A Celebration of Creativity and Community: The Ankeny Arts Festival

This Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., we invite you to join us for the inaugural Ankeny Arts Festival! Come celebrate as part of Uptown Ankeny transforms into a cultural exhibition of local artistic talent. Fifty Iowa artists in a variety of mediums from jewelry to ceramics, photography and painting offer something for all tastes in art. This anticipated event’s focus is bringing ART to people and people to ART. Attendees can witness firsthand demonstrations of artistry skills, including live mural painting on one of Uptown Ankeny's iconic buildings. And what's a festival without delicious food? Attendees can indulge in various culinary delights from food trucks and local restaurant favorites while exploring the charming shops that will be open throughout the event.

Fun For All Ages

The Ankeny Arts Festival is offering a range of kids' activities, including free mini golf with pop-up games and $2 rides on the famous Uptown Express Train throughout the festival. Our presenting sponsor Veridian Credit Union has dropped off special treats to share with young artists, too! At the American Legion we will be having a K-12 art show curated by Claire Hays, our Gallery Curator for the Ankeny Art Center. We will also offer a kid’s craft and live demonstrations on printmaking by local Iowan artist Seso Marentes.

The Mural

In partnership with Uptown Ankeny we have hired Ally Frame, a local illustrator and muralist who’s whimsical, colorful and downright cute artistry will be showcased as a part of Uptown Ankeny. We are honored and delighted to have the mural include the sole purpose of our mission “To enrich the quality of life in our community through visual arts education, exhibitions and events.”

Vocal and Sound Artists

Adding to the festive atmosphere, local musicians and Ankeny Farmers’ Market favorites Denise Forney, Ramblin‘ Ukes and Patricia Holly will provide live musical entertainment. Des Moines New Country Leader NASH FM 97.3 will host a radio remote as well.

Fundraiser

Because of the community’s wonderful donations, we can bring people to art and create a space for the community to celebrate creativity. This is one of the Ankeny Art Center’s main fundraisers, and we greatly appreciate our sponsors along with other donors who have made it possible.

We look forward to seeing you there!

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses, including Chamber luncheons, roundtables and ribbon cuttings. You can also find live music happening each week thanks to the “Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series.