Stookey Companies Art Shows

HeartFest, a Fine Art Show, February 12-13

2011-01-08T11:27:00.000-08:00

HeartFest is a juried fine art show held at Valley West Mall in West Des Moines, IA, just in time for Valentine's Day gift-giving. HeartFest is a partner show to June's ArtFest Midwest 'The Other Art Show'. Featured are mid-western artists' works in metal, fiber, clay, jewelry, photography, painting and mixed media.

ArtFest West is October 9-10

2010-10-01T20:23:00.000-07:00

ArtFest West is next weekend at Village of Ponderosa in West Des Moines, IA! This juried show will feature approximately 100 artists, kids' activities, variety of entertainment and food vendors, FREE PARKING AND FREE ADMISSION. Metro Arts Alliance will provide teaching artists to conduct free KidzDuArt workshops; and artists' fees will be paid by community donors. All proceeds from a Silent Auction of artwork will benefit Des Moines' Orchard Place, a nationally recognized provider of children's mental health and juvenile justice services.

Volunteers Needed for ArtFest West

2010-09-21T23:11:00.000-07:00

We are looking for volunteers to help at ArtFest West, this October 9-10 at Village of Ponderosa in West Des Moines. If you are interested, please email Kristyn at knight_at_heart@hotmail.com or Sue at suestookey@att.net

We are looking for volunteers to fill the following spots...

1) show info table in our large tent (need 1 for all show hours: 9:45-5 pm Sat., 9:45-4 pm Sun.)
2) parking lot attendants (probably 4 people during early Sat. morning, 9 am - noon)
3) go-pher (run errands, etc.). We have the use of 3 golf carts that we can use--probably 3 or 4 volunteers Sat. morning-mid-afternoon, then 2 mid-afternoon til close; 2-3 people Sun. morning-close
4) tear-down (5 -7 people from 4-7 pm Sunday)
5) help with kids' art activities (need 4 people--2 for puppets & 2 for masks all day both days: 9:45-5:15 pm Sat. & 9:45-4:15 pm Sun.)

Thanks so much! Please let your friends know about this great opportunity!

Light the Night Walk to go through Village of Ponderosa during ArtFest West

2010-09-20T21:59:00.000-07:00

Des Moines' Light the Night Walk will go through the Village of Ponderosa on Saturday night, during ArtFest West. For more information about how to support The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, click on the title above.

Walk Details--

October 9, 2010

West Glen
5525 Mills Civic Parkway
West Des Moines, IA 50266

Walk Distance: 1.5 miles
Check In: 5:30 PM
Opening Ceremony: 5:30 PM
Walk Start Time: 7:30 PM

KidzDuArt and Metro Arts Alliance

2010-09-14T21:55:00.000-07:00

All day hands-on art for kids and their moms and dads!

Our KidzDuArt area will be staffed by Metro Arts Alliance (www.metroarts.org) artists and volunteers. Metro Arts Alliance enriches the quality of life in Greater Des Moines by connecting people to the arts through programming, communication and support of artists and arts organizations.

We will see you there!

Exciting food news!

2010-09-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

We are excited to share that Gateway Catering will be providing the food for ArtFest West at the Village of Ponderosa in West Des Moines, October 9-10! We are looking forward to seeing you there...and be sure to save room for something delicious created by Gateway Catering!

Would you like to be an ArtFest West sponsor?

2010-08-22T19:33:00.000-07:00

Ways You Can Sponsor at ArtFest West:

*Sponsor an Iowa artist in the Iowa Artist Demonstration Area (and be noted as a sponsor).

* Fund art supplies and artist teachers for KidzDuArt area. ArtFest West will partner with Metro Arts Alliance and its teaching artists. All donations to help sponsor the Kids' art area will be paid directly to Metro Arts Alliance and are tax deductible. As a regional arts service organization, Metro Arts Alliance works with the public and their members to ensure that the arts survive and thrive in Greater Des Moines.

* If interested in sponsoring, please contact us at suestookey@att.net.

Thank you to those who have already agreed to sponsor at ArtFest West!

KidzDuArt Activities Set for ArtFest West

2010-08-10T22:59:00.000-07:00

Our KidzDuArt area will be staffed by Metro Arts Alliance (www.metroarts.org) artists, and volunteers. Metro Arts Alliance enriches the quality of life in Greater Des Moines by connecting people to the arts through programming, communication and support of artists and arts organizations.

Free "Make-a-Puppet" workshop -
Design your very own puppet to take home!
Directed by Metro Arts Alliance Artist, Gwynne Burke
Time: 11-5 Saturday & 10-4 Sunday

Free "Scary Spooky Halloween Masks" workshop--
Directed by Metro Arts Alliance Artist, Bev Ellis
Time: 11-5 Saturday, 10-4 Sunday

ArtFest West Coming in Just Over Two Months

2010-07-31T22:52:00.000-07:00

Please check out the ArtFest West website, as it has been recently updated! (Just click on the title of this blog post to be taken to the site.) This juried show will feature approximately 100 artists, kids' activities, variety of entertainment and food vendors, FREE PARKING AND FREE ADMISSION. Metro Arts Alliance will provide teaching artists to conduct free KidzDuArt workshops; and artists' fees will be paid by community donors. All proceeds from a Silent Auction of artwork will benefit Des Moines' Orchard Place, a nationally recognized provider of children's mental health and juvenile justice services.

