​Welcome to the Ames Community Arts Council

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Who we are:

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. 
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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. Let us know how we can partner with you!

News of the Day

Ames Community Arts Council to Celebrate Those Who Celebrate the Arts

The Ames Community Arts Council will hold its annual Arts Awards Celebration at Reiman Gardens (1407 University Blvd.) on Sun., May 18 at 1:30 p.m. The public is invited to join the Arts Council in honoring those who have supported and encouraged the arts through their extraordinary actions and exemplary service to the Ames community.
The following awards will be given:
  • Aaron Lott, nominated by Katharine Hensley, is this year's Art Educator award recipient. A dedicated and inspiring music teacher, Aaron embodies the ideal arts educator—warm, inclusive, and encouraging, yet committed to excellence. Through Lott Music Studio, where he teaches piano, accompaniment, and voice, he cultivates an environment where students thrive and return eagerly week after week. His unwavering dedication to fostering a love of music and nurturing individual growth makes him a truly deserving honoree.
  • Stephani Schebart, nominated by the Iowa State University Department of Music and Theatre, is this year’s Hazel Hammer Cherished Volunteer. A dedicated and invaluable contributor to several of Ames’s music organizations, she skillfully stage-manages events for the Ames Town & Gown Chamber Music Association, the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition, and ISU’s Music and Theatre Department Musicale. Beyond her backstage expertise, she provides insightful program notes for Ames Town & Gown and serves as secretary of the ISU Music and Theatre Department Advisory Committee. Stephani's tireless support makes her a true treasure and a deserving recipient of this honor.
  • It is an honor to recognize Tascha Hauber, nominated by the Ames Town and Gown Chamber Music Association, as the 2025 Distinguished Board Member. Tascha joined the Ames Town and Gown board in 2021 and now serves as their Vice President. While she supports the organization in numerous ways, her most conspicuous contribution has been as the primary organizer of the grand buffet reception that follows the concert portion of the Town & Gown Musicale, a fundraiser essential to the organization’s financial success. Her organizational skills and creativity have elevated this popular event to a level worthy of a professional catering business, and it’s a privilege to work with her each year to create an amazing evening.
  • Melinda Jenkins-Moore, nominated by Kathrine Hensley, is this year’s Local Treasure, honored for her contributions to the Mirage Middle Eastern Dance Troupe. A gifted teacher, choreographer, and performer, Melinda is a core member of the fusion belly dance group, which blends Middle Eastern styles with American techniques. For over two decades, Mirage has enriched Ames through classes and performances at events like the Octagon Arts Festival and Ames Pride Festival, fostering community engagement and inviting all to celebrate the joy of dance. Ames is fortunate to have Melinda and the dance troupe as a part of our community.
  • The Ames Town and Gown Chamber Music Association celebrated its 75th anniversary this season, and it is an honor to present them with a Special Recognition award. Ames Town & Gown has enriched the quality of life in central Iowa by presenting world-famous musical ensembles as well as brilliant emerging artists, in intimate concert settings. Their commitment to sharing the artists’ enthusiasm for chamber music with people of all ages and needs through educational outreach activities has made the Ames Town and Gown Chamber Music Association a pillar of the arts community.
  • Ames Public Library, nominated by Kathy Svec, is an ideal nomination for the Arts in the Workplace award. Through its regular presentations of visual art exhibits, performing arts events, story times, and cultural lectures and festivals, the Ames Public Library serves as a vibrant hub for community enrichment. These always-free programs welcome people of all ages to explore, experience, and learn. By generously offering rent-free spaces and co-sponsoring events, the Library staff remove barriers for presenters, ensuring that enriching cultural experiences remain accessible to all. Our community thrives because of their commitment to fostering engagement and discovery.
  • Nominated by fellow artist Valerie Williams, Linda Hardie, owner of Hardie Clay Studio, is this year’s recipient of the Veronika Ruedenberg Cultural Entrepreneur award. Linda, an artist and ceramicist, could have simply focused on her own craft, but instead, she built a welcoming space for the clay community. Her commitment to accessibility and education led her to create Hardie Clay Studio, offering classes for all skill levels, open studio days, and opportunities for advanced students to learn studio management. Constantly innovating, she has developed apps for scheduling and task management, ensuring her studio remains a hub for creativity and learning. Through her vision, Linda has filled a vital need for ceramics instruction and artistic community.
  • Artist Maureen Burke submitted the nomination for Tammy Koolbeck to receive the Bill Pelz Arts Advocacy award. As Executive Director of Stephens Auditorium, Tammy has been a driving force behind the performing arts in Ames, enriching the community with diverse and engaging events. A steadfast advocate for artists, performing arts venues, and audiences across the region, Tammy embodies the spirit of arts advocacy. Her dedication and leadership make her the quintessential recipient of the Bill Pelz Arts Advocacy award.
  • Finally, Ames icon Mel Crippen was nominated by Lynne Carey of KHOI Radio for the Lifetime Achievement award. For over 30 years, Mel has been a champion of the local arts community, promoting events through Mel’s Breakfast Club on the radio. When he initially retired, his absence was deeply felt—but soon, he returned, continuing his tradition of bringing arts and nonprofit organizations into the spotlight every Friday until the station’s closure. Mel’s platform became a vital resource for spreading the word about concerts, plays, musicals, art shows, workshops, and nonprofit initiatives throughout Ames. Mel’s warmth and generosity fostered a sense of community, creating a gathering of friends united by a shared love of Ames and its thriving arts scene. We are lucky to have the opportunity to honor him in this small but sincere way.
Light refreshments will be available. The Arts Awards Celebration, an annual event of the Ames Community Arts Council, is free and open to everyone. This event is supported in part by the City of Ames Commission on the Arts (COTA). For more information, click here.