<![CDATA[Ames Community Arts Council

<![CDATA[Ames Community Arts Council - Blog]]>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:29:13 -0600Weebly<![CDATA[How to Use Facebook Live to Market Yourself & Your Work]]>Sun, 07 Apr 2019 23:29:15 GMThttps://www.amesart.org/blog/how-to-use-facebook-live-to-market-yourself-your-work

Erin Krage, Ames Community Arts Council Intern

We experimented with a "new to us" technology at the Business of Art Conference,, Facebook live! This is a fairly new addition to the Facebook world, and we wanted to share with you how to use it as an effective marketing tool. All you need to “go live” is a computer or phone with a microphone and camera, and a Facebook account – personal or business, any account can access this feature!

When you go live your Facebook friends or followers can jump in and watch the video you are filming in real time. Facebook suggests a video minimum of 10 minutes, with a maximum of 4 hours. With that wide of a range you can share a variety of content for a variety of reasons. Here’s a few examples:

Attract Event Attendees
Facebook live is often used to cover events. You can share exciting clips to grab the attention of your Facebook followers to remind them you have an event going on, show them what it’s all about, and hopefully drive them to attend.

For example, on the first day of an exhibition a Facebook live video can show the space and your excitement and hopefully get people interested in checking it out.

Share News
Whether it’s unveiling a new piece, sharing a new technique, or simply sharing news about your life, Facebook Live can be a real time, fast paced way to get your news out there.

Save Videos to Look Back On
Once a video has ended, it can be shared to a specific Facebook group or page, your feed or saved for later.

For example, the Arts Council used this tool at the Business of Arts Conference. Everyone who attended the event has access to a private Facebook page. We filmed each session and shared them to the page. So, if there are attendees that only came one day, they can get caught up on the material they missed. Or if someone wanted look back on the conference to learn a little more or reference some new information, they can through the Facebook Live videos saved to the Facebook Group.

Bring Followers Behind the Scenes
Show off your techniques, your studio space, creative tutorials and more with Facebook Live. You can’t always bring people into your home or workspace, but this tool can give followers a glimpse “behind the scenes” into your world. You can start a Facebook Live video anywhere and anytime you have your smartphone.

Have you used Facebook Live? Has it been successful? Do you have any tips or have you learned any tricks? Share your story with us to help other artists succeed.

]]><![CDATA[Meet the Interns: Gillian Mohn]]>Tue, 05 Mar 2019 22:40:46 GMThttps://www.amesart.org/blog/meet-the-interns-gillian-mohnGillian has actually been with us the longest of the three new interns. As a technical communication and philosophy major, she brings an interesting perspective to the group. We hope she enjoys us as much as we enjoy her!

My name is Gillian Mohn, and I am currently a junior at Iowa State University. I am double majoring in Technical Communication and Philosophy, planning to graduate early in the fall semester of 2019. Technical communication as a field is fairly new, only having been named as a major in the 90s. In this major much of the focus is on writing and editing technical documents, such as instruction manuals, textbooks, business documents, and other various types of technical writings. Philosophy, on the other hand, is a long-practiced area of study. I particularly enjoy the crossover between my two majors, which can be found in studies of rhetoric and logic.

I was initially attracted to the position working with the Ames Community Arts Council as an intern because both of my majors tend to be very academic, and this opportunity would give me the chance to learn and work in a more creative field among people who actually work in that field. My favorite arts-related hobby is sewing, which I have been doing for as long as I can remember. Along with tailoring clothing for friends and family, I have created clothing, stuffed animals, curtains, and an assortment of other items. Currently, I am working on my first quilt.

Along with working for the Ames Community Arts Council, I work at the Iowa State University Foundation as a Program Assistant and at Top Notch Stitching (a small embroidery shop in northwest Iowa) as a machine operator and technical writer. As an intern with the Ames Community Arts Council, I feel a much stronger connection to the Ames community and its arts culture. I look forward to using my skills as a technical writer and interest in the arts to create documents for the Ames Community Arts Council and help spread the word about arts events in the Ames area.

]]><![CDATA[Meet the Interns: Grace Lee]]>Sun, 24 Feb 2019 04:53:50 GMThttps://www.amesart.org/blog/meet-the-interns-grace-leeMeet the Interns: Grace Lee

We introduced Erin last week, so this week we'll learn a little bit more about Grace!

Hello! My name is Grace Lee. I am a senior studying Advertising with Environment Studies minor at Iowa State University. I originally started my college life in South Korea first back in 2011, and I transferred to Iowa State when I decided to discover new things in my life in a different environment. And, this semester will be the last semester that I get to spend at Iowa State, therefore, having an internship opportunity at Ames Community Arts Council is a special experience to finish a journey of the college life.

