Selfies in the Skywalk? Create the Perfect One at These Spots in Downtown DSM!

Iowa artists Jordan “KNWSLF” Brooks and Laura Palmer have come together to highlight pieces of Downtown Des Moines (DSM) and other landmarks across the region through the creation of skywalk selfie spots. Using a variety of mediums — from pen, ink, painting and more — these two artists are helping to capture what it means to be in Downtown DSM and around the region.

Palmer’s selfie spot is located at 500 Grand Ave., while Brooks’ design is located at the Fourth Street and Grand Avenue Parking Garage entrance. These free art displays welcome downtown workers, as well as attendees for March Madness. While you’re in town for the games, don’t forget to smile, say cheese and share the hashtag #downtownDSMUSA when you post about your attendance!

Brooks’ display includes augmented reality (AR). Utilizing an app called ARTIVIVE, scan it, record a video of yourself with the art and add in #knwslfart on when you post on social media — and don’t forget to tag Brooks’ account, @knwslf.art, and Palmer’s, @xolp, when you stop by her display and @downtowndsmusa.

About the Artists

Both Palmer and Brooks have been artists in the area since 2015 when both took a chance on full-time artistry, diving into their creativity to begin to produce paid works. Connecting to other artists has come easily. Brooks, a transplant to DSM, looked at local organizations to get plugged into Ames and Des Moines. By working at Bottle & Bottega by Painting with a Twist and attending pop-up events, he finds even more ways to network and connect. Palmer grew up in Iowa and has utilized the Des Moines Art Center groups, like Art Noir, and Market Day Iowa to connect with other artists. Since COVID-19, Palmer has used Instagram to skill share and share work with national and regional markets.

Brooks is a fellow for Art Week Des Moines, taking place June 16 – 22 in 2023, where he will create an art installation for the Franklin neighborhood. He plans to continue using AR in some upcoming projects and connecting with supporters of his work through his weekly Draw From Life Text messages. Palmer is pitching mural projects regionally and looking forward to projects with Winefest and her own merchandise on xo-lp.com. Palmer loves that over the course of her career as an artist she has seen the people of Des Moines embrace the fact that more public art is better and valuing the creative community as part of the events coming here.

DSM Favorites

For Palmer, the Des Moines Art Center started her love affair with Des Moines. She enjoys Mulberry Street Tavern at The Surety Hotel Des Moines, Bubba, Hello, Marjorie and finds inspiration from the Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design and the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, too. Brooks also cites the Sculpture Park and Bottle & Bottega, as well as the Historic East Village as places he likes to spend time. Brooks also connects with art and other creatives at Fort Des Moines, as well as the Drake neighborhood.

Learn more about the Skywalk Selfie Spots here.

Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is a growing, vibrant community that offers the energy, sophistication, housing and attractions of a burgeoning city with a brilliant future. It’s also easy to visit with plentiful and affordable street and ramp parking options.