​Welcome to the Ames Community Arts Council

Picture
Picture

Who we are:

Artists and supporters of the arts, non-profit organizations and businesses have come together as the Ames Community Arts Council since 1976. We are dedicated to building a sense of community and helping artists succeed. We believe that participating in the arts--as audience members, musicians, actors, dancers, writers, makers, volunteers, and more--enriches our lives and our community. 

What we do:
The Ames Community Arts Council is a non-profit 501(c)(3) funded through memberships, donations, and grants, including the City of Ames Commission on the Arts (COTA). The Arts Council is dedicated to celebrating the arts and serving the community. 
​
Here's a quick look at some things we do:
  • connect you to vocal and instrument concerts, dance and theater performances, visual arts exhibits, unique shopping, cultural events, arts classes and more through our free weekly on-line newsletter and on-line calendar. 
  • organize a monthly “gathering of artists” for local artists of all kinds. 
  • recognize excellence in the arts through the annual Arts Awards Celebration.
  • give you a behind-the-scenes look at local artists' studios with the Ames Artists' Studio Tour.
  • support opportunities that expand learning outside the regular classroom and utilize partnerships with artists / arts organizations through Arts in Education Grants. 
  • provide free art activities for the community.
  • make it easy to find an artist. Member artists are listed with links to their websites and social media pages.
  • provide special benefits for artists, art organizations and businesses and promote arts events of the members through traditional and social media.
  • We collaborate with Ames area organizations to support community activities. Let us know how we can partner with you!

News of the Day

Picture
The 2026 Ames Artists’ Studio Tour, presented by the Ames Community Arts Council, will be held on Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11, 2026. During this free, self-guided tour, patrons will be able to choose to visit any number of the participating studios and discover the original art – paintings, furniture, jewelry, ceramics, and more – created by Ames area artists in their studios and workspaces. Patrons can visit the artists in any order they please and can find artist ​info &
​an interactive map of the locations on the Studio Tour  webpage!
Picture
YOU ARE INVITED! The Ames Community Arts Council will mark its 50th anniversary with a special reception on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 6 - 8 p.m. at The Recipe in downtown Ames (412 Burnett Ave.). Join us for specialty hors d’oeuvres, drinks (cash bar), and live music by Reggie Greenlaw as we celebrate five decades of creativity, connection, and service to the Ames arts community.

This milestone celebration is made possible with generous support from The Recipe and the Discover Ames Community Grant Program. The Ames Community Arts Council is supported in part by the City of Ames Commission on the Arts (COTA).