Thank you for participating in the
2016 Ames Area Studio Tour .
Watch here for next year's dates!
If you have any feedback about this year's event, just drop us a line!
Thank you to Alluvial Brewing for hosting the inaugural 'Studio Tour Social.'
We had a great time!
We had a great time!
The 2016 Ames Area Studio Tour was made possible through the support of the
Ames Commission on the Arts and the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Additional support provided by these community sponsors - click here or scroll down for the full list.
Ames Commission on the Arts and the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Additional support provided by these community sponsors - click here or scroll down for the full list.
In a hurry? Click here to go directly to:
Meet the Artists Studio Tour Map Studio Tour Headquarters FAQ Sponsors
Meet the Artists Studio Tour Map Studio Tour Headquarters FAQ Sponsors
Visit our blog or Facebook page for additional information, updates, and more photos!
Click here to open a 2016 Ames Area Studio Tour Program (PDF)
Click here to open a 2016 Ames Area Studio Tour Program (PDF)
Meet The 2016 Artists
Jeff Bock - Bock Custom Cycles
1593 Xavier Ave, Ames Custom Bicycle Frames / Vintage Bicycle Restoration Jeff Bock is truly making a statement in functional art – he received his first bicycle on his fourth birthday and notes “that was the start of what’s turned into a life-long passion. I think a passion sounds much more nuanced and balanced than an obsession...” Bock specializes in custom built, made-to-order, lugged steel bicycle frames and vintage bike restoration. Following his graduation from the University of Northern Iowa’s art program, Bock began working in a local bike shop, where his interest in bicycle making began. After doing a few top of the line production bikes, Bock realized the next step up was custom built frames. In 1975, he built his first frame, and he claims, “That is where it all started.” Over his forty plus years of practice, which was done alongside teaching in the Des Moines public schools, Bock has done a variety of different designs for his clients. “I have always worked with very smooth lines, but now I am working on more ornate pieces,” he said as he showed off some unique new lugs. For anyone wondering about his approach to his work, Bock simply quoted a line from the film Zoba the Greek: “'It takes a little madness...' and a lot of intensity, passion, and work.” Visit 'Bock Custom Cycles' online: www.facebook.com/JeffreyBockCustomCycles |
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Brainmill Maker Lab
4625 Reliable St, Ames Collective Space / Varied Works Reliable Street is a collective space in Ames that works across the disciplines of art, design, and business seeking to strengthen the connection between the public and place-making. Reliable Street encourages a working environment that is both interdependent and collaborative. The intention is to actively involve the public as both participant and collaborator in the on-going creation of the project. The concentration of Brainmill Maker Lab is on new media: film, sound, and technology. The lab is a combination of metal and woodworking tools, plus computer stations. Future plans include incorporation of new machines such as CNC and 3D printers. Visit 'Reliable Street' online: www.reliablestreet.com |
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Kristi Carlson
713 16th St, Ames Painting, Drawing & Printmaking I’ve always considered myself an oil painter and woodcut printmaker. More recently, I’ve made hundreds of small, graphite drawings of Iowa land that have won awards in regional shows. At first I used pastels or charcoal on approx. 10” square paper. Later I made 1” square drawings using mechanical pencils. Most of my work is of Iowa land. I grew up in Decorah with an artist father and have lived in Iowa for most of my life. I look carefully at the land and record what I see, whether I’m drawing or painting. I prefer to work on location, and only occasionally work from my own photographs. |
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Ciccotti Art Glass
2306 258th St, Ames (Napier) Handblown Glass Art Ciccotti grew up in Southern California, married, and moved to Ames, Iowa. He attended Iowa State University and graduated as an Art and Design major with an emphasis in Art Education. While attending Iowa State, he became part of the glassblowing club, “The Gaffers’ Guild.” There he learned the basics of glassblowing. I am mostly self-taught as a glassblower. Over the years I have attended workshops around the U.S., learning techniques and honing the skills that fuel my passion for this ancient craft. My current designs have roots in Venetian glass working techniques. The use of a roll up of glass (tocar pierre) allows me to put together designs that can vary from the random composition of a Garden Walk Platter to a very controlled design using cane and murrine. Bright colors and curvilinear forms