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2016 Ames Area Studio Tour: Meet the Artist - Letitia Kenemer

9/29/2016

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The 2016 Ames Area Studio Tour will be Saturday, October 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, October 9 from noon to 4 p.m.  Over the next few weeks we'll introduce you to our artists and attempt to give you a small glimpse of what you might see when you visit their studios.  We hope you are able to join us!  
Find more information here.

Letitia Kenemer [226 Northbrook Cir., Ames]
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Letitia Kenemer spends her days working as the Workspace Coordinator in ISU’s Memorial Union and managing the MU’s Fine Arts Program, where she rotates several art exhibits each year throughout the building. This role also allows her to recruit artists, install the art exhibits and create related programming.
 
When she’s not working at the MU, Kenemer creates her own unique and distinct artwork. She describes her art as fitting the category of mixed media assemblage.
 
“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,” Kenemer said. “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.”
 
Kenemer graduated from ISU with a degree in visual studies. She worked at the Octagon Center for the Arts before returning to the university.
 
When asked what inspires her to be an artist, Kenemer said “making things is part of who I am.”
 
“Since I often work with found objects,  I’m constantly inspired – it’s time that makes it hard for me. I’m inspired by seeing other artist’s work that resonates with me.  I can find a rusty piece of metal in the street while walking the dog and be inspired,” Kenemer said.
 
As a loyal advocate for the Arts in Ames, Kenemer is excited to be a part of the 2016 Studio Tour. She said any time there is an opportunity to support the arts, either by participating or attending, she makes it a priority.
 
Kenemer lives in Ames with her husband, Hugo, who is also an artist, and their son Harvey.

For more information on Letitia Kenemer and the Ames Area Studio Tour please click, here.

 

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2016 Ames Area Studio Tour: Meet the Artist - Melissa Stenstrom

9/27/2016

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The 2016 Ames Area Studio Tour will be Saturday, October 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, October 9 from noon to 4 p.m.  Over the next few weeks we'll introduce you to our artists and attempt to give you a small glimpse of what you might see when you visit their studios.  We hope you are able to join us!  
Find more information here.

Melissa Stenstrom [507 Main St, Suite 1, Ames]
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Melissa Stenstrom is a custom jeweler based in Ames. She received her bachelor of fine arts and her masters in art education from Iowa State and now owns and operates Melissa Stenstrom Fine Jewelry. She’s been in the Main Street Cultural District since 2009 and also teaches art classes at Des Moines Area Community College.
 
Melissa’s shop isn’t full of mass produced items, and that’s by design. Instead, she wants an intimate experience for her customers so they can choose what styles best suit them. Though her shop may not have the world reach of large jewelers, customers can have peace of mind knowing her materials are safe and ethical.
 
Melissa doesn’t have a favorite piece because that changes with each new creation. She’s really proud when a customer comes in and they can collaborate to make that perfect piece that is true to the customer’s vision. That’s mainly how her practice has changed over time. She’s continues to evolve to do more for her customers.
 
Her latest artistic challenge has been outside the world of metalsmithing and jewelry. Having recently received a new camera as a gift, she’s taken to photography and has been trying to photograph her jewelry for her online presence.  Photographing jewelry is harder than it looks, as the image just never looks as good as the piece does in person.  But, she continues to get better and admits to practicing on her cats a lot!  You can check out her photography on Instagram @stenstrommelissa.
 
Melissa says no item in her studio is truly indispensable for basic metalsmithing work, but many are needed for elaborate jewelry work. She doesn’t need much preparation for her craft. The morning routine consists of making coffee, feeding the turtles, and getting back to project she was working on.
 
Melissa wants visitors on the Ames Area Studio Tour to know she’s here to make their next custom jewelry piece and explain the process behind it. She also hopes that the guests will share something they’ve learned from the other studios, because she’s excited to host a tour stop but also wishes she could go on the tour herself!
 
For more information on Melissa Stenstrom, Melissa Stenstrom Fine Jewelry, and the Ames Area Studio Tour please click, here.

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2016 Ames Area Studio  Tour: Meet the Artist - Dan Marks

9/18/2016

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The 2016 Ames Area Studio Tour will be Saturday, October 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, October 9 from noon to 4 p.m.  Over the next few weeks we'll introduce you to our artists and attempt to give you a small glimpse of what you might see when you visit their studios.  We hope you are able to join us!  
Find more information here.

