2021 Ames Artists' Studio Tour
Saturday, October 9 [10 a.m. - 4 p.m.]
Sunday, October 10 [noon - 4 p.m.]
2019 Ames Artists' Studio Tour Historical Info:
Click the following links, or scroll down for more information on this past event!
Meet the Artists Studio Tour Maps Studio Tour Headquarters FAQ
Click the following links, or scroll down for more information on this past event!
Meet the Artists Studio Tour Maps Studio Tour Headquarters FAQ
Visit our blog or Facebook page for additional information, updates, and more photos!
2019 Ames Artists' Studio Tour Brochure (PDF) | Static / Printable Map (PNG)
2019 Ames Artists' Studio Tour Brochure (PDF) | Static / Printable Map (PNG)
Thank you to our 2019 Artists!
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Alexander Recording Kompany
622 Douglas Ave, Ames Music Recording Studio The Alexander Recording Kompany is a full-service recording studio in Ames that’s dedicated to providing the highest quality, professional recording, mixing, and mastering to musicians and businesses. Since opening their doors in 2009, they've had hundreds of satisfied clients, recorded a wide variety of genres, and amassed an impressive collection of professional, industry-standard gear. In October 2012 they purchased their current location on Douglas Avenue and spent 7 months renovating the location from the ground up to ensure excellent sound isolation, high-quality acoustics, and an aesthetic, comfortable atmosphere. From their over 500 sq. ft. live-recording room, to their sleek, professionally equipped control room, the visual and acoustic design of the studio has consistently wowed customers and guests from the moment they step through the door. Owner and engineer Dennis Haislip, and other members of the A.R.K. team, will be offering tours of the studio and sampling studio recordings throughout the Studio Tour. Visit the 'Alexander Recording Kompany' online: www.arkames.com |
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Erin Carpenter
2901 Arbor St, Ames Pottery Erin grew up in the farmlands of Illinois, spending her non-school time exploring the fields, timber and creeks, accumulating scars in old barns, playing softball and swimming, fawning over spring kittens, and making home crafts including counted cross stitch, painting, and drawing. After graduating from Iowa State University with a bachelors in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Studies, Erin turned her focus to a new love—taekwondo. She currently co-instructs the APR Taekwondo program with her husband. She loves coaching the competition team and looks forward to the national championships every summer. Missing the creative process and reward of working with her hands, Erin went looking for a new artistic outlet and took a wheel-throwing workshop in the winter of 2012. Clay became an addiction, and she quit her day-job to be a full-time potter in 2015. Her current work is influenced by organic textures, art-deco/nouveau patterns, and gothic architecture. One line includes semi-functional, pierced fruit bowls and vases—these are useable, but extremely delicate and many hours are invested in each piece. The other line of work is similarly influenced, but has layers of surface decoration, notably mishima (underglaze inlay), water etching, and gold luster. Visit 'Erin Carpenter Pottery' online: www.erinpatricecarpenter.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. Mission: To provide space for artists to work, to learn, and to share their expertise with the public. Visit 'CASA' on Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativeartistsames 
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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 Gaffer's Guild.” There he learned the basics of glassblowing. In his own words... 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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College of Design
715 Bissell Rd, Lower Level, Ames Pottery, Printmaking, Textiles, Woods, Metals, Photography, Digital Media, & Painting The Iowa State University College of Design will feature open studios in ceramics, printmaking, textiles, woods, metals, photography, digital media, and painting. During the Studio Tour, students will be available to display current works and talk to the public about what they are learning. Visit 'College of Design' online: www.design.iastate.edu |
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Naomi Friend
111 Main St, Ames inside Morning Bell Coffee Roasters Cyanotype and Illustration Naomi Friend is a professional artist in Central Iowa. She makes art about the land and life based on farming, or "agrarian" art. She is most interested in the intersection of wild, urban, and rural environments and the work of humans as caretakers of creation. Her work has been shown in solo shows in Iowa, California, and Nebraska, and other group shows. It is recognized in local radio, newspaper, published in Diffusion magazine, and resides in public and private art collections. It has received awards in national juried art exhibits. She exhibits in a variety outdoor public art events including the Des Moines Arts Festival. She earned a Masters of Fine Art in Integrated Visual Arts at Iowa State University in 2013 and grew up in the community of Sioux Center, Iowa. Her undergraduate degree is from Dordt College where she studied fine art and graphic design. Naomi worked for three years at the Octagon Center for the Arts as the Exhibits Director. Naomi operates a small 3 acre farm, Friends Flowers, where she grows flowers for local markets. Visit 'Naomi Friend Studio' online: www.naomifriend.com |
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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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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 30 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 |
