Blog Posts

Meet the Interns: Erin Krage

9/10/2018

The semester is well underway, and we've been working with a great student team these past few weeks. In the next few days we'll introduce our three newest interns. Be sure and say hello as you see them at events!

My name is Erin Krage, and I started as an intern for the Ames Community Arts Council in January. I am a Junior at Iowa State studying Public Relations and Criminal Justice. I hope to either go into corporate communications or continue my education to become a paralegal.

I am from Parker, Colorado. My parents still live there, so I beautiful home base near the Rockies and Denver to go back to over breaks. Everybody asks - how did I end up at Iowa State? I have a lot of family in the area, and my brother goes to ISU. Ames is my perfect home away from home.

When I’m not in class or helping out with the arts council I am involved on campus with Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, Gamma Sigma Alpha Honors Society, and the Iowa State Daily.

Before college I was in marching band, concert band, pep band, pit orchestra, as well as teaching elementary students to play clarinet. So, from a music standpoint, the arts were my life. My involvement in music gave me the chance to learn, express myself, travel the world to compete, and make lifelong friends.

Those memories and appreciation for fine arts is what makes the Ames Community Arts Council a great place for me! I can’t wait to see what I and the other interns achieve this semester!

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Check out all our #WisdomWednesday's

5/10/2018

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"Breathing dreams like air." -F. Scott Fitzgerald

"The work of art is a scream of freedom." -Christopher Lasch

"We have to take risks with art. If we don't it all becomes a bit boring." -Julie Walters

"There are always flowers for those who want to see them." -Henri Matisse

"I believe that what we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren't trying to teach us. We are formed by little scraps of wisdom." -Umberto Eco

"Art is the only way to run away without leaving home." -Twyla Tharp

"The idea is not to live forever, but to create something that will." -Andy Warhol

"If you never get lost once in a while, how do you ever expect to find yourself?" -Gemma Troy

"A picture is a poem without words." -Horace

"Learning how to be still, to really be still and let life happen, that stillness becomes a radiance." -Morgan Freeman

"It's never too late to be who you might have been." -George Eliot

"Art is the journey of a free soul." -Alev Oguz

"No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did he would cease to be an artist." -Oscar Wilde

"Every child is an artist until he's told he's not an artist." -John Lennon

"If you are willing to do something that might not work, you're closer to being an artist." -Seth Godin

"In the highest civilization, the book is still the highest delight. He who has once known its satisfactions is provided with a resource against calamity." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

"You don't find love, it finds you. It's got a little bit to do with destiny, fate, and what's written in the stars." -Anais Nin

"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." -William Shakespeare

"In any artwork you can see something in it and everyone sees something different." -Sara Merritt

"It's not about what it is. It's about what it can be." -Dr. Seuss

"Creativity is contagious. Pass it on." -Albert Einstein

"Strange isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?" -Clarence the Angel from 'It's a Wonderful Life'

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. Wishing you happiness." -Helen Keller

"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." -E. E. Cummings

"Be thankful for what your have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough." -Oprah Winfrey

"We don't make mistakes, just happy little accidents." -Bob Ross

"You're only given one little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." -Robin Williams

"When the power of love over comes the love of power the world will know peace." -Jimi Hendrix

"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working." -Pablo Picasso

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2018 Arts Awards Celebration!

4/10/2018

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The Ames Community Arts Council will host its annual Arts Awards Celebration on Sunday, April 22 at 1:30 p.m. at the Octagon Center for the Arts [427 Douglas Ave., Ames]. The public is invited to join the Arts Council in honoring those who have supported and encouraged the arts through their extraordinary actions and exemplary service to the Ames community. This event is free and open to everyone. Refreshments will be served. Music will be provided by Ames Community Arts Council member Reggie Greenlaw.

The following awards will be given:

Barbara Schendel is receiving the Hazel Hammer Cherished Volunteer Award. As a charter member of the Ames Chamber Artists, she has been instrumental in not only the formation but also the growth of the ensemble, serving as the "force behind ticket sales for the Ames Chamber Artists for all of its 30 years." We are thrilled to recognize Barbara for "working so tirelessly in the background to help make the [Ames Chamber Artists] a great success."

Nominated by Jim Coppoc, Jennifer Knox will receive the Bill Pelz Arts Advocacy Award. While her successes are many, the nomination is in response to her Iowa Bird of Mouth project, which brought together "the words and stories of bird lovers, bird watchers, writers, artists, musicians, teachers, students, scientists, non-profits..." in a way that not only energized the poetry community, but brought in a whole new demographic of budding writers.