are the design elements I prefer to work with. I enjoy exploring new color combinations, shapes, and functionality. As my skill level increases so does the complexity of the designs and techniques. Making art is a passion for me. I blow glass because of the rush of seeing an object take shape from a white hot mass to a finished piece. After weeks of planning, sometimes months, the design comes together in a piece within a short period of time. It is intense! My objective is to produce a piece of work that not only is unique but that brings a sense of visual and tactile pleasure. The theme running through my work relates to the natural world—flowers, weather, animals. My intent is not to recreate these things exactly, but to make visual reference to them. These things have a natural beauty to which we can connect. Visit 'Ciccotti Art Glass' online: www.ciccottiartglass.com |
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Creative Artists’ Studio of Ames (CASA) 130 S. Sheldon Ave, Suite 107, Ames Clay, Fiber, Encaustics, Metal, Paper, Ink, & Watercolor CASA is a group of artists who work in clay, fiber, encaustics, metal, paper, ink, and watercolor. Our mission: To provide space for artists to work, to learn, and to share their expertise with the public. Visit 'CASA' online: www.facebook.com/creativeartistsames 
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Design on Main 203 Main St, Ames An extension of Iowa State University's College of Design, Design on Main aims to share the artistic practice generated within the university with the larger community. It is our belief that conversation and collaboration can bolster Ames's vibrant culture. Our mission is to strengthen creative connections between Iowa State University and the Ames community through arts education and artist-led projects. A collaborative exhibition entitled Common Threads, featuring the works of Catherine Reinhart and Allison Wegren Metzger, will be on display during the studio tour. For this project, the two fiber artists will create a series of works on paper and an interactive installation inspired by artwork on the Iowa State University campus. Visit 'Design on Main' online: www.facebook.com/designonmainia |
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Jess Huennekens – Some Bearded Guy
2306 258th St, Ames (Napier) Woodworking - bowls, pens, and furniture Jess is a woodworker, a “maker of stuff,” who creates pens, turned bowls and furniture. To quote him, “I’m just a bearded guy. I make stuff. If you want stuff, you should have me make it.” Visit 'Some Bearded Guy' online: www.ilkworkshop.net |
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Catherine Huisman - Just My Stuff Textile Art
200 Crane Ave, Ames Quilted Art Pillows and Wall Hangings My quilted art pillows and wall hangings are of simple abstract landscapes. The inspiration for my designs comes from photos I've taken, while other designs are inspired by a specific fabric. The quilting allows lines of dimension to create the topography of the landscape scene. Occasionally, fibers and embellishments are added for scene enhancers. |
ISU Gaffer's Guild
1334 Sweeney Hall, Iowa State University, Ames Artistic Glass Blowing The Gaffer's Guild is a glassblowing club at ISU that has a focus on teaching and exploring the art of hot glass forming whether the art is solid, sculptural, or mouthblown. We currently do not engage in cast, fused, or slumped glass. Students and members learn traditional techniques and are then encouraged to develop their own styles and interests. Visit the 'Gaffer's Guild' online: www.gaffer.stuorg.iastate.edu |
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Letitia Kenemer - Assembled Art 226 Northbrook Cir, Ames Mixed Media I am a collector of objects, always searching for small items that look or feel interesting to me. I give order to discarded or forgotten items, reintroducing them to the world in a new way with a new identity. Finding ways for these treasures to interact is a constant process. Moving, rearranging, adding, subtracting…these assemblages are a work in progress until I feel that everything is in the “right” place. The search and process are just as important to me as the final piece. Visit 'Assembled Art' online: www.facebook.com/assembledart |
KHOI Community Radio
410 Douglas Ave, Ames Live and Prerecorded Radio, Music, and Talk Shows Our mission: Building community through communication Our vision: We offer the best in arts, news, entertainment, and music. We feature national figures and local voices for the enrichment of our community. We welcome all voices of our community regardless of their perspectives, to freely discuss issues, fostering local pride and respect. Our goals:
Visit 'KHOI' online: www.khoifm.org |
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Greg Lamont - Northwood Clay Studio
