LOCATED IN COMMUNITY GALLERY Image & Text features visual and written artworks crafted from partnerships between visual artists and creative writers. Whether the individual artworks or the overarching concepts behind the artworks are the collaboration, this gallery installation intends to show artwork generated by the interplay between (or among) visual artists and creative writers. A […]
LOCATED IN THE COMMUNITY GALLERY The Art of Climate Planning is produced by The EcoTheatre Lab and funded by a City of Ames Small Art Grant. The project is inspired by the City of Ames’ commitment to developing a climate action plan in the coming months. The EcoTheatre Lab commissioned seven local artists to develop […]
LOCATED IN THE COMMUNITY GALLERY Artist Statement: In Latin, the word Manibus means “from the hand.” I created the Manibus robotic painting device to utilize as an extension of the artist’s hand. A dancer wears a motion-sensing remote directing Manibus to render an artistic depiction of elapsed time and motion. Using this tool, I capture […]
Located in the Community Gallery/Virtual The Octagon Center for the Arts highlights artwork by local elementary, middle, and high school students annually. 2022 Kindergarten - 8th Grade Student Show See the K - 8th Grade Show virtually! Visit our YouTube channel to see the Show: https://youtu.be/l_N0KeDsDNI 2022 High School Student Show See the High School […]
Located in the Community Gallery Exhibit Reception: Join us at our exhibit reception on June 9, 6-8pm at the Octagon! Come meet some of the artists, see the show, listen to our crowdsourced exhibit playlist, and if weather permits, hang out on the patio and enjoy some light refreshments! Masks are required for events. Artist […]
Located in the Community Gallery 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. The Octagon’s Member Show 2022: Participating Artists Carolyn Abbott carolyntabbott.smugmug.com Penny Adam Robert Anders Instagram: […]
On View September 1-30, 2022 Exhibition Locations: Ames History Museum: “Selfportrait: Flickering” by Sasha Phillips 416 Douglas Avenue; Hours: Tuesday-Friday 1-4, Saturday 10-4 Ames Public Library: “Queer Family” by Charlie Esker 515 Douglas Avenue; Hours: Sunday 1-5, Monday-Thursday 9-9, Friday-Saturday 9-6 Back Alley House Plants: “The Box” by Ashley Vance 111 Main Street; Hours: Wednesday-Sunday […]
Artist Statements Andrew Clarridge “My work is an endeavored process culminating out of experiences many or all of us have had in our lives. I like to focus on an array of issues such as technology and its psychological effects, enslavement, love, loss, death, renewal, enlightenment and empowerment. These are broad topics that have deep […]
Artist Statement: I could be the Poster Child for the slogan “Reuse, Reduce, Recycle.” Handmade paper is the basis for the majority of my artwork, but I often incorporate, weave or build using other found materials. I use old clothes, dead plants, shredded money, and items such as old doormats (made of natural fibers) to […]
The Octagon Center for the Arts highlights artwork by local elementary, middle, and high school students annually. GRADES K – 8 (Virtual): SHOW DETAILS: Google Form Submission Due: 5 pm, Saturday, April 1, 2023 Virtual Exhibit Opening: Monday, April 17, 2023 Art from Grades K – 8 will be displayed virtually. Each elementary and middle […]
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)