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Exhibits on Display: ISU Design on Main Gallery

11/27/2018

Molly Olson, Media Coordinator Intern

The ISU Design on Main Gallery (203 Main Street, Ames, Iowa) hosts various exhibitions throughout the year. The gallery's mission is to "strengthen creative connections between Iowa State University and the Ames community through arts education and artist-led projects," according to Extension Community Art Specialist and Assistant Professor, Jennifer Drinkwater.

The gallery, located in the Main Street Cultural District in downtown Ames, recently highlighted Matthew Merritt's digital drawing artwork. His exhibit, “01100100 01110010 01100001 01110111 01101110,” featured 20 framed artworks, 12 tote bags and a rug. In his artist’s statement, Merritt says he draws multiple “templates” that he then brings together to “carve out” a picture.

To select the work that will be on display at the gallery, staff members host a yearly call for exhibition proposals to Iowa artists. Merritt's proposal was selected from a jury of local artists and community members, says Drinkwater.

The ISU Design on Main Gallery is always looking for new ways to support the Ames community, so if you have an idea for an event or an exhibition, be sure to let them know! Follow the gallery on Facebook and Instagram, check out their website or make a visit during their open hours (Wednesday 2 - 5 p.m., Thursday 2 - 7 p.m., Saturday 2 - 5 p.m. and Sunday 2 - 5 p.m.)

Photo courtesy of ISU Design on Main Gallery.

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Exhibits on Display: Reiman Gardens

11/23/2018

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By Molly Olson, Media Coordinator Intern

The Ames Community Arts Council is excited to begin a new blog series that will highlight some of our wonderful members. Throughout the next few weeks, we will showcase our member's exhibitions that are on display.

Now until January 6, you can visit Reiman Gardens to see its RG Express Holiday Train! Learn more about this special holiday exhibit from Communications Coordinator, Maria Teply.

Can you tell me more about the upcoming exhibition, RG Express Holiday Train?
Visitors young and old will be enchanted by this custom-built garden-scale train. This unbelievably detailed “g-scale” (often called “garden scale”) display was created by Applied Imagination, an internationally recognized company whose train displays meld botanical design and architecture. Walk past, around, and under miniature buildings and bridges historically significant to Iowa State University and local history, all made using only natural materials.

Photo courtesy of Reiman Gardens.

How and when can members of the community check out the exhibit?
The train and outdoor lights will be here from November 17 through January 6. People can see them anytime we’re open, which is daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We are closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. We are going to offer extended hours on Thursdays so people can see the lights lit against the evening sky. We will be open late until 8 p.m. on Thursdays from November 29 through January 3. Admission after 4:30 on these Thursdays is free.

What are some other exciting events happening at Reiman Gardens?
We have several holiday-themed events between now and Christmas:

Breakfast with Santa on December 8 will have two seating options at 8 and 10 a.m. Kids can bring their parents to enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet. Visit with Santa, do holiday crafts, and write a letter to Santa.

Come in from the cold to experience a different king of blizzard at Butterfly Blizzard on December 15 from 8 – 9:30 p.m. Attendees can release their very own butterfly into the Butterfly Wing.

In what other ways can the Ames community support Reiman Gardens, beyond attending events?
Visit us to see our annual sculpture exhibit that changes each year and make a trip to see our spectacular tulip display with over 55,000 tulips. Join our email list, Follow us on Facebook or become a member. Both are great ways to stay in the know about what’s going on. You can join our email list at the bottom of the homepage.

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Exhibits on Display: University Museums

11/13/2018

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By Molly Olson, Media Coordinator Intern

This week, learn more about University Museums exhibit, Designed for a Modern Life, from Associate Curator Adrienne Gennett.

**Can you tell me more about the Designed for A Modern Life Exhibition at the Christian Petersen Art Museum?**
The exhibition, Designed for a Modern Life, is a wonderful collaboration between the Textiles and Clothing Museum and University Museums Christian Petersen Art Museum. The neighboring galleries have opened the interior door to allow visitors access to both spaces and have interspersed their collections throughout. The exhibition examines the mid-century period in America, from post-World War II through the 1960s, through the fashion and decorative arts of the time. Thematic focuses within the exhibition include the changing roles of women, the use of wartime innovations, mass design, Scandinavian design, and good design. Many of the works of art on exhibit were culled from both permanent collections, with select loans.

It is a fun and nostalgic examination of mid-century modern, a style and era that continues to gain popularity with contemporary designers, architects and collectors.

Designed for a Modern Life peices.

What types of renovations are taking place at the Brunnier Art Museum?
The two major renovations will be to permanent collection storage and the front entrance. The storage space has not changed since the opening of the museum in 1975 and as the years have passed, the collection has outgrown the available storage space. New compact shelving will help University Museums better store and maintain the permanent collection of decorative and fine arts.

The front entrance area will become a new spacious gallery, open to the rest of the museum space. An expanse of glass windows and door will make the space light, visible, and welcoming to visitors. Along with these projects a new HVAC system will help to better maintain optimal conditions needed for the proper storage and care of the collection.

Both projects will allow University Museums to better engage with the ISU and Ames community, while allowing for future growth and the ability to exhibit unique works of art.

When will it reopen?
The planned reopening is September 19, 2019, barring any construction delays.

A rendering of the Brunnier Art Museum, courtesy of University Museums.

In what ways can members of the Ames Community support University Museums?
The Ames Community can support through attendance of exhibitions and programming, donation of funds or support of exhibitions, donation of objects, and even becoming docents who help to give tours to the many ISU classes and outside community groups that come to campus.

Is there anything else you want the public to know about University Museums?
University Museums encompasses five different entities – the Brunnier Art Museum, the Christian Petersen Art Museum, the Farm House Museum, the Anderson Sculpture Garden, and the Art on Campus collection. Throughout the academic year and into the summer there are multiple exhibitions and diverse programming offered, all open to the public. While University Museums has a focus on the Iowa State campus community, our hope is to engage all of the greater Ames community with unique opportunities for learning and art experiences.

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Exhibits on Display: ISU Design on Main Gallery

Exhibits on Display: Reiman Gardens

Exhibits on Display: University Museums

Designed for a Modern Life peices.

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