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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Clay/Glass/Canvas, ages 8 – 12 June 10 – 13 9 – 11:30 am $145 In this Mixed Media camp, students will spend some time in the Ceramics studio making handbuilt clay mosaic tiles for clay slab frames to be glazed and fired. Throughout the week, campers will create a glass fusion projects and finish out […]
Deep Sea Adventure, ages 5.5* - 8 June 10 – 13 9 am – 11:30 am $140 Let’s cool down the summer heat with aquatic adventures! Sharks and rays, stars of the bay, creatures of the deep, jellies and other squishy creatures will be our inspiration through the artistic process. Mini aquariums, sea globes, printmaking, […]
Puffle and Plushie Design Camp, ages 7 - 9 June 17 - 19 9 am – 11:00 am $95 Design your own Puffles (furry stuffed creature) or your own unique Plushie or soft sculpture characters and make them come to life! Design, draw patterns, stuff, and sew your new friend using felt, fun fur, feathers […]
Puppets & Masks, ages 5.5* – 12 July 8 – 11 9 – 11:30 am $140 For celebrating, playing, scaring, hiding and general mischief making, we will explore the significance of masks, especially as they relate to a child’s individual self-expression and heritage. A variety of materials will be used to create sturdy, multi-dimensional masks […]
Paint, Rattle, and Roll, ages 9 - 12 July 8 – 10 1 – 3 pm $110 Groove to your favorite songs as you improve your drawing and painting skills. Play with color, shape, and texture and let the music set the mood for your painting. Discover new tunes from British pop to Brazilian bossa […]
Mixed Media Faces, ages 6 - 12 July 15 – July 18 9 – 11:30 am $140 Students will create expressive faces and portraits from life, photos, and imagination, while being inspired by artists from the past as well as the present, from abstract to real. A variety of media – collage, charcoal, paint, string, glass […]
Painting: Myths and Dreamscapes, ages 10 - 14 July 15 – 18 1 – 3:30 pm $140 Unleash your creativity and imagination as you develop foundational painting skills with acrylic paints and watercolors. Learn about ancient myths from Egypt, Asia, and Latin America, and then travel space and time as you create a fantasy world […]
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)