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Henry Payer (the Des Moines Art Center’s 2026 Iowa Artist) regularly mines local historical archives for cultural materials that inform his artwork — bridging his Ho-Chunk heritage, American history, and the relationship between past and...
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This program features a conversation between Maria Lassnig’s longtime steward and collaborator Hans Werner Poschauko and Des Moines Art Center’s Associate Curator Ashton Cooper, in conjunction with the exhibition “Honey, You’re a Wonderful Model: Maria...
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This program features a conversation between artist Henry Payer and Art Center Associate Curator Beth Gollnick, in conjunction with Payer’s 2026 Iowa Artists exhibition “Aagakinąk Haciwi: We Live Opposite Each Other,” on view January 17...
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The Des Moines Art Center is honored to participate in A Day With(out) Art, joining a national initiative that commemorates World AIDS Day and recognizes the profound impact and enduring resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community’s...
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I’m thrilled to introduce the Art Center’s 2026 winter season, which builds on a very successful 2025 during which our institution fired on all cylinders. Last year, thanks to an electrifying exhibition program, excellent events,...
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Call for Participation: Community Animation Showcase Register for the free screening May 9, 2026 The Des Moines Art Center is now accepting submissions for a Community Animation Showcase, highlighting the creativity of local animators, in...
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The past called—it wants to be in our photo album. VIEW COMMUNITY PHOTO ALBUM You are invited to share personal or found 1970s – 1980s snapshots with your own creative Bill Owens inspired titles for...
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Recorded on October 26, 2025 at the Des Moines Art Center, this panel discussion: “Manuel Álvarez Bravo: Collaborations” features Aurelia Álvarez Urbajtel (Director of the Manuel Álvarez Bravo Foundation in Mexico City), Aliza Nisenbaum (2024-25...
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Presented in recognition of LGBTQ+ History Month, Ben Millett, the Des Moines Art Center’s 2025 Iowa Artist (exhibition dates July 26 – November 2, 2025), delivered a public lecture on October 16, 2025. In this...
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Jeffrey Gibson delivered the 35th installment of the Fingerman Lecture series at the Des Moines Art Center on September 25, 2025. Gibson is an interdisciplinary artist, curator, and convener celebrated for his painting, installation, video,...
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