This internship is my first professional experience ever, so I am excited to gain new experiences that are ahead of me. My future career goal is to work in a creative environment, therefore, working at Ames Community Arts Council will be such an important first step for making it happen. And, I have a strong feeling that this internship will be a great memory of my life as well. I would like to learn more about arts and artists who are devoted to their work during the time I work for the organization.

It has been five years since I have come to Ames and have been in Iowa State. I have made so many unforgettable memories here, and Ames and Iowa State have become my friendly second home. They both provided many things that I do not even know how to begin to talk about and they also taught me significant life lessons when I was going through hard times personally and academically. Now I cannot talk about my young adult life without mentioning Ames and Iowa State because they both have such a huge impact on my lifestyle.

Lastly, I am truly thankful that I have this opportunity to work for Ames Community Arts Council and also am proud to be Cyclone.

]]><![CDATA[Meet the Interns: Erin Krage]]>Sun, 17 Feb 2019 20:11:05 GMThttps://www.amesart.org/blog/meet-the-interns-erin-krage7483571We have been working with our new team of interns for almost a month, and as usual, they are proving themselves to be very valuable to the organization. With one part-time staff person and a very busy board, we couldn't do what we do without the assistance of our student team. We think they are wonderful, and we hope you do, too. Over the next few days, please let us introduce you!

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!

]]><![CDATA[Exhibits on Display: ISU Design on Main Gallery]]>Tue, 27 Nov 2018 22:01:48 GMThttps://www.amesart.org/blog/exhibits-on-display-isu-design-on-main-gallery

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.

]]><![CDATA[Exhibits on Display: Reiman Gardens]]>Fri, 23 Nov 2018 18:41:01 GMThttps://www.amesart.org/blog/exhibits-on-display-reiman-gardens

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.

]]><![CDATA[Exhibits on Display: University Museums]]>Tue, 13 Nov 2018 21:31:16 GMThttps://www.amesart.org/blog/exhibits-on-display-university-museumsBy 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.

]]><![CDATA[Ames Area Studio Tour 2018 In Review]]>Wed, 10 Oct 2018 00:25:38 GMThttps://www.amesart.org/blog/ames-area-studio-tour-2018-in-review

By Molly Olson, Media Coordinator Intern

The Ames Community Arts Council hosted its annual Ames Area Studio Tour last weekend as an opportunity for the public to tour 13 art studios in the local area.

This year’s participating artists included: Brett Beasley, College of Design, Ciccotti Art Glass, Creative Artists’ Studio of Ames, Brush Paint & Craft Studio, Caroline Freese, Greg Lamont, Linda Hardie, Kaukab Merchant, Matthew & Sara Merritt, Bill Rickard and Melissa Stenstrom.

New this year, studio tour attendees also had the opportunity to enter into a raffle for their chance to receive a gift basket featuring donations from Morning Bell Coffee Roasters, Little Woods Herbs & Teas, The Maintenance Shop and Salt-Lickers. Congrats to this year’s recipient, DJ Lauridsen, who is pictured on the right with studio tour artist Kaukab Merchant. Keep reading to see photos from this year's studio tour!

Brett Beasley Ceramics
Guests were able to check out unique utilitarian pottery pieces at Brett Beasley’s studio. A crowd favorite was Brett’s “Fishy Friend,” (pictured below) which was displayed as a fun storage solution!

Ceramicist Brett Beasley works in his studio as guests take a look at his collection of fundamental pottery and ceramic sculptures.

Iowa State College of Design
Iowa State University’s College of Design opened its doors to guests for an inside look at the school’s ceramics, printmaking, textiles, woods, metals, photography, digital media and painting studios. Design students spoke with studio tour attendees about the projects they have been working on.

In the College of Design ceramics studio, a student begins painting her project.

Ciccotti Art Glass
Art Ciccotti displayed his beautiful hand-blown glass pieces and hosted demonstrations to show guests how he takes a project from start to finish.

Art Ciccotti puts the blowpipe into the kiln to create a glass bowl. Art enjoys exploring new color combinations, shapes and functionality.

Brush Paint & Craft Studio
At Brush Paint & Craft Studio, attendees were able to get an inside look into a “painting party.” Studio tour participants were also invited to join in on the step-by-step painting process.

Linda Hardie
Linda Hardie welcomed guests by showing them her display room of beautiful pottery pieces. She also had a wheel throwing station available for families to make their own artwork.

Kaukab Merchant
Multimedia artist Kaukab Merchant welcomed guests to her 4U2C Studio, which featured many beautiful paintings. Originally from Pakistan, Kaukab incorporates traditional motifs, embroidery, fabric patterns and oil paintings. Throughout the weekend, she also spoke with studio tour attendees about her many accomplishments as an artist, such as when she decorated the First Family's Christmas tree in the White House.

Bill Rickard
Woodworker Bill Rickard showed guests what he has been working on, including furniture items, art pieces, greenwood carvings and more.

Bill demonstrates his traditional greenwood carving method.