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Chris Martin Furniture
1512 Florida Ave, Ames Furniture Designer Chris Martin received a BFA in Craft Design from Iowa State University (ISU) in 1990 and an MFA in furniture design from Rhode Island School of Design in 1994. Since then, he has designed and produced furniture pieces for both commission and gallery exhibitions. In addition, he has taught furniture design in the Department of Art & Visual Culture at ISU since 1999 and is currently a full professor. In 2008 Martin took leave from his teaching position for a two-year stint with his wife Tammi as U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers in the West African country of Ghana. He was deeply influenced by his experiences there and his research and creative outputs show this. More recently Martin was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship where he spent five months in India working with both traditional artisans and modern craftsmen and technicians to develop a series of contemporary furniture pieces that pay reverence to the richness of India’s traditional craft culture. Collaboration with traditional artisans particularly in Ghana and India has become his passion and where his research focus has been directed. Visit 'Chris Martin Furniture' online: www.chrismartinfurniture.com |
Sara Merritt
1812 Ferndale Ave, Ames Mixed Media & Dance Sara Merritt works in mixed media - everything from drawing and painting to collage and fiber arts. She teaches classes locally and out of her home studio. She is also a professional belly dancer and instructor, with a new dance area in her home studio as well. Along with her husband Matt, the Merritt’s have 3 working studios in their home, spaces they’ve collectively dubbed “The Merrittorium.” While Matt is unable to attend, many of his works will be available for viewing and purchase. He is a digital artist working in digital drawing, photography, and collage, with abstract work on fabric bags and framed paper prints. Sara will be creating artwork on paper, canvas, and silk through demonstration throughout each day. She will also be performing bits of dance choreography and providing mini belly dance lessons to interested visitors. Visit 'Sara Merritt' online: www.saramerritt.com |
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Kyle Renell
208 5th St, Ames Mixed Media Kyle describes her body of work as multi-faceted and concentrated in the following subject areas: interconnectedness of human beings; the human condition; and social issues, such as child abuse and human trafficking. The goal of her art is to educate the viewer about issues they may, or may not, be aware of. She states that her intention is not to force her own opinion upon others, but rather to make them stop and think about the issues and to develop their own opinions and conclusions. Kyle’s media is varied and dependent upon the subject matter and format. She currently incorporates mixed media, including watercolor crayon and graphite for a series related to interconnectedness; graphite for a wordless graphic novel related to the human condition; and acrylic paint and straight pins in a series on child sexual abuse. Visit 'Kyle Renell' online: www.kylerenell.com |
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Melissa Stenstrom Fine 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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Barbara Walton
312 Main St, Ames Encaustic Painting Barbara Walton grew up one block away from the Mississippi River in Davenport, Iowa. She is the youngest of 5 children and the first-born U.S. citizen of a German immigrant family. She does not recall a time when art was not a part of her life. Having dropped out of school after her first attempt at college to vagabond around Europe, it was later when she received a BFA (1991) and an MA (1993) from Iowa State University and an MFA from Drake University (1996). Mainly a painter, in 2002, she began experimenting with encaustic painting. Her work has been exhibited widely in juried national and international venues as well as solo and invitational exhibits. In 2011, she applied for and received an Iowa Arts Council Major Grant. Walton is an Associate Professor who has been teaching drawing and painting in the College of Design at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa since 1993. Visit 'Barbara Walton' online: www.barbaraewalton.com |
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Find the Studios - Interactive Map
(click here for a static / printable studio tour map)
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Find assistance, info, & more @ the Studio Tour Headquarters:
Morning Bell Coffee Roasters 111 Main St, Ames Got a question? Feeling a little lost? Just need a break? Please stop by our Studio Tour host, Morning Bell Coffee Roasters. Morning Bell presents specialty coffee in the heart of Iowa. Conveniently located at 111 Main Street, their roastery and tasting room is open to the public 7 am to 5 pm every day. Fresh-roasted coffees are always available, along with pour-over service, nitro cold brew, and espresso bar options. Throughout the Studio Tour, Morning Bell staff and Arts Council volunteers will be ready to answer your questions and lend a helping hand. Visit 'Morning Bell Coffee Roasters' online: www.squareup.com/store/morningbellcoffeeroasters |
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Studio Tour Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)*
Where is the Ames Artists' 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 ceramicist throws pottery on a wheel 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 [email protected] 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 ceramicist throws pottery on a wheel 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 [email protected] or jump over to the contact page. We can't wait to see you on the Studio Tour!
