Dubuque artist Tim Olson installed stained glass panels into a backlit frame to create "The Seven Deadly Sins at the Super Seven Motel" (36 x 72 inches). Its companion piece is "The Seven Heavenly Virtues at the Seventh Heaven Academy of Beauty." (Photo courtesy of Mainframe Studios) |
Mainframe to feature Iowa Artist Fellows |
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By Michael Morain
Editor
One artist paints with a robot. Another turns heartbeats into music. Others write poetry, produce films, make stained-glass dioramas or photograph honeybees with an electron microscope.
Their interests and creations are as varied as they come, but they all have two things in common: They’re Iowa Artist Fellows, and they plan to show off their work in an exhibit that opens with a reception 5-8 p.m. Friday at Mainframe Studios.
Each year since 2014, the Iowa Arts Council has named five Iowa Artist Fellows — an honor that comes with $10,000, mentorship and professional development to help mid-career artists grow their careers and amplify creativity across the state.
This fall, for the first time, nearly all 60 fellows will gather for a group exhibition, “State of the Arts: Iowa Artist Fellows,” filling all four floors of Mainframe Studios during the First Friday open house and throughout the month. Think of it as a reunion and a greatest-hits showcase rolled into one — but with more textiles, ceramics and 3D-printed sculptures.
Paul Brooke, a poet and photographer who teaches at Grand View University, said the fellowship “helped tremendously. … It catapulted me forward and allowed me to publish several books in quick succession.” Others have used the grant funding to buy equipment, hire collaborators and create new work for galleries, museums and festivals in Iowa and beyond.
“It helped me forge connections outside of my network,” said West Des Moines artist Amenda Tate, who designed the painting robot she named Manibus. The motion-activated gizmo co-stars with human dancers in a film Tate produced with local filmmaker Bruce James Bales that has played in film festivals around the world. The fellowship gave her “the confidence to dive deeper,” Tate said. “It felt validating, like being granted permission to go for it.”
Here in Des Moines, six fellows currently have studios at Mainframe, including its executive director, Julia Franklin, who is curating the upcoming show. She’s arranging the show not by medium or theme but instead grouping works in ways that might spark conversations. Visitors can expect to see traditional formats as well as experimental pieces, interactive installations and QR codes linking to performances and films.
For Franklin, the show isn’t about categories or labels. It’s about connections. “Freedom of expression is so critical,” she said. “Art shows up for us when we don’t necessarily have the words. … It starts a conversation, and that’s the whole point.”
This story is an early excerpt from our November/December print issue, which we'll release at the unveiling party tonight at Wesley on Grand. We'll post the full version and the rest of the issue at 6 tonight at dsmmagazine.com. |
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WEEKEND SECTION PRESENTED BY CATCH DES MOINES |
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Deck every last inch of the halls at this weekend's event at the EMC Expo Center. (Photo: Holiday Boutique) |
'Tis the season to shop local |
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By Jinessa Lewis
Get into the festive spirit at the Des Moines Holiday Boutique this Friday through Sunday at the EMC Expo Center. This shopping spectacular brings together more than 200 local and national vendors offering handcrafted gifts, gourmet goodies and more.
Among this year’s featured vendors is 2 Harts Boutique, a clothing and accessories shop known for on-trend, comfortable styles for women of all sizes. Owner Joan Warren said shoppers can expect to find holiday tops and cozy Judy Blue denim.
“We have great jewelry pieces you could give to someone — or yourself — and our Mixology products, like room sprays, body mists and hand lotions, make perfect stocking stuffers,” Warren said. Bonus tip: The first 25 shoppers to spend $150 at 2 Harts will receive a special swag bag.
Also returning this year is Fresh Bombz, which started as an alternative source for personal products without harsh chemicals and has grown into a full line of natural self-care items. At the Holiday Boutique, shoppers can fill their own Bath Crumblz jars with custom blends of Epsom salts scented with an array of essential oils.
For gifts, owner Maddie Richards recommended the car fresheners and magnesium body butter. Customers who bring back an empty Bath Crumblz jar get a discount on refills. She’s looking forward to “seeing friendly faces and meeting new people,” she said. “I’m really excited for this show. It’s one of the bigger ones, and I’m counting down the days.”
With creative displays, joyful energy and a bit of holiday magic, the Des Moines Holiday Boutique is a fun way to kick off the season in style. |
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A Taste of ReelAbilities, 7 tonight at the Varsity Cinema, 5 p.m. Saturday at the Harking Institute, 1 p.m. Sunday at the Des Moines Art Center. This sampling from the ReelAbilities festival, founded in 2007 in New York, showcases storytelling by and about people with disabilities. One film will be shown tonight; the rest will screen this weekend.
Keb’ Mo’, 7:30 tonight, Hoyt Sherman Place. The blues legend and five-time Grammy winner sings a few favorites from a career that started more than 50 years ago.