CASA, 130 S. Sheldon Ave, Suite 101, Ames Functional Pottery My work references the Korean and Japanese folk pottery traditions and their influence on potterymaking in the last half-century. I make vessels that relate primarily to the preparation and serving of food and drink, and the beautification of one’s surroundings. My journey in pottery began in a ceramics class during my sophomore year in college in 1972. After college, I took the occasional pottery class and eventually became a “basement potter.” In 2001, I, along with a few other local artists, had the opportunity to establish an artists’ cooperative, Creative Artists’ Studios of Ames (CASA). So, while making pots is quiet and personal experience I want to be reflected in the pots themselves, I now am also a potter in a community of potters and artists working in a variety of media and working alongside both students and peers. It is now hard to imagine myself as a solitary potter. Every day I share resources, experience, and perspective with my fellow artists. As part of a university community I’ve been given many opportunities to teach students with diverse talents and backgrounds. Teaching has let me experiment with new ideas and perspectives, challenging myself at the same time as I challenge my students. Being a potter is a very balanced profession. As a potter I am a designer, a maker, a business owner, a laborer, a chemist, and a physicist. I love throwing, trimming, pulling handles, glazing and firing. And so… the journey begun forty years ago continues as I strive to create pottery that is fresh and alive in its form, color and surface, and performs its intended function well. I believe a substantial part of the beauty of handmade pottery lies in its use, and the pottery I create is intended to take an active part in one’s daily life. My wish is that you will incorporate my pottery as a part of your daily life and that you will sense the excitement and pleasure that I have enjoyed in making it. Visit 'Greg Lamont' online: www.lamontpottery.com |
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Lisa Lang Pottery
811 Ridgewood Ave, Ames Functional Pottery Lisa is a ceramic artist with a focus on functional pottery. She makes mostly wheel thrown pots, but also uses plaster hump molds and slabbed clay for larger platters. All of her pieces are food safe and are made to be used in everyday life. Visit 'Lisa Lang Pottery' online: www.facebook.com/LisaLangPottery |
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Daniel Marks
2307 Timberland Rd, Ames Acrylic Painting Dan received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Columbia College, Columbia Missouri in 1991, and majored in drawing and painting. He has been painting professionally for over 25 years. His inspiration for his paintings comes from the beauty of everyday life. He uses acrylic paint on canvas, exaggerating colors, and altering form to create animation and energy. Although, he enjoys painting many different things, buildings are a prevalent subject matter. They are portraits of our urban and suburban landscapes, with personalities, humor, mystery, and stories to tell. Dan’s work has been exhibited in solo and group shows, and juried exhibits including Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Perlow-Stevens Gallery, Columbia Missouri; Columbia College, Columbia, Missouri; The Iowa State Fair, Des Moines, Iowa; Memorial Union, Ames, Iowa, and The Octagon Center For the Arts, Ames, Iowa. Dan’s paintings are in permanent collections; Central Methodist University Ashby-Hodge permanent collection of American Fine Art, Fayette Missouri; Columbia College, Columbia Missouri, and in private collections throughout the country. Visit 'Daniel Marks' online: www.danielmarksart.com |
Kaukab Merchant - 4u2c art studio
2130 McCarthy Rd, Ames Oil Paintings / Collages Kaukab is a multi-media artist who mixes traditional Pakistani motifs, embroidery, delicate fabric patterns and oil painting. She began painting in 1982 and studied graphic design at the Karachi University in Pakistan. Today, Kaukab is mostly inspired by everyday designs in the world. Kaukab has restored many old paintings dating back to the 18th century for museums in Pakistan, as well as doing commission work. She has had many painting exhibitions nationally and internationally, even decorating the First Family's Christmas tree in the White House. In 2014, she had an exhibition in The Memorial Union, Iowa State University. Recipient of the "Artist of Sindh" from the Arts Council of Pakistan, and honored as a Nuffield Fellow, she spent time presiding as a judge and teaching art at universities in the United Kingdom and Pakistan. |
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Molly Nagel - Upper Story Studio
518 Broad St, Suite 3, Story City Painting & Mixed Media Sculpture Artist I received my BFA in Graphic Design from Iowa State University and returned to finish my MFA in Integrated Visual Art. The majority of my artwork explores themes of nature, animals and the individual spirit of the creatures we share our world with. I experiment with a wide variety of media and am always ready for an artistic challenge. I believe strongly in striving for excellence and pursuing the things one is passionate about, and encouraging others in following their dreams as well. Visit 'Upper Story Studio' online: upperstorystudio.wix.com/upperstorystudio |
