​Welcome to the Ames Community Arts Council

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

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Tues., March 16 Gathering of Artists: Ames History Museum
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The Ames Community Arts Council’s March Gathering of Artists will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, March 16 at 6 p.m. Join us to learn about the Ames History Museum. This event is free and open to everyone.
 
Ames History Museum’s Exhibits Manager, Alex Fejar, will give a tour of the space, including the featured exhibit, Uncorked: The Spirited History of Alcohol in Ames, and talk to attendees about how the Ames History Museum fits into the community. Whether you’re a regular visitor to the Museum or someone who has not yet made it for a visit, this is sure to be a fun event. Artists and art enthusiasts of all types are invited to learn about a local art offering and enjoy each other’s virtual company. Join us in this online format until we are once again able to gather together in person.
 
Participants will need to pre-register for the event to attend, see link below.
 
The mission of the Ames History Museum is to engage our diverse public and provide unique opportunities to learn about Ames history. They are located just one block off Main Street, at 416 Douglas Ave. Until you can plan a visit, their website, www.ameshistory.org, offers a great opportunity to view exhibits or browse the resource shelf to learn more about Ames history. Admission is free.
 
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 (COTA). 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, visiting the website at www.amesart.org, or calling 515-259-0494.


Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtceuurj4sHtftLKZYK4noFhUAl917AaZp 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.