Marilyn Johnson was nominated by the Senior Variety Show to receive the Distinguished Board Member Award. As noted in her nomination, "Every organization has at least one person that is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. That person, for the Senior Variety Show, is Marilyn Johnson. We are a better organization because she works with us. She is always positive and sees the best in all people."

Morning Bell Coffee Roasters, nominated by Kyle Renell, will be recognized with the Art in the Workplace Award. With its gallery-like configuration, Morning Bell features local artists each month, making art an integral component of the businesses' aesthetic. "In a fairly short period of time, [Morning Bell] has created a space that is welcoming to everyone, and an invaluable resource to the Ames art community."

The Local Treasure Award will be given to former Ames Community Arts Council president, Sara Merritt. Nominated by Stan Rabe, Sara has benefited the Ames Arts Community as a dancer, teacher, visual artist, and community arts advocate. A generous and multi-skilled individual, Sara has willingly shared her time, talent, and treasure with those around her.

Retiring after 18 years in the Ames School District, Laurie Olk will receive the Art Educator Award. Nominated by Jim Coppoc, Laurie has been an inspiration to countless students, and a major contributor to Ames' status as a top art program in the state. Passionate about using the arts to teach students to think, Laurie has dedicated her career to advocating for art's place in education through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math).

Priscilla Sage "has dedicated her life to creating a laudable body of sculptural works of art, as well as transforming minds and hearts to include art in daily living." Nominated by University Museums, Priscilla's perpetual support of and engagement in the arts has helped to build and sustain the great arts community found in Ames. As such, Priscilla epitomizes the individual worthy of receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Ames Community Arts Council is supported in part by the City of Ames Commission on the Arts (COTA). For more information about this event, visit our website: www.amesart.org.

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The Many Art Galleries of Ames

2/11/2018

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A blog series by Arts Council Intern Xavier Gaumer

The Ames Community Arts Council has many types of members, from individual artists to non-profit organizations of all types. At a recent meeting, we were discussing how many art galleries are members of the Arts Council. It gave us an idea.

I'm excited to be going to eight different galleries, and taking a look at the art and distinct character of each. When we can, I'll talk to the curators that create the vision for these unique spaces, and the artists that they feature.

Over the next two months, we will highlight the Memorial Union galleries, the University Museums, Design On Main, the Gallery in the Round, Ames Historical Society, Creative Artists' Studio's of Ames, The Octagon Center for the Arts, and finally, Reiman Gardens.

All of these galleries have different feels, different art, different impacts on our community - and I look forward to exploring them all with you. We will kick off the series with a visit to The Memorial Union Galleries. Stay tuned!

The three images above can currently be found in the Memorial Union.

Left - Right: Art Inspired, February 2 - March 19, 2018 in the Pioneer Room; Paintpushers: Concurrent, February 15 - March 26, 2018 in the Gallery; Edgard Camacho: Untitled, January - June, 2018 in the Multicultural Center

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So Much to Do and See this Holiday Season. Don't Miss Out!

11/27/2017

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The holidays are upon us! It is a busy time, as many Ames Community Arts Council members are putting on great holiday events. From Holiday concerts to great gift shops for holiday shopping, you’re sure to find something to enjoy. Find more information about some of these events below or follow the links to their member websites. Have a wonderful holiday season and be sure to catch some Ames Community Arts Council holiday events.

November 30, 8 p.m.
Student Union Board, Swinging Sounds of the Season w/ ISU Jazz
ISU Jazz will put on a seasonal concert made up of popular Jazz songs such as those built around musical themes and moods that honor traditional Jazz. During this free show at the Iowa State Memorial Union Maintenance Shop, student ensembles will be putting their own twist on Christmas Favorites, both secular and sacred. Find out more here.

November 30 – December 2
The Workspace, Art Mart
The Workspace and the ISU Gaffer’s (Glassblowing) Guild will host a bi-annual sale in the Campanile Room of the Iowa State Memorial Union. The Gaffer’s will feature blown glass including vases, paperweights, vessels, and sculptural pieces. Pottery, jewelry, accessories, fiber, photography, and other treasures created by Workspace instructors including Ames Community Arts Council members Greg Lamont and Rhonda Scott. Follow the link for times and dates. More here.

