material practices has been published in a number of edited books and journals, including Architecture as a Performing Art (Ashgate, 2013) and Architecture and Culture (Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, 2016). Goché has exhibited and lectured on his creative practice and scholarship at many conferences and cultural institutions throughout North America and Western Europe. He has lead multiple academic workshops including “CautionWet Floor: Slipping Into Deep” at the 2014 Venice Architecture Biennale (Venice, Italy). As educator in the Department of Architecture and foundational design at Iowa State University, Goché holds both B. Arch and M. Arch degrees in architectural studies from Iowa State University. He taught in the Department of Art at Drake University before joining the faculty at the Iowa State University.
http://www.goche.com/

ANGIE HUFFMAN & ROBERT JINKINS
2019-09-07 - 2019-10-26
LOCATED IN SWEENEY GALLERY (3RD FLOOR)

Angie Huffman
I try to render scenes from generally unremarkable life events that bring me joy when I first see them. Though mundane, they reach out with a harmonious balance of composition and color. Quiet and wordless, they imply a visual narrative and ask for further consideration. Transporting these moments in time onto canvas allows me freeze them in a state where others also have the opportunity to reflect on their harmony. Hopefully the viewer will to go forth and find unexpected moments of personal radiance in their daily lives as well, like mindfulness meditation for the visual soul. Beauty and the mundane do not need to be not mutually exclusive.
I have called my work portraits for lack of a more accurate term, but I never feel their environments are subservient to their figures. They work together and do not compete. My source material is captured when life’s visual variables align in a fortuitous way and beg to be documented or (more commonly) is found in photographs previously judged unremarkable and left in storage. Painting a scene gives me ownership over every element in a way photographic reproduction could not, and the level of control I crave in all things.
Some critics have argued that realism is an outdated relic, perfected centuries ago and more recently replaced with photographic reproduction. I have never understood how reality, true human existence, could be unilaterally discounted. Now more than ever (in my short lifetime), reality itself is attacked and called into question. What better time to embrace realism once again?
Everyone sees the world through their own eyes, but the fabric of existence is still the same. With the endless problems and downfalls that life has, I will always focus on and celebrate what positivity it does provide.
Angie Huffman was born and raised near Dallas, Texas. She graduated from the University of North Texas with a BFA in Drawing and Painting in 2010. The school’s focus on contemporary and postmodernist work challenged her to find a way to act on her attraction to realism and portraiture while avoiding banality.
In 2014, after critical evaluation of her everyday life, Huffman relocated to Eastern Iowa. Lower costs of living and a healthier work-life balance have allowed her to devote more time and energy to her paintings. Her work has been included in exhibitions in Texas and throughout the Midwest.
http://angiehuffman.com/

Robert Jinkins
Growing up on a farm that has been in my family since 1849, I gained an admiration and reverence for the land that so many of my family members have worked upon. Like ghosts or spirits that walk the place, monument-like markers exist signifying the actions and lives of those who came before me: a tractor may remain parked as it has been for years since the last time it was driven; a broken crock full of metal now slowly sinks into the earth under years of maple leaves falling from the massive trees that my grandfather planted when he was six year old. I find stories on this farm and record them in my art. Recent additions to the farm and surrounding landscape, like some older relics, have almost cosmic significance to me—a dead cow in a low-lying pasture may represent sin, death, and redemption. I enjoy painting every blade of grass while allowing a disconcerting ambiguity to lurk below the surface in order to encourage viewers into a deeper dialogue with the paintings. The entire world is portrayed within each individual line of graphite or stroke of acrylic ink from which my drawings and paintings are woven.
Robert Jinkins is currently an MFA student at Iowa State’s Integrated studio arts program and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Platteville. Robert Jinkins is an emerging regional artist whose graphite and acrylic mixed media work focuses upon the people and landscape of the Midwest. Much of Robert’s subject matter comes from the family farm in Wisconsin that was homesteaded by an ancestor in 1849. In his work, strives to reflect the strength of the people and their history.
https://robertjinkins.carbonmade.com/

Creative Explorations, ages older 3’s - 5 years (Thurs. Session 1: SEPT)
2019-09-05 09:15 - 2019-09-26 10:00
CREATIVE EXPLORATIONS: THURSDAYS, SESSION 1 (SEPT)
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 – November 20
THURSDAYS
Session 1: September 5 – 26
Session 2: October 3 – 24
Session 3: October 31 – November 21
THIS REGISTRATION IS FOR THURSDAY, SESSION 1 (SEPT) ONLY. Check the class listing for additional sessions. Register for just one or all four; a separate registration is required for each session.
Description.This class is dedicated to the process of exploration through materials such as paint, charcoal, fabric, plastic, sculpture media, cardboard, paper, ink etc…Use of scissors and proper handling of materials will be covered. Practice of arranging materials, and basic color mixing projects will also be explored.
Class Limit: 6
Instructor: Beth Weninger
Location: Hunziker Studio
Registration closes when the class fills or on at 6am on 9/3/19. Students cannot be added after the registration closes.