YWRC Book Sale, Thursday through Sunday, Iowa State Fairgrounds. The Young Women’s Resource Center and Iowa’s Biggest Book Sale are teaming up to revive the book sale, turning a new page for the beloved 60-year tradition.
"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," opening 7 p.m. Friday, Des Moines Playhouse. What begins in chaos turns into a lesson in kindness and joy in this heartwarming holiday classic, which runs through Nov. 29.
Gallery Talk: Robert Rauschenberg, 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Des Moines Art Center. Learn more about the artist's groundbreaking 1970 prints, inspired by national headlines, in a talk led by associate curator Ashton Cooper and dsm editor Michael Morain.
Frank Basile and Jeb Patton, 2 p.m. Sunday, Caspe Terrace. A saxophonist and pianist from New York’s jazz scene take a turn in the intimate, acoustically rich space in Waukee.
“Les Misérables,” Nov. 12-16, Des Moines Civic Center. The musical about the endurance of the human spirit returns to Des Moines with unforgettable tunes like “I Dreamed a Dream” and “One Day More." |
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New arts leader: The Des Moines Art Center has appointed Susan Kloewer as its first chief operating officer, a new role created to support the museum’s continued growth and community impact. A seasoned museum and nonprofit leader, Kloewer (KLAY-ver) previously served as chief advancement officer at United Way of Central Iowa and administrator of the State Historical Society of Iowa, including its museum. Starting Dec. 1, she will oversee the Art Center’s operations and help further its strategic vision.
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A game for good: Iowa Juneteenth is partnering with the Iowa Wolves for a special home opener at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Casey’s Center. Fans can cheer on the Wolves while supporting Juneteenth initiatives; $5 from every pre-purchased ticket will fund Iowa Juneteenth programs that celebrate Black history and culture.
Calling on community: Food banks and pantries across Iowa are experiencing a surge in demand after SNAP benefits ended Nov. 1. Volunteer Iowa is asking for volunteers to help local food programs across the state by sorting donations, packing boxes and assisting with deliveries. Find volunteer opportunities online or contact Volunteer Iowa at info@volunteeriowa.org. Donations of nonperishable food, hygiene items and funds are also welcome.
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Pulse Dance & Fitness Studio feels more like a dance club than a gym. (Photo: Libby Nichols) |
Workout review: Skip the gym and hit the beat at Pulse |
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By Libby Nichols
Pulse Dance & Fitness Studio is redefining what it means to work out. From the moment you walk into the studio near Jordan Creek Town Center, the atmosphere feels electric. With its upbeat music and stylish interiors, Pulse feels more like a chic dance lounge than a gym. It’s the kind of place where fitness meets lifestyle, and every detail is designed to make you feel welcomed and inspired.
The Pulse philosophy is simple: Fitness should be joyful. “We wanted to create a space where people look forward to their workouts,” owner Mikaela Stagnone said. “It’s about community, confidence and having fun while you move.” One member echoed that sentiment, noting that she “finally found somewhere where fitness doesn’t feel like a chore.”
Pulse isn’t into monotonous routines. Their signature Pulse Dance class is an exhilarating “follow-the-leader”-style cardio party that combines easy moves with pop, club and hip-hop beats. The result gets you moving — no dance experience required.
I tried out a Pulse Dance workout led by Stagnone that felt more like a night out than a fitness class. The playlist included Sabrina Carpenter, Rihanna and other pop divas, and the moves were easy to learn. Before I knew it, I was drenched in sweat without ever feeling like I was exercising. It was pure fun with a serious cardio payoff. Pulse also offers a variety of classes designed to keep things exciting and accessible for all skill levels. Barre, Sculpt, and HIIT (high-intensity interval training) classes are staples, and workshops like Choreo and Heels are on the schedule for more advanced dancers. Instructors bring their contagious energy and provide modifications so everyone feels comfortable yet challenged for their level.
“If you can clap to the beat, then you can do these classes,” Stagnone said. Anyone interested in getting started can sample unlimited classes with a two-week introduction pass. After you find your rhythm, flexible memberships and class packages make it easy to fit Pulse into your schedule. Gift cards are available, too.
Bottom line: For those seeking a vibrant fitness community and classes that challenge and inspire, Pulse delivers. If you’re ready to turn your workout into a dance party, schedule your first class.
Libby Nichols is the creator and founder of Meet DSM, an Instagram account and brand dedicated to showcasing Des Moines. She also writes about local businesses and events for dsm magazine. |
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Nov. 11: Sages Over 70. We’ll honor Greg Edwards, Christine Hensley, Terry Rich, Bob Stewart, Rick Tollakson, and Marcia Wanamaker at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny.
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Nov. 18: Lifting the Veil virtual panel. The next installment of our ongoing series about mental health explores challenges at every stage of life, with special guests to discuss new motherhood, sensory spaces, coping with anxiety and more.
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There are 50 days till Christmas. Consider this newsletter an early gift, for free.
As always, please send your questions and story ideas to editors@bpcdm.com. |
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