December 1 - 3 and December 8 - 10
ISU Theatre, A Christmas Carol
See ISU’s version of the classic Christmas tale by Charles Dickens. What will Scrooge do when he is confronted by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future? Follow the link for accurate times and locations. More here.

December 2, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. and 1 - 3 p.m.
Legacy Learning, Holiday Ornaments
Legacy Learning has been busy with holiday workshops from pine needle baskets to wreath decorating and Christmas Pizza! These workshops are a great chance to learn fun skills from the experts. Don’t miss the next workshop, Holiday Ornaments on December 2. Create personalized porcelain ornaments to decorate your tree. More here.

December 2, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Ames Historical Society, Old Fashioned Christmas
The Ames Historical Society will host their Old Fashioned Christmas on December 2 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Ames History Center. “Our Old-Fashioned Christmas event is a great way to bring people of all ages into the History Center. Children enjoy seeing Santa, creating old-fashioned holiday crafts, and eating Christmas cookies.” -Ames Historical Society Director, Casie Vance. More here.

December 2, 7:30 p.m.
Central Iowa Symphony, Rapture, Rage, and Revelry Concert
Experience a musical adventure through scenes of beauty, terror, and passion at Central Iowa Symphony’s Rapture, Rage, and Revelry Concert. There will be strains of Scottish overture, Mozart Symphony 35, and a Highland bagpiper. Grab your tickets to witness this spectacular event. More here.

December 2 - 3
Creative Artists Studio of Ames [CASA], 2017 Holiday Art Sale
CASA artists will have great pieces of art for sale at the Holiday Art Sale. Choose from a wide selection of handmade and skillfully crafted items. This is a great opportunity to purchase holiday gifts and support local Ames artists. Follow the link for dates and times. More here.

December 3, 3 p.m.
ISU Music, Holiday Festival
Iowa State Choirs, Lyrica, Iowa State Singers, Cantamus, and Statesmen will perform a Holiday Festival Concert at Stephens Auditorium. Experience the talent of Iowa State students while enjoying holiday favorites. More here.

December 9
ISU Music and Second Chair Brass, TubaChristmas
Experience a cheerful and fun concert with plenty of tubas and Christmas spirit! “I have participated in about eight Tuba Christmases at four different venues. One cannot imagine hearing up to 100 booming tubas and euphoniums in the same room, playing familiar Christmas songs, to music loving audiences. There’s nothing else like it in the world!” -Rick Ennis More here.

December 9 and 14
Ames Chamber Artists, Noël
Enjoy the magic of Christmas songs sung by the 40 piece adult choral group, Ames Chamber Artists. Some of the works to be performed include O Come, O Come, Emmanuel arranged by Jay Rouse with cello and piano accompaniment; The Work of Christmas by Dan Forest based on the poem by Howard Thurman; Noël C’est L’Amourarranged by Andre Bellefeuille: and the lighter ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas arranged by Harry Simeone. Follow the link for dates, locations, and times. More here.

December 9-10
Iowa State Center, Nutcracker Ballet
This classic holiday fairy tale has come alive on stage at Stephens Auditorium each December since 1981. More than 200 local dancers from surrounding central Iowa communities participate with guest principal dancers performing the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Follow the link for ticket prices and performance times. More here.

December 10, 3 p.m.
Ames Choral Society, Winter Concert
Ames Choral Society presents their Winter Concert, “Veni, Veni.” Hear a variety of carols and new works that haven’t been done by Ames Choral Society before. The concert will also include “Glow” by Eric Whitacre. Get your tickets in advance at Rieman Music. More here.

December 20, 7:30 p.m.
Iowa State Center, Mannheim Steamroller
The spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller. This marks the 33rd Anniversary of the Christmas Tour. In addition to being a holiday tradition for many families, the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Tour is one of the longest running tours in the music industry.
More here.

January 12-13, 5:30 p.m.
ISU Music, Madrigal Dinners
A candlelit 17th-century banquet hall, filled with the ambiance of a festive Renaissance English court, awaits you—the setting for a most delightfully entertaining evening. King James and Queen Anne of Old England cordially invite you to join them for a royal banquet attended by graceful dancers, playful jesters, strolling musicians, frolicking fools and gallivanting wenches. More here.

Octagon Center for the Arts, Gift Shop
The Octagon Center for the Arts held their annual Festival of Trees celebration and showcased many organizations in Ames through the decoration of Christmas Trees. Shop the Octagon Gallery Shop this holiday season and support local artists. You’re guaranteed to find something unique and beautiful.
More here.