Melissa Stenstrom
Melissa welcomed the public into her shop and was excited to talk about the process she goes through to create new jewelry items. Melissa showed guests the materials she uses (sliver, gold, gemstones and pearls) and discussed some of the unique projects she’s worked on for her clients.

Matthew & Sara Merritt
At the Merritt residence, Matthew demonstrated his work in digital illustration while Sara demonstrated zen doodles and showcased her work with oil and ink paints.

Matthew Merritt has a love for pop culture, which is evident in his unique workspace.

Creative Artists Studio (CASA), Greg Lamont and Caroline Freese
CASA provides a creative space to artists who work in many different types of art. During the tour, CASA artists Greg Lamont and Caroline Freese discussed their craft, demonstrated pottery throwing and pieces available for purchase. Guest artist Tunde Odunlade (pictured below) also had his work presented in CASA's gallery.

Greg (left) specializes in functional pottery, while Caroline (right) works in acrylic painting, digital designs and ceramics.

]]><![CDATA[Meet the Interns: Molly Olson]]>Tue, 18 Sep 2018 19:24:39 GMThttps://www.amesart.org/blog/meet-the-interns-molly-olsonAs we continue to prepare for the 2018 Studio Tour, we realized that we hadn't introduced you to the folks making it happen behind the scenes! Thanks to Molly for helping us get things done!

Hi! My name is Molly Olson and I’m a senior at Iowa State University studying public relations with a minor in event management. I’m graduating in December and I’m so glad to be spending my last semester at ISU working with the Ames Community Arts Council.

Prior to interning with ACAC, I have completed internships with the Iowa Health Care Association, Iowa State Athletics and Edina Public Schools. In addition to my role as media coordinator intern, I work as a communications assistant and a student ambassador for the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, reading and exercising.

Iowa State has provided me with endless opportunities to learn new things and connect with others. I’m excited to learn more about art, meet new people and strengthen my professional skills.

]]><![CDATA[Top Takeaways from the Ames Community Arts Council “Polish your Pitch” Panel]]>Tue, 11 Sep 2018 17:57:54 GMThttps://www.amesart.org/blog/top-takeaways-from-the-ames-community-arts-council-polish-your-pitch-panel

By Molly Olson, Media Coordinator Intern

The Ames Community Arts Council hosted a panel discussion, entitled, “Polish your Pitch,” on Thursday, Aug. 30 at the Octagon Center for the Arts. The event was moderated by Michael Morain, Communications Manager of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. Attendees also had the opportunity to hear from four additional professionals, including Holly Boman of the Iowa State Center, Ronna Lawless of the Story City Herald, Stan Rabe of the Ames Community Theater (ACTORS) and Carole Horowitz, a long time arts advocate.

Throughout the discussion, the panelists provided helpful solutions on how to effectively communicate the value of their work and attract the public to come to their events.

As a public relations student and intern at the Ames Community Arts Council, here are five things I took away from attending in this event:

Focus your aim.
To polish your pitch, make sure to narrow down on the main goal(s) of your PR and marketing tactics. Ask yourself these questions: Who is the target audience? How do I want the target audience to respond? Why do I want them to come to our event?

Simplify the pitch.
Fight against shrinking attention spans by keeping the pitch simple. Get to the main points of your pitch quickly by including the 5 W’s: who, what, where, when and why.

Establish authentic and strong relationships with the media.
Networking with reporters at local news outlets, such as the Ames Tribune and the Story City Herald, can help in the promotion of your upcoming event. Morain, who formerly worked at the Des Moines Register, suggested to keep the format and timing of your pitch in mind. Reporters (and editors, too) will happily accept a well written story idea, but make sure to be respectful of their time. Consider pitching the basic details to the reporter two to three months prior to the event. Send a reminder two weeks prior to the event, and if it receives coverage, send a thank you within one week after.

Make use of the resources available in your community.
Many small organizations may be limited on resources. If you’re looking for some help in this area, consider students. In Ames, you may reach out to PR, marketing or event management professors to see if they would be interested in working on a project for your organization.

Keep trying, keep trying, keep trying.
You may not receive the kind of media coverage you want the first time. It’s okay to go back to the drawing board. To help stand out from your competition, Morain recommended to “follow up and follow through.” Don't hesitate to send a reminder before and a thank you note after.

Follow the Ames Community Arts Council on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about our professional development events.

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Designed for a Modern Life peices.

Brett Beasley CeramicsGuests were able to check out unique utilitarian pottery pieces at Brett Beasley’s studio. A crowd favorite was Brett’s “Fishy Friend,” (pictured below) which was displayed as a fun storage solution!

Ceramicist Brett Beasley works in his studio as guests take a look at his collection of fundamental pottery and ceramic sculptures.​

In the College of Design ceramics studio, a student begins painting her project.​

Ciccotti Art Glass Art Ciccotti displayed his beautiful hand-blown glass pieces and hosted demonstrations to show guests how he takes a project from start to finish.