Collaborative Art Project Adds Vibrancy to Des Moines' Downtown Skywalk

This spring, Des Moines is adding additional color to its Downtown skywalk. The Greater Des Moines Partnership has teamed up with local artist Claire Sedovic to create a Paint-by-Number Mural, a fun, interactive project that invites community members of all ages and skill levels to come together and contribute to a stunning new piece of public art. 

Located at 700 Locust Street on the third level of the skywalk, near Happy Home Coffee, this mural will feature beloved Des Moines landmarks — from the iconic dome of the Botanical Garden to the famous Iowa State Fair Butter Cow. 

“My main inspiration for this concept was to essentially create a giant coloring page (or wall, rather) for adults and kids alike,” said Claire Sedovic, the talented artist behind the mural. The goal is to make art accessible to everyone, allowing people from all walks of life to make their mark on the mural and become part of Des Moines’ artistic landscape. 

With playful elements woven into the design, the mural encourages passersby — especially families — to play ‘I Spy’ as they search for unique and quirky details within the artwork. “It’s the kind of art that you don’t just walk past, but that you can experience time and again and see something new within it,” Sedovic said. 

In addition to painting, the activation is an opportunity to support local businesses. Nearby spots like Local Bites and Happy Home Coffee will extend their hours during the event, giving you the chance to grab a coffee or bite to eat while you take part in the mural project. 

For Sedovic, this mural represents a major milestone in her artistic journey. “In terms of large-scale murals, this is a first for me. I have many friends who’ve done murals who I’ve been calling upon for advice,” she shared. “The arts community here in Des Moines is really welcoming in that sense.” 

The mural also represents an important shift in her artistic career. As an artist, it’s easy to feel isolated from the community, especially when working on solo projects. This mural gives her the chance to interact with the public and see how people respond to her work. 

“A lot of time as artists we do kind of work in a silo, and we don’t get out and about in the community and share our work and get to see people's responses and reactions” she explained. 

Having been a fixture at the Des Moines Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health for several years, Sedovic has built deep roots in the city’s arts scene. She feels a sense of belonging and excitement about the future of her career in Des Moines. “It’s definitely cemented for me that Des Moines is the place that I want to be and the place that I feel like my career can flourish and I can be a part of this broader community, especially when it comes to the arts,” she said. 

This activation is sponsored by BRAVO Greater Des Moines, MidAmerican Energy Foundation, Prairie Meadows and Principal®.