Reiman Gardens, RG Express Christmas Train and Gift Shop
During your visit, see the model trains in action and then head over to the Reiman Gardens Gift Shop. Find unique and beautiful gifts with a natural twist, to complete your holiday shopping. Admission is always free to visit the Gift Shop and members receive 10 percent off daily. More here.

Worldly Goods, Gift Shop
Find great gifts for your family and friends at Worldly Goods in the Ames Main Street Cultural District. Worldly Goods is a non-profit, fair trade store, operated by volunteers. See their selection of coffee, tea, unique clothing, singing bowls, hand woven baskets, and other treasures from around the world.
More here.

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Meet the Interns: Tierney Needham

11/7/2017

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The Arts Council has the pleasure of working with all sorts of Iowa State students, with a plethora of skills and a wealth of knowledge. We're excited to benefit from Tierney's background in public relations, sociology and event management, as we help her take what she's learned in the classroom into the real world.

Hi! My name is Tierney Needham and I am a junior at Iowa State University studying public relations with minors in sociology and event management.

I grew up in small town Lynnville, Iowa, so coming to Ames was a big leap, but a change that I love. The people and community in Ames are so kind, helpful and friendly it’s quickly become a place I call home.

I was involved in the Public Relations Student Society of America club on campus and helped lead the National Organ Donation Awareness Competition last spring. Iowa State has offered me so many opportunities to grow and learn, but one of the things that I treasure the most is the relationships I’ve made and the people I’ve been able to meet.

In my free time I enjoy staying active by going to the gym, biking or running. I love being with friends and family and am always looking for new adventures, big or small. My friends and I made it our goal to enjoy the different food, restaurants and activities that Ames has to offer.

I have been a longtime admirer of art so I cannot wait for the opportunities the Ames Community Art Council will provide me with and the people I will meet.

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Welcome Our New Intern: Xavier Gaumer

11/2/2017

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Two wonderful interns, Carrie Spring and Sara Howard, wrapped up their internships last week after a successful Ames Area Studio Tour. While we always hate to say goodbye, it's always exciting to welcome new faces, too. This week, please join us in welcoming Xavier Gaumer to the Arts Council. We look forward to the new ideas and perspectives he will bring to the organization, and can't wait to see what we can accomplish together!

Hello, my name is Xavier Gaumer, a senior in Journalism and Mass Communications at Iowa State University. I grew up in different areas around Iowa, but mostly in Des Moines and Johnston. I chose Iowa State because it was the easy choice, but I fell in love with Ames and the university as soon as I moved to the city. I really do think that Ames is the best place in Iowa, and I am excited to play a part in making it even better through my work with the Ames Community Arts Council. At any given point when I’m not working on classwork or looking for housing and a job after I graduate, I will be sitting at home watching stupid movies with my roommates or spending time with my brothers and family in Des Moines before I move off after graduation. Working with the Arts Council will be a great opportunity for me to hone my graphic design, writing, and videography skills while bettering the community and hopefully leading into a career in graphic design and video production and editing.

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Fall Brings New Faces: Meet Intern, Natalie Pettigrew

9/4/2017

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Time again to meet a new intern with the Ames Community Arts Council! We're so pleased that so many wonderful students are willing to share their talents with us!

Hello! My name is Natalie Pettigrew and I am a senior studying Public Relations and Business. I am excited to begin my Internship with the Ames Community Arts Council. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills I am learning in class at Iowa State.

Everyday when I walk to class, I walk with confidence knowing that I am going to a safe place where I can learn. The classrooms and hallways are crowded with friendly people. Iowa State has been a huge learning experience and I am grateful for the valuable lessons that it has taught me.

I spent the past summer in my hometown of Peoria, Illinois interning for the Creative Services department for our local News Station. I miss my sister, mom, dad and my dog Bella, but I am eager to tackle this school year.

In my free time, I am firing up my roommate's pizzazz and putting a thawed cheese pizza on it; or grabbing coffee with friends. I also stay busy with my sorority, Kappa Delta, and I am a Director for a student publication called Revival.

I have always loved the way art allows people to express themselves and I cannot wait to start working with local artists in the Ames community. Follow my social media account at @nataliepettigrew to keep up with my projects for this year!

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Meet Two New Interns!

7/2/2017

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For several weeks the Ames Community Arts Council has been benefiting from the hard work and dedication of our two newest interns - ISU Juniors Sara Howard and Alyssa Klahsen. Both women have attended public events on behalf of the Arts Council, written wonderful blog posts, and done countless things to benefit the organization. We hope you enjoy meeting them as much as we enjoy working with them.

