2021 Ames Artists' Studio Tour Historical Info:
Click the following links, or scroll down for more information!
Meet the Artists Studio Tour Maps Studio Tour Headquarters FAQ
Click the following links, or scroll down for more information!
Meet the Artists Studio Tour Maps Studio Tour Headquarters FAQ
Visit our blog or Facebook page for additional information, updates, and more photos!
2021 Ames Artists' Studio Tour Brochure (PDF)
2021 Ames Artists' Studio Tour Information Sheet (PDF)
2021 Ames Artists' Studio Tour Brochure (PDF)
2021 Ames Artists' Studio Tour Information Sheet (PDF)
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Brett Brinkmeyer 1007 Arkansas Ave., Ames Graphite & Ink Visual Art / Electronic Music Brett Brinkmeyer is a visual artist working in graphite and ink, creating drawings that are abstract and formless, allowing a person to see many different things, depending on their unique perspective. Brett additionally creates electronic and acoustic music, and write different types of poetry. During the studio tour, Brett will his drawings on display and will be working on a new large drawing throughout the event. Patrons will also be able to try their own hand at Brett’s style of drawing on-site, and with Brett providing guidance and feedback, as desired. A live, interactive, electronic music demonstration will be running throughout the day with a microphone allowing visitors to distort their voice as the program integrates with live and organically developing computer music. |
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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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Jennifer Drinkwater 312 1/2 Main St., 2nd Floor, North Studio, Ames Painter Jennifer Drinkwater is an assistant professor with a joint appointment between the department of art and visual culture and Iowa State University extension and outreach. She has a B.A. in both studio art and anthropology from Tulane University and earned an M.F.A in painting from East Carolina University. Her paintings have been exhibited nationally in juried and group shows, and she has had solo exhibitions in Iowa, New York, Illinois, Mississippi, Florida, North Carolina, and Washington, DC. Her work has been featured in New American Paintings and Studio Visit magazine. Her personal work and teaching often explore how we bring artwork from the studio into the world, and accordingly, how this work can both build and shape community. During the past few years, she has partnered with communities in Iowa and Mississippi in various community art projects, programming, and theatre productions. She helped to organize a community-wide steamroll printmaking event in Perry, Iowa, created installations in restored prairies in Nebraska, collaborated on public art projects in vacant sites on Iowa main streets, spearheaded a community knit-bombing project, and painted two murals with middle school children on a juke joint in the Mississippi Delta. Visit 'Jennifer Drinkwater' online: www.jenniferdrinkwater.com |
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Naomi Friend 16117 550th Ave., Story City 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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Susan Norris 916 Kellogg Ave. #4, Ames Mixed Media, Found Object Assemblages By the end of this year Susan will have created 365 small mixed, media, found object assemblages using foraged fabrics, objects, mementos and household packaging. Each piece begins with a 4” x 4” square of corrugated cardboard cut from boxes she uses to carry home her groceries from the local coop. These assemblages are displayed in her apartment, each attached to a jute “clothesline” with a clothespin. Visit 'Susan Norris' on Instagram @Eccentricoldwoman |
Kyle Renell - cancelled Kyle is not participating in this year's tour. Sorry for the inconvenience. 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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Bill Rickard Prairie Rivers Woodworking 328 S Hazel Ave, Ames Green Woodworking & Furniture Woodworker Bill Rickard will be showing his work, including furniture, assembled art, and greenwood carvings, as well as providing demonstrations of traditional greenwood carving, such as for spoons and bowls, using hand tools including axes, adzes, knives, and other carving implements. Visit "Prairie Rivers Handcrafts" on Facebook: www.facebook.com/prairieriverhandcrafts |
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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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Alicia Wilkinson
921 Carroll Ave., Ames
Painting, Mixed Media
Alicia is a painter, mixed media artist and Senior Registered Interior Designer in Ames. She creates acrylic paintings with thick textures and other mediums while exploring the beauty of color. Her inspiration comes from her Creator as she processes through deep pain and incredible joys in her life alongside the desire to bring transformation into other people's lives. Her work embodies her heart for justice in the world and drives her to create work that brings restoration and renewal on the Earth.
Visit 'Alicia Wilkinson' on Instagram @aliciawilkinson_artist or on her website: www.aliciawilkinson.com
Valerie Williams
5847 Arrasmith Trail, Ames Daily Dish Pottery Valerie specializes in bowls that are functional and light, graceful and very usable. She never liked stoneware - too heavy, and she didn't like the scratchy feeling of the fork on the matte glazes. So when Valerie started throwing clay, she knew she wanted thin walls on her pots and a very smooth glaze. But Valerie found an affinity for stoneware. She loves the malleability of the clay and the communication she feels with the material when she’s throwing. Valerie’s dishes are practical, because they are made the way she uses them. Her glazes are smooth to the touch, and the bowl, mug, and plate sizes are just right for serving, and for your snacks and meals. And they are pretty, because your eyes should be just as pleased as your fingers. Visit 'Valerie Williams' online: www.dailydishpottery.com |
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Find the Studios - Interactive 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!
