Click below for the NEW Ames Community Arts Council 
-- COMMUNITY CALENDAR --
As COVID-19 affects many of our members, please understand that our calendar is in a state of flux.
We are doing our best to keep up!

​Welcome to the Ames Community Arts Council

The 2020 Arts Awards Celebration

will be held via Zoom on Sunday, July 19, 2020 at 2 p.m.

Register to attend HERE.
Artists and supporters of the arts, non-profit organizations and businesses have come together as the Ames Community Arts Council since 1976. We are dedicated to building a sense of community and helping artists succeed. We believe that participating in the arts--as audience members, musicians, actors, dancers, writers, makers, volunteers, and more--enriches our lives and our community. 

What we do:
The Ames Community Arts Council is a non-profit 501(c)(3) funded through memberships, donations, and grants, including the City of Ames Commission on the Arts (COTA). The Arts Council is dedicated to celebrating the arts and serving the community. 

Here's a quick look at some things we do:
  • connect you to vocal and instrument concerts, dance and theater performances, visual arts exhibits, unique shopping, cultural events, arts classes and more through our free weekly on-line newsletter and on-line calendar. 
  • organize a monthly “gathering of artists” for local artists of all kinds. 
  • recognize excellence in the arts through the annual Arts Awards Celebration.
  • give you a behind-the-scenes look at local artists' studios with the Ames Artists' Studio Tour.
  • support opportunities that expand learning outside the regular classroom and utilize partnerships with artists / arts organizations through Arts in Education Grants. 
  • provide free art activities for the community.
  • make it easy to find an artist. Member artists are listed with links to their websites and social media pages.
  • provide special benefits for artists, art organizations and businesses and promote arts events of the members through traditional and social media.
  • We collaborate with Ames area organizations to support community activities, like ArtWalk, MusicWalk and more. 

News of the Day:

The May Gathering of Artists will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, May 26 from 7 - 8:30 p.m., and will feature two Ames ceramicists, Linda Hardie and Valerie Williams.
 
Linda Hardie loves to make unique and functional pieces. Her work includes coffee mugs, butter dishes, cookie jars and extra-large bowls. Some of Hardie’s work is created on the potter’s wheel, and some is created using hand-building techniques. All of her pieces have textures juxtaposed with smooth surfaces. Along with a large clay studio, there is a showroom to display and sell the completed pieces. 
 
Linda has recently begun sharing her studio with fellow ceramicist Valerie Williams. Best known as a professional dancer, Valerie is also an accomplished ceramic artist. Her pottery is a delicate balance of functional work that is light as air, and her color blend of glazes are stunning.
 
The evening will include demonstration and discussion. Artists and art enthusiasts of all types are invited to meet other artists, get feedback, get inspired and have fun. The events are free and open to all.  Please join us in this new format until we are once again able to gather together in person.
 
Participants will need to pre-register for the event to attend. Register HERE.
 
The Gathering of Artists is hosted by the Ames Community Arts Council and made possible with the support of the City of Ames Commission on the Arts. If you would like more information about participating in or hosting a gathering, please contact the Ames Community Arts Council by e-mailing info@amesart.org or calling 515-259-0494.