Tony Curiel to do Glassblowing Demo at ArtFest West

2010-07-20T12:21:00.000-07:00

We’re very excited to have arranged for Louis “Tony” Curiel to do an ongoing glassblowing demonstration during ArtFest West! Tony, and his son Jonathan, are both renowned for their glassblowing and lamp work expertise. “Curiel is one in an elite list of prolific glass artists that include Dale Chihuly…” (from “Author Selected to Work with World Acclaimed Glass Artist, Tony Curiel, on New Book” by Amelia Painter). Curiel actually worked with Dale Chihuly at one point in his career. Throughout the weekend, the Curiel's will amaze you with their glasswork showmanship and will guarantee a spectacular presentation! Follow the progress of their awe-inspiring creations from start to finish!

ArtFest West only Three Months Away!

2010-07-13T11:17:00.000-07:00

Enjoy our new outdoor fine art show, ArtFest West, October 9-10, 2010. It will be located in the new Village of Ponderosa, Des Moines’ premier venue for living, playing and doing business with over 95 acres of shopping, dining, offices, walking trails, public art and lakeside living.

This juried show will feature approximately 100 artists, kids' activities, variety of entertainment and food vendors, free parking and free admission. Metro Arts Alliance will provide teaching artists to conduct free KidzDuArt workshops; and artists' fees will be paid by community donors. All proceeds from a Silent Auction of artwork will benefit Des Moines' Orchard Place, a nationally recognized provider of children's mental health and juvenile justice services.

We’re very excited to have arranged for Louis “Tony” Curiel to do an ongoing glassblowing demonstration. Tony, and his son Jonathan, are both renowned for their glassblowing and lamp work expertise. “Curiel is one in an elite list of prolific glass artists that include Dale Chihuly…” (from “Author Selected to Work with World Acclaimed Glass Artist, Tony Curiel, on New Book” by Amelia Painter). Curiel actually worked with Dale Chihuly at one point in his career. Throughout the weekend, the Curiel's will amaze you with their glasswork showmanship and will guarantee a spectacular presentation! Follow the progress of their awe-inspiring creations from start to finish!

One Nite Stand, R & B/Jazz Band (voted one of Des Moines' Best Bands 3 years in a row, according to Cityview's "Best" poll!); performing Saturday & Sunday afternoons.

ArtFest Midwest's Silent Auction Raises More than Any Other Year!

2010-06-30T09:35:00.000-07:00

The silent auction at ArtFest Midwest 'The Other Art Show' raised over $4600! This was more money raised for the charity than any previous year. Thank you so much to the artists who donated their work, as well as all those who placed bids on these wonderful pieces!

See you next year!

Thank you for coming to Artfest Midwest 'The Other Art Show' 2010!

2010-06-28T13:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2010 ArtFest Midwest 'The Other Art Show'! We sincerely appreciate all of our artists, volunteers, and attendees! We hope you enjoyed the show, and we will see you next year!

In the meantime, we look forward to seeing you at ArtFest West, a new outdoor fine art show, October 9-10, 2010. It will be located in the new Village of Ponderosa, Des Moines’ premier venue for living, playing and doing business with over 95 acres of shopping, dining, offices, walking trails, public art and lakeside living.

This juried show will feature approximately 100 artists, kids' activities, a variety of entertainment and food vendors, free parking and free admission. Metro Arts Alliance will provide teaching artists to conduct free KidzDuArt workshops; and artists' fees will be paid by community donors. All proceeds from a Silent Auction of artwork will benefit Des Moines' Orchard Place, a nationally recognized provider of children's mental health and juvenile justice services.

We’re very excited to have arranged for Louis “Tony” Curiel to do an ongoing glassblowing demonstration outside the main entrance to the Varied Industries Building. Tony, and his son Jonathan, are both renowned for their glassblowing and lamp work expertise. “Curiel is one in an elite list of prolific glass artists that include Dale Chihuly…” (from “Author Selected to Work with World Acclaimed Glass Artist, Tony Curiel, on New Book” by Amelia Painter). Curiel actually worked with Dale Chihuly at one point in his career. Throughout the weekend, the Curiels will amaze you with their glasswork showmanship and will guarantee a spectacular presentation! Follow the progress of their awe-inspiring creations from start to finish!

One Nite Stand, R & B/Jazz Band (voted one of Des Moines' Best Bands 3 years in a row, according to Cityview's "Best" poll!), performing Saturday & Sunday afternoons.

Don't miss out on ArtFest Midwest 2010!!

2010-06-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

A great Des Moines Register article about ArtFest Midwest! (Just click the title for this blog post to read the article.) Today is the last day to enjoy over 200 artists (many from Iowa, most from Midwest), plus kids' activities, artist demonstrations, entertainment, and more! The show will be open from 10-5 today, and shuttles will run about every 20 minutes between the Fairgrounds and the downtown show. (Shuttle Hours: 11-5)

ArtFest Midwest 'The Other Art Show' Today and Tomorrow

2010-06-26T08:54:00.000-07:00

ArtFest Midwest 'The Other Art Show' is today (Sat.) from 10-6 and tomorrow (Sun.) from 10-5. Selected as a DSM Register Datebook Best Bet, the show features over 200 artists, many from Iowa, and most from the Midwest. There will be artist demonstrations, kids' activities, and other entertainment. The show is held inside the air-conditioned Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Parking is FREE! Admission is FREE! There are FREE shuttles between the Fairgrounds and the downtown show! Fun for the whole family! See you there!!

IA Arts' Advocate to Speak at ArtFest Midwest Saturday at 1 PM

2010-06-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

Long-time Iowa arts’ advocate, Lt. Governor Patty Judge, will speak at ArtFest Midwest on Saturday, June 26, at 1:00