Dan Marks [2307 Timberland Rd., Ames]
Bright colors, electric, dream-like, expressive – And that is just a start in describing the work of Dan Marks. The local acrylic painter, who is a graduate of Columbia College in Missouri, knew as early as 1st grade that creating was what he wanted to do. “I paint for myself,” he said in his description of growing up as an artist.
 
Starting out, Marks worked with a variety of media, using materials like nylon, aluminum, plastic, and more to create 3 dimensional paintings. What exactly is a 3D painting? Marks described it as a complete mix of materials, shaped into a setting, where paint is the primary medium.
 
In his current work, however, Marks’ focus in media has shifted to acrylic paint on canvas. “I like painting an experience,” said Marks in describing a series of pieces depicting small towns and settings all over the country. “I don’t like to place people in the setting so that the viewer can feel that they are there by themselves. It is all about their experience and being in that place,” he said.  
 
While Marks mentioned how much he looks to the work of Van Gogh, Larry Rivers, and many more, the local artist gave some good advice himself. “Always be evolving. There is no right or wrong way to paint,” he said.
 
In participating in the Studio Tour next month, Marks is most excited to share his work with visitors, inviting them into his home, which is like a gallery in and of itself. “Since I paint for me, all I can do is hope they like it,” he said.
 
Learn more about Dan Marks, his work, and the Ames Area Studio Tour by visiting our website, here.

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2016 Ames Area Studio Tour: Meet the Artist - The Gaffer's Guild

9/18/2016

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The 2016 Ames Area Studio Tour will be Saturday, October 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, October 9 from noon to 4 p.m.  Over the next few weeks we'll introduce you to our artists and attempt to give you a small glimpse of what you might see when you visit their studios.  We hope you are able to join us!  
Find more information here.

ISU Gaffer's Guild [1334 Sweney Hall, Iowa State University,  Ames]
The studio entrance is immediately north of the Marston water tower on campus.
The Gaffer’s Guild, Iowa State University’s glassblowing club, is a unique organization with membership open to university students and all members of the community.  The club seeks to educate and train individuals the art and science of glassblowing.  Students and members learn traditional techniques and are then encouraged to develop their own styles and interests.
 
Gaffer’s Guild provides semester long classes, as well as open studio hours for members. They also perform demos for the community and host professionals several times a year.
 
Due to high demand and limited studio space, there is currently a waiting list to join Gaffer’s Guild. Each semester, the club trains roughly 12 to 18 new members. To get on the waiting list, you can sign up at this link.
 
During the Studio Tour, Gaffer’s Guild members will demonstrate how glass is gathered into glass working tools and shaped into artistic forms.  While guests will not be able to work directly with the hot glass or tools (safety, first!), participants will be invited to help direct how the glass pieces will be made in relationship to color, shape and complexity.
 
Learn more about the Gaffer’s Guild and the Ames Area Studio Tour by visiting our website, here.

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2016 Ames Area Studio Tour: Meet the Artist - Story Theater Company

9/18/2016

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The 2016 Ames Area Studio Tour will be Saturday, October 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, October 9 from noon to 4 p.m.  Over the next few weeks we'll introduce you to our artists and attempt to give you a small glimpse of what you might see when you visit their studios.  We hope you are able to join us!  
​Find more information 
here.

Story Theater Company - 615 S. Dayton Ave., Suite 125
Kivan Kirk is the artistic and educational director for Story Theater Company. As such, Kivan’s job runs the gamut from orchestrating the day-to-day operations of the theater, directing and writing productions, preparing and teaching classes or workshops, and much more.
 
Initially, theater was not a part of Kivan’s career path. He performed in a play and participated in speech in high school, but went to college to pursue Criminal Justice. There, he saw a small production called Rabbit Hole.  It was such an honest and intimate experience, that afterwards, he decided he wanted a life in theater.
 
Kivan then transferred to Iowa State as an acting student, and started working at a children’s theater as a stage manager. It was there that he realized how much he enjoyed working with kids and that he wanted to direct. Kivan has been involved with 11 productions, directing 8 of them at Story Theater Company.
 