To register:

scroll down to the “Tickets” section near the bottom of this page
enter the number of “tickets” you want (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please note:

Students cannot be added after the registration closes.
Octagon members receive class discounts. Please login before registering for classes and your discount will be applied automatically.
If you are not a member, but would like to join, click here. Purchase your membership first. Then login and proceed as noted above to receive your discount. Your discount will not be applied unless you are logged in.

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns. Click here to send a message. Thanks for supporting arts education at the Octagon!

Creative Explorations, ages older 3's - 5 years (Wed. Session 1: SEPT)
2019-09-04 09:15 - 2019-09-25 10:00
CREATIVE EXPLORATIONS: WEDNESDAYS, SESSION 1 (SEPT)
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 – November 20
THURSDAYS
Session 1: September 5 – 26
Session 2: October 3 – 24
Session 3: October 31 – November 21
THIS REGISTRATION IS FOR WEDNESDAY, SESSION 1 (SEPT) ONLY. Check the class listing for additional sessions. Register for just one or all four; a separate registration is required for each session.
Description.This class is dedicated to the process of exploration through materials such as paint, charcoal, fabric, plastic, sculpture media, cardboard, paper, ink etc…Use of scissors and proper handling of materials will be covered. Practice of arranging materials, and basic color mixing projects will also be explored.
Class Limit: 6
Instructor: Beth Weninger
Location: Hunziker Studio
Registration closes when the class fills or on at 6am on 8/30/19. Students cannot be added after the registration closes.

To register:

scroll down to the “Tickets” section near the bottom of this page
enter the number of “tickets” you want (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please note:

Students cannot be added after the registration closes.
Octagon members receive class discounts. Please login before registering for classes and your discount will be applied automatically.
If you are not a member, but would like to join, click here. Purchase your membership first. Then login and proceed as noted above to receive your discount. Your discount will not be applied unless you are logged in.

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns. Click here to send a message. Thanks for supporting arts education at the Octagon!

Exploring Art, ages: 18 months – younger 3’s (Session 1: SEPT)
2019-09-03 09:15 - 2019-09-24 10:00
EXPLORING ART: SESSION 1 (SEPT)
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 REGISTRATION IS FOR SESSION 1 (SEPT) ONLY. Check the class listing for additional sessions. Register for just one or all four; a separate registration is required for each session.
Description. Children and their adult partner will explore art together in a relaxed environment. Toddlers will create their own works of art while learning new skills like tearing paper, gluing, cutting, coloring over texture, painting with different objects, moving through transitions and imitating art making processes. Activities will focus on age appropriate, playful, artistic and sensory materials.
Limit: 6 adult/child pairs.
Instructor: Beth Weninger
Location: Hunziker Studio
Registration closes when the class fills or on at 6am on 8/30/19. Students cannot be added after the registration closes.

To register:

scroll down to the “Tickets” section near the bottom of this page
enter the number of “tickets” you want (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please note:

Students cannot be added after the registration closes.
Octagon members receive class discounts. Please login before registering for classes and your discount will be applied automatically.
If you are not a member, but would like to join, click here. Purchase your membership first. Then login and proceed as noted above to receive your discount. Your discount will not be applied unless you are logged in.

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns. Click here to send a message. Thanks for supporting arts education at the Octagon!

70K: The Biennial Community of Artists Exhibit
2019-08-30 - 2019-11-09
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 of the Octagon Center for the Arts.
Opening Reception: August 30, 2019, 5-7pm. Awards at 6pm.

Juror:
Allison Sheridan
Museum Collections Manager,
Publications Coordinator, &
Farm House Museum Manager
Sheridan is a two-time Iowa State University graduate with a B.S. in History (’01) and a M.S. in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (’11). She began with University Museums at ISU in 2001 as the Education Assistant and has since moved on to the role of Collections Manager, Publications Coordinator and Farm House Museum Manager. In that capacity, she is in charge of the many museum collection works of art – over 30,000! She researches, coordinates, authors, edits and designs all aspects of University Museums’ publications including the popular Campus Beautiful (2015). She is the staff member in charge of the Farm House Museum, the oldest campus building, and routinely curates exhibitions, presents programs and outreach, provides tours, and coordinates strategic planning. She has served as the chair of the Ames Public Art Commission, on the State of Iowa Technical Advisory Network and grant review committees, Iowa Museum Association conference planning committee, and recently consulted with the City of Clive on their public art master plan.

Accepted Work:

Penny
Adam
Birch Grove 3

Tilda
Brown Swanson
Orange Maple Leaf

Nanette
Catigbe
Three’s Company

Anna
Chukharevakhudilayn
Forest Ride

Anna
Chukharevakhudilayn
Golden Rider

Ruthellen
Cunnally
Coral Reef

Ruthellen
Cunnally
Gauze

Judith
Eastburn
Wild Parsnips, Elkader Iowa

Caroline
Freese
Claire

Caroline
Freese
Deep Dish Pie Pan with Blue Whale Pattern

Caroline
Freese
Red Fox Face

Jan
Friedman
Earth Series: Spiral

Jan
Friedman
Before It’s Too Late

Rex
Heer
Thinking of Flamingos

Rex
Heer
Cool Flamingos

Victoria
Herring
Woman in Havana Street

Marcia
Joffe-Bouska
Emblem

Marcia
Joffe-Bouska
Sacrifice

Marcia
Joffe-Bouska
Equivalence

Mary
Johnson
Faded Bouquet

Holly
Kellogg
Construct

Linda
Lewis Lieberman
Cow Henge

Linda
Lewis Lieberman
Joyous Dawn

Diane
Michaud Lowry
Fog Rolling In

Diane
Michaud Lowry
Reflections on Sullivan Lake

Pat
Millin
Idomeni

Chuck
Oulman
In Stockholm

Jarred
Pfeiffer
Tide Pool

Jarred
Pfeiffer
Arctic Circle

Isaac
Prior
Muspelheim Gateway

Isaac
Prior
Asgard Gateway

Jeremy
Roy
Insight: Justin and Andrew

Connie
Sherman
Yellow Dress 89

Connie
Sherman
Midnight Dress

Audrey
Staples
Wintertime (Grasses)

Teresa
Townsend Miller
Minus One

Rob
Wallace
The Naked Truth

Hands on Harps, August 24
2019-08-24 10:00 - 11:30
Hands on Harps (Ages 15+)
August 24 at 10:00-11:30
$40/class
Learn more about the harp and try out different sizes of folk harps. Participants will have the opportunity to learn to play simple melodies and chords, in unison and in rounds. The harp is a very beginner friendly instrument (even mistakes sound good on the harp!) No musical experience necessary.
Class limit: 12 students
Instructor: Barb Evanson
Location: Community Gallery
Registration closes on at 5pm on 8/22/19 or when the class fills.

To register:

enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns.

A Few of My Favorite Things MEGAN ANDERSON
2019-08-24 - 2019-09-21
LOCATED IN THE SMALL WALL GALLERY
From Megan Anderson:
I have always been in awe of nature and its beauty. I see the world through a
photographer’s eyes and always wish I had a camera permanently attached to my hand.
With the invention of cell phones, my dream came true. I want to show that it doesn’t
matter what fancy equipment you possess, you can still capture beautiful and interesting
photography. Art is what you make of it. I have been fortunate enough to be able to
capture my every day experiences involving my animals and the nature around me, and
turn that into a creative outlet.

I don’t typically take photos for others, but find joy in them for myself. Over time, family
and friends have shown interest and I’ve been honored to give my photographs as gifts.
This will be the first time the public is receiving my work. I hope I can continue to grow and
improve in my photography skills and potentially parlay a hobby into a living.
Megan Anderson’s Bio:
Megan Anderson is a local amateur photographer. She feels fortunate to have grown up
on a farm in Northern Iowa where her love of animals and the outdoors was apparent from
an early age. What started out as taking photographs for 4H, evolved into taking photos
for personal entertainment. Megan attended Iowa State University and currently works as
an equine veterinary technician. She has been able to combine her love of photography
and animals into a hobby revolving around her own

Clay Workshop (ages 12 – 15) August 5-8
2019-08-05 13:00 - 16:00
Clay Workshop, ages 12 – 15
August 5 – 8
1 – 4 pm
$145
Learn key handbuilding techniques including pinch, coil and slab construction, plus surface decoration and glazing. Students will create functional and artistic projects to be glazed, fired and picked up two weeks after class ends.
Instructor: Jasmine Beul
Ceramics Studio
Class Limit: 8
Registration closes on at 5pm on 7/31/19 or when the workshop fills.

To register:

enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns.

Visiting Artist Workshop: Creating a Tonal Image in Charcoal and Paint
2019-07-27 13:00 - 17:00
Creating a Tonal Image in Charcoal and Paint
Saturday, July 27
1 – 5 pm (4 – 5 pm critique session)
North Studio
Class Limit: 16
$250 Member discounts may not be applied to this special workshop.

In this workshop we will learn the basics of charcoal drawing to get a quick impression of any image. These skills are crucial for planning tonal schemes in drawing and painting. The same basics can be applied to drawing in paint. The backbone of a quick painting is a good drawing with organized values. We will make a monotone drawing in paint using the same principles of charcoal. These skills will be enormously helpful in all varieties of quick sketch.

Please bring the following supplies:
Vine or willow charcoal (paper and canvas to be supplied by me)
Small tube of raw umber oil paint
A few brushes of varying size. One of those little brush kits at hobby lobby is fine.
A small bottle of Gamsol or Odorless mineral spirit of your choice.

Visiting Artist: Ananda Fetherston, a Slater, Iowa born fine artist, was educated under Jacob Collins at the Grand Central Atelier in New York City. She has exhibited in New York where she lives with her husband, a fellow painter. In addition to oil painting and drawing, Ananda is a printmaker.

Ananda will also be teaching a workshop on Thursday, July 25, Creating a Precise Linear Drawing for Painting.

Registration closes on at 5pm on 7/25/19 or when the workshop fills.

To register:

enter the number of “tickets” you want below (one ticket per student)
click “add to cart”
complete the contact information form that appears after you add a ticket
complete the payment information
check your email for your receipt

Please contact us with any registration questions or concerns.
