Opportunities for Artists
connect and join
Newsletters and social media
A good way to get started and stay informed by requesting the newsletters. You are welcome to subscribe to the weekly e-newsletter that goes out to the public here.
Additionally, if you are an artist, you can subscribe to our bi-monthly (every 2 months) artist e-newsletter — just email us at Info@octagonarts.org and let us know you would like to subscribe to our artist newsletter.
You can find the Octagon on Facebook and Instagram (note: the Octagon Shop has a separate account), and on YouTube. We hope you will follow our accounts!
Membership
You are invited to become an artist member of the Octagon! Get more information here.
sell artwork
The Octagon Art Festival
The Octagon Art Festival takes place outdoors in downtown Ames on the 4th Sunday in September. You can apply to sell your artwork at the Festival by registering on our Festival Page. Applications generally open in mid-March and close in mid-June. Applications are juried and about 100 artists usually participate. Contact Heather at director@octagonarts.org with questions.
The Octagon Shop
The Octagon Shop consigns the work of over 175 artists. You can apply to sell your work through the Shop. New applications for the Octagon Shop are accepted October 1st. Applications are juried by a committee. Submit your application at least one week prior to the deadline. To learn more, click here.
Contact Terrie at shop@octagonarts.org with additional questions.
Exhibits
If your work is accepted to be exhibited at the Octagon, you may offer it for sale during the exhibit. Please read accepted artwork information carefully (see “show artwork” section).
show artwork
Octagon Community Gallery
Please carefully read the information for entry and accepted artwork. You may apply to show your work for several exhibits.
–Solo or Small Group Exhibits
Please keep in mind that the Octagon schedules solo/small group shows up to two years in advance. The application process generally opens in the fall.
–Annual Exhibits
Octagonal: The All-Media Exhibit is the annual, juried all-media exhibition at the Octagon and takes place in the winter or spring. This exhibit features a regionally-recognized juror each year, attracts artists from across the United States, and provides significant cash awards. For more information, click here.
The Elementary / Middle / High Annual Show is a cooperative effort with local art teachers and features the work of young area artists. More information about this event is coming soon.
The Member Show is a new non-juried show celebrates the skills, creativity, and lived experiences of the Octagon community! We fill the gallery and surround ourselves with our own amazing work — established artists next to emerging artists, all media. Each current member may submit one artwork for the show. Click here to learn more.
teach
Octagon Classes, Workshops & Camps
The Octagon is always looking for passionate artists and teachers — those who wish to share their craft or foundational skills to a full range of developing artists and patrons. Instructors do not have to have a degree in education or fine arts, but teaching experience is a plus. Classes can cover a multitude of media and a wide variety of ages. We are interested in both in-person and virtual formats. Click here to complete an application.
Questions? Email Beth at education@octagonarts.org.
connect and learn
Business of Art Conference
The Octagon Center for the Arts and the Ames Community Arts Council are partnering to present the annual Business of Art Conference on the first weekend in March. We are dedicated to helping artists grow and succeed — and to supporting the impact of art in the world.
This conference is designed to strengthen skills and resources in both formally trained and self-taught creatives. Topics such as: developing a brand; finding a market through an online presence, festivals, galleries, consignment, and/or retail/wholesale sales; searching for funding; and self-care are addressed. In addition to professional development sessions, the conference includes networking opportunities. Professionals and students in all types of creative work, part time or full time, in all stages of their career are welcome.
Applications open in January.
The conference is in-person.
Contact us at info@octagonarts.org with questions.
connect and make
Third Floor Initiative: Octagon Artist Collective
We are currently transforming underutilized space on the third floor of the Octagon into affordable co-working and private studio spaces for emerging artists. You can read more about this project here.
We continue to think about how we can support you and your creative work. Please let us know if you have any ideas and keep an eye out for new opportunties here at the Octagon.