My name is Sara Howard and I’m a junior at Iowa State studying public relations. Along with my major in public relations, I’m pursuing a degree in general business and a certificate in leadership studies.

I grew up in Centerville, Iowa. Being at Iowa State, I know I made the right decision on the right school and town to invest my education and living location. While here, I have been a part of multiple clubs and organizations. This past March, I had the opportunity to Belize to participate in a short study abroad trip. While being in Belize, I was able to experience their local art, including song, drumming, weaving, paintings, and so much more. The trip to Belize opened up my eyes and really pushed me toward this wonderful opportunity with Ames Community Arts Council.

I’m hoping with this great organization I will be able to invest more of my time in our community’s activities and to shine light on our talented local artists.

My name is Alyssa Klahsen, and I am a junior at Iowa State studying public relations with a design studies minor. I’m from a small Iowa town just 10 minutes south of Waterloo/Cedar Falls called Hudson.

Making the decision to attend Iowa State seemed like a very natural choice. Iowa State and the Ames community has always been a second home, as both my parents and sister were Cyclones. These past three years at ISU have been the absolute best, and I can’t wait for what my final year holds.

I try to stay busy and keep involved with various student organizations on campus. Currently, I serve as the Student Union Board Varieties Director. For those of you who aren’t familiar, Varieties is a student talent showcase that happens in February. Large groups of students perform in mini-musicals and smaller groups of students perform in vignettes. I am also on the Student Alumni Leadership Council Homecoming Committee as the CySquad and Cardinal Court Coordinator. This means that I am in charge of organizing the annual homecoming royalty scholarship competition and a group of students who help the Homecoming Committee execute all of our events, CySquad.

If I have down time, I find myself going on adventure walks or bike rides, wandering aimlessly through Target, or binge watching “House Hunters.”

Working with the Ames Community Arts Council is a great way for me to explore my passion for the arts. A suggestion from my sister to take an art history class my freshman year led to pursuing a minor in design studies. My dream career is to do public relations work for an arts council or historical society within a city. I’m excited for what the Ames Community Arts Council has in store for me!

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Summer fun with the Ames Community Arts Council!

6/25/2017

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written by Alyssa Klahsen, Ames Community Arts Council Intern

Summer is off to a great start with the Ames Community Arts Council! We’ve been able to provide community art activities at three Ames community events: ArtWalk, Summerfest in Campustown, and the Ames Historical Society Community Ice Cream Social. Local artists came together at our June Gathering of Artists. These events showcased the creativity and talent from all ages within our community.

At Artwalk, we created beautiful tulips. They will last forever and are made out of paper, pipe cleaners and straws. They were a hit and many individuals wanted to make two! At this event, we were also able to walk around and capture some action shots of our artist members creating their artwork.

See some of the Arts Council Members "doing their thing" at this year's ArtWalk!

Summerfest in Campustown was a warm day filled with many art activities. We had many visitors stop at our booth to create rock creatures and get a little shade. The rock creations will certainly make great pets and friends!

See some artists hard at work, below.

The Ames Historical Society Community Ice Cream Social combined our favorite things - eating ice cream and making art! Artists within our community tested their skills with marble art, and the results were a success!

Check out some wonderful marble art creations!

Our June Gathering of Artists was held at Worldly Goods, the non-profit, fair-trade store located on Main Street Ames. The store features art of all kinds, from jewelry and woven goods to instruments and cooking tools, and so much more. The local artists attendees enjoyed each others company, got feedback, and showcased what they were currently working on.

This is our last Artist Gathering of the summer. See you again in September!

We love so much to be a part of the larger community! Thanks to the Main Street Cultural District for including us in ArtWalk, the Campustown Action Association for including us in Summerfest, and the Ames Historical Society for including us in their annual ice cream social. If you'd like us to be a part of your next community event, just let us know! And, know that you can always join us for the Gathering of Artists!

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Forward>>

Meet the Interns: Erin Krage

Check out all our #WisdomWednesday's

2018 Arts Awards Celebration!

The Many Art Galleries of Ames

So Much to Do and See this Holiday Season. Don't Miss Out!

Meet the Interns: Tierney Needham

Welcome Our New Intern: Xavier Gaumer

Fall Brings New Faces: Meet Intern, Natalie Pettigrew

Meet Two New Interns!

Summer fun with the Ames Community Arts Council!

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