A big lesson Kivan has learned as a director is to do less preparation, and more research. When a director comes in a production with everything preconceived, it is harder for the actors and the story to grow together organically. Now, before a production, Kivan does more research about the historical context and significance of the play, leaving plenty of room for interpretations and ideas.
 
Kivan’s favorite production he’s done since being at Story Theater Company is Medea. This smaller play, adapted from a full length ancient Greek play, really proved to Kivan that you should never underestimate kids, as they aren’t afraid to push the limits of the imagination.  It was a challenging piece, and the cast and crew showed real passion and flexibility throughout the entire process.
 
When asked what visitors should expect on the studio tour, Kivan says they should expect more. He dislikes the way community theaters are often taken for granted, and how little the public expects from them. The actors and staff at Story Theater are not unique in how hard they work to produce great work for the community. Rather, there are fantastic productions happening in small theaters everywhere across America, it is our job to appreciate and support them. They will impress you.
 
Learn more about Kivan, Story Theater Company, their work, and the Ames Area Studio Tour by visiting our website, here.
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2016 Ames Area Studio Tour: Meet the Artist - Jess Huenneken - Some Bearded Guy

9/14/2016

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The 2016 Ames Area Studio Tour will be Saturday, October 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, October 9 from noon to 4 p.m.  Over the next few weeks we'll introduce you to our artists and attempt to give you a small glimpse of what you might see when you visit their studios.  We hope you are able to join us!  
Find more information here.
Jess Huenneken - Some Bearded Guy [2306 258th St., Ames]
According to the website of Jess Huenneken’s, aka Some Bearded Guy,  he’s just a bearded guy who makes stuff. He says, “If you want stuff, you should have me make it for you.” This simplicity translates effortlessly to his unpretentious, yet profound works of art.
 
Huenneken describes his art as fine woodworking. Though he has little formal training, Huenneken’s background as an artist stems from music and photography lessons he had as a younger man. He says his wife, who also serves as his artistic partner, paints and does digital art, so the two often collaborate on projects.
 
Some items the Bearded Guy has made in the past include pens, tables, and cutting boards. Huenneken wants all of his artwork to be unique.
 
“Much of my work will show incongruous materials or media to achieve something new. I try to take vintage materials and transform them into something you won't see at your average craft show,” Huenneken says.
 
Though he clearly has mastered the skill of woodworking, Huenneken is continually looking for ways to differ and improve upon his artwork.
 
“Learning new skills to incorporate into my work and seeing how various materials work with each other [inspires me]. For example, working with Art Ciccotti in his glass studio has changed how I view the way I can treat wood,” Huenneken says.
 
Huenneken chose to be a part of the Ames Area Studio Tour because he believes it’s a good way to reach the community at large, and he enjoys making custom items for people.
 
More information on Some Bearded Guy and his products can be found on his Facebook, Etsy, and website. 

Learn more about Jess Huenneken, his work, and the Ames Area Studio Tour by visiting our website, here
.
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2016 Ames Area Studio Tour: Meet the Artist - Catherine Reinhart at Design on Main

9/8/2016

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The 2016 Ames Area Studio Tour will be Saturday, October 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, October 9 from noon to 4 p.m.  Over the next few weeks we'll introduce you to our artists and attempt to give you a small glimpse of what you might see when you visit their studios.  We hope you are able to join us!  
Find more information here. 

Design on Main, featuring the work of Catherine Reinhart and Allison Metzger  
[ 203 Main St., Ames]
Located in the Main Street Cultural District in downtown Ames, Design on Main is a satellite studio and gallery facility that connects Iowa State University’s College of Design with the greater Ames community. Design on Main houses the graduate studios of Integrated Studio Arts, Sustainable Environment, Urban Design, and Graphic Design, as well as a large community art gallery.
 
During the 2016 Studio Tour, many artists will be present to open their studios to visitors. There will also be a show on display, Common Threads. This collaborative exhibition with Allison Wegren Metzger and Catherine Reinhart will be in the Gallery from October 1 - 31, 2016.
 
We sat down with Catherine to talk about her work and her creative process.
 
Catherine’s work spans numerous mediums including screen printing, processed drawing, textiles, and more.
 
