2016 Ames Area Studio Tour
Saturday, October 8 | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday, October 9 | noon - 4 p.m.
20 artists open their studios to the public. Come see where creativity begins!
Click here for more info

​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 Area 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 a artist. Member artists are listed with links to their websites and social media pages. ( Web page under construction.)
  • 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:

Ames Area Studio Tour Dates Set  The 2016 Tour will be Saturday October 8 - Sunday, October 9.  Put it in your calendar now!  Click here for studio info, maps, links, & more!  As a new addition to this year's Studio Tour, the Ames Community Arts Council is hosting a party! Join us Saturday, October 8 from 6 - 9 p.m. at Alluvial Brewing [3715 W. 190th Street - out by Prairie Moon Winery] for great local brews, light hors d'oeuvres, and fantastic entertainment. 
​
Arts Council members, Mirage Middle Eastern Dance Troupe, will perform, followed by music provided by The Vinyl Collective, showcasing artists made famous at Vinyl Cafe's open mic night. Admission is free, but it is a cash bar. 

This is a great opportunity to chat with the artists featured on the studio tour and learn even more about the members that make up the Ames Community Arts Council.

Fall 2016 Gathering of Artists Set The next Gathering of Artists will be Tuesday, October 18 from 6 - 8 p.m. at the studio of Dan Marks, 2307 Timberland Rd., Ames.  

Dan's medium is acrylic paint on canvas.  He pulls his inspiration from his surroundings.  He distorts perspective and saturates color into his stylized paintings, creating something beyond a static viewing experience.  Marks finds personality in figureless places and successfully brings expressive rendering back to regionalism.

Occurring on the third Tuesday of each month, the Gathering of Artists take place at a local artist's workspace. The Gatherings are intended to offer an opportunity for artists and art enthusiasts of all types - musicians, actors, writers, painters, and more - to drop in and meet other artists, get feedback, get inspired and have fun! Make plans now to join us, and bring your friends!  Find a full list of upcoming events, here.

​Thanks to the Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau for support in our 2015 Re-Branding Project and 2016 Studio Tour!