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Melissa Stenstrom Jewelry
507 Main St, Suite 1, Ames Jewelry – silver, gold, gemstones & pearls Melissa Stenstrom Fine Jewelry is a creative endeavor headed up by Melissa Stenstrom with the help of her amazing family. Melissa studied art including jewelry making while at Iowa State University, but has attributed much of her knowledge to experience. Always up for a new challenge and new skills to master, Melissa is always studying and looking for the next jewelry adventure. "I make jewelry using silver, gold, gemstones, and pearls. I like working with a range of techniques such as anticlastic raising, forging, fabricating, casting, and engraving. I like to keep my work dynamic, so I look for new challenges and try to develop new skill sets. In addition, my own ideas, I also make custom work for a clientele interested in unique, personalized jewelry. Often, I work with recycled elements to make their pieces, such as metals or gemstones." Visit 'Melissa Stenstrom Jewelry' online: www.melissastenstrom.com |
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Story Theater Co.
615 S. Dayton Ave, Suite 125, Ames Celebrating the talents of Iowa's youth Story Theater Company is dedicated to enriching the community through powerful storytelling. Young actors rehearse and perform plays that speak to their experience of the world and broadens their awareness to the lives of others. The Studio Tour will include tours of the new black box space and examples of past set, costume and prop designs. Visit 'Story Theater Co.' online: www.storytheatercompany.org |
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Barbara Walton
312 Main St, Ames Encaustic Painting Encaustic painting is the vehicle that I use to express what I have experienced. The expression of nature as the subject is poetic and not a literal interpretation. The subjects exist within the ambiguity of space or circumstance. The intention is to evoke an inexpressible longing or memory. I grew up one block away from the Mississippi River in Davenport, Iowa. I received a BFA (1991) and an MA (1993) from Iowa State University and an MFA from Drake University (1996). I have been teaching drawing and painting at Iowa State University since 1993. Mainly a painter, in 2002, I began experimenting with encaustic painting. Encaustic translates as, “to burn in “. It is an ancient technique (approx. 500 A.D.), which predates oil painting. The traditional medium is molten beeswax, in which pigment has been added. The wax, in its molten state, is transferred with a brush, to the surface to be painted. It solidifies very quickly. My paintings have been exhibited widely in juried national and international venues as well as solo and invitational exhibits. Visit 'Barbara Walton' online: www.barbaraewalton.com |
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Brendan Zimmermann - Stone House Woodworking
1593 Xavier Ave, Ames Woodworking – Custom Furniture My grandfather was a woodworker who built beautiful things that we still use and appreciate every day. When I was very young, maybe five or six, my first “real” woodworking projects were carving wooden boats that refused to float. Grandpa Chuck traced the shape of a hull, helped my brother and me cut it out, and then he let us loose with a rasp and sand paper. Once we mastered pine boats we advanced to turning hardwood drum sticks and candle holders in his garage over summer weeks in Ohio. Since those early memories, I have never stopped building and making things. I built and remodeled houses, welded and fabricated metal, created scale models, pushed pixels as a computer modeler and animator. Now I have come full circle and have returned to creating things with wood. As I have grown and traveled, my eyes and hands have led me to appreciate and respect the lines and proportions of the shaker style, the “truth to material” concept of the Arts and Crafts movement, as well as the simplicity of modern design. When I design a piece, I let the materials do the talking, combining shapes and textures that invite you to touch and sit. Working as a computer modeler, I learned not only how to build things in the digital realm, but also how assemblies fit together and relate to each other. Building things digitally also provided me with a strong sense of scale. Because it is much easier to change the arc of a curve or the taper of a leg on a computer monitor than it is in the shop, I now design almost everything I build on the computer before I start cutting parts from raw lumber . It’s amazing to be able to make changes to design and joinery, and to see and share it all in three dimensions before cutting a single board. Because I rely on my materials to show off