Catherine graduated from Iowa State in 2008 with a studio arts degree. After graduation, she worked 60 hours a week at jobs that didn’t allow much creative freedom, only allowing time to make art in the middle of night. It was during these late night art sessions Catherine decided that her art would be her career focus, no matter what. Eventually, she earned her master of fine arts at Kansas University in 2012.
 
Catherine credits the support of her parents as a big reason she’s found success as an artist. While neither parent had careers where creativity was a focal point, both always had nothing but encouragement for her artistic pursuit. That support made her feel powerful when making and displaying her art and that confidence is still with her
 
She credits recent ISU Museums’ collections as inspirations for her recent work. In fact, guests of Design on Main Gallery during the studio tour will see work inspired by Grant Wood’s mural at Parks Library. Catherine is intrigued by art and artists that often are overlooked by the public. She tries look at works and wonder how people could see them with fresh eyes and new perspectives.
 
Catherine tries to not limit herself in her studio, although a sewing machine is necessary for textiles. If she doesn’t have one material to do a project she’ll do something else. The one indispensable item for her art work? Lots of coffee!
 
Since becoming a mom, Catherine’s process has changed, some. Being a parent has made her focus more on her impressions. Now, she takes less time exploring ideas and gets right into creating, trusting her instinct more. She also admits this is why much of her work has gotten smaller in size.
 
There will be open events every Thursday at Design on Main in October and an opening reception for the exhibits on Saturday, October 1st. To learn more about Catherine’s work check out at catherinereinhart.com, or follow her on Instagram @c.r.studio.

Learn more about Design on Main, Catherine's exhibit , and the Ames Area Studio Tour by visiting our website, here.

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2016 Ames Area Studio Tour: Meet the Artist - Lisa Lang

9/1/2016

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The 2016 Ames Area Studio Tour will be Saturday, October 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, October 9 from noon to 4 p.m.  Over the next few weeks we'll introduce you to our artists and attempt to give you a small glimpse of what you might see when you visit their studios.  We hope you are able to join us!  
Find more information here. 

Lisa Lang - Lisa Lang Pottery [ 811 Ridgewood Ave., Ames]
Lisa is an artist from Minneapolis who has loved pottery since she was in high school. Her favorite teacher was her high school pottery teacher, Ms. Puffer and she would take any chance to hang out with her and make pottery.
 
After high school, she earned two college degrees, on in business administration and another in parks and recreation, but never enjoyed the work as much as she enjoyed making pottery.
 
Lisa moved to Ames with her spouse last year, and as of February, she is making pottery professionally. Lisa didn’t know when or if she would be able to make art her career, but when certain aspects of her life, including money, business connections, and space seemed to align, she decided to give it a shot.
 
Lisa’s studio is in the basement of her home, and has everything a potter needs to make large quantities of mugs, bowls, vases, and much more. The studio is equipped with a pottery wheel, kiln, and slab roller. She recycles all old and unused clay herself, to limit the waste of both clay and money.
 
Lisa learned from Ms. Puffer to be intentional when creating, and to always consider the ultimate purpose of the pottery. You can see her intentionality in the details of her pottery, from the functionality of her mugs to the intricate designs on her vases.
 
Lisa gets inspiration from some of her favorite potters, including Simon Leach and Hsin-Chuen Lin. These artists not only influence her, but also help in her own work through informational videos on YouTube and by selling their pottery tools on Etsy.
 
During the Studio Tour, Lisa wants people to know that they can do what she has done, and she would be thrilled to inspire just one person to make art full time. She believes people should do what they love.
 
For more about Lisa Lang products, check out her Etsy page, and Facebook.
 
Learn more about Lisa Lang, her work, and the Ames Area Studio Tour by visiting our website, here.
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About Us  |  Members  |  Calendar  |  Contact  |  FAQ  |  Blog  |  Admin

The Ames Community Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization funded through memberships, donations, and grants, including the City of Ames Commission on the Arts (COTA).

© 2021 Ames Community Arts Council
Our Mission:
The Ames Community Arts Council is dedicated to celebrating the arts in Ames. To this end, we strive to bring people together through the arts, and to increase arts awareness, collaboration, participation, and education.​

Mailing Address:
PO Box 1842, Ames, IA  50010
Email Address:
info@amesart.org
Phone:
515.259.0494
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