their best properties, I put a lot of thought into the stories behind those materials and the craftspeople who make them. When available, I use materials sourced from people in my own neighborhood who take as much pride in their work as I do mine. I also like to use reclaimed or salvaged materials. Reclaiming lumber is not only better for the environment, but wood grown in a past era has properties and an appearance that you can’t easily find in some of today’s timber. Clean lines, artful craftsmanship, a good story, and great materials are the things that I am passionate about and look forward to every day I spend in my shop. From that foundation, beautiful lasting furniture can be built. Visit 'Stone House Woodworking' online: www.stonehouseww.com |
Find the Studios - Interactive Map
(click here for static maps by area of town)
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Assistance, Info, & More -- Visit the Studio Tour Headquarters
Worldly Goods 223 Main St, Ames Got a question? Feeling a little lost? Just need a break? Please stop by our Studio Tour host, Worldly Goods. Worldly Goods is a fair trade non-profit gift store conveniently located at 223 Main Street. Andrea, her staff and volunteers are ready to answer your questions and give a helping hand. Feel free to browse around while you are there--there's plenty to see! Learn the stories behind the handcrafted home decor, apparel and accessories, musical instruments, card and books, and coffee, tea and food from artists around the world. 
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Studio Tour Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)*
Where is the Ames Area Studio Tour? How does this work?
The Studio Tour is does not have a single location--instead there are participating studios throughout the Ames area. You provide your own transportation, use the map and visit one or all the studios during the open hours. Take a peek at the life of an artist!
How much does it cost to visit the studios?
You are invited to make the rounds to as many studios as you like--all for free! Artists will have their work available for purchase, so you can take home a little bit of the Studio Tour.
What will I see on the Studio Tour?
Have you ever wondered how a radio program is recorded or how a hand blown vase is made? The artists of the Studio Tour are inviting you behind the scenes to experience live demonstrations, ask questions, and see how the work is done. Ask the artists about where they get their inspiration, how they learned their craft, what they love about their work, what frustrates them, what their average day looks like, what they do when they can't seem to create and so on.
Are children welcome?
This is a family friendly event and a wonderful opportunity for children to learn. Please remember these are working studios -- children must be closely supervised at all times and parents/guardians are responsible for their children's behavior.
Are the studios handicap accessible?
Unfortunately, many studios are in buildings with stairs. Handicap accessible locations are noted with a symbol on the map and
in the listed studio descriptions.
Other questions?
Please feel free to email us at info@amesart.org or jump over to the contact page. We can't wait to see you on the Studio Tour!
The Studio Tour is does not have a single location--instead there are participating studios throughout the Ames area. You provide your own transportation, use the map and visit one or all the studios during the open hours. Take a peek at the life of an artist!
How much does it cost to visit the studios?
You are invited to make the rounds to as many studios as you like--all for free! Artists will have their work available for purchase, so you can take home a little bit of the Studio Tour.
What will I see on the Studio Tour?
Have you ever wondered how a radio program is recorded or how a hand blown vase is made? The artists of the Studio Tour are inviting you behind the scenes to experience live demonstrations, ask questions, and see how the work is done. Ask the artists about where they get their inspiration, how they learned their craft, what they love about their work, what frustrates them, what their average day looks like, what they do when they can't seem to create and so on.
Are children welcome?
This is a family friendly event and a wonderful opportunity for children to learn. Please remember these are working studios -- children must be closely supervised at all times and parents/guardians are responsible for their children's behavior.
Are the studios handicap accessible?
Unfortunately, many studios are in buildings with stairs. Handicap accessible locations are noted with a symbol on the map and
in the listed studio descriptions.
Other questions?
Please feel free to email us at info@amesart.org or jump over to the contact page. We can't wait to see you on the Studio Tour!
Studio Tour Community Sponsors
-- click ad to go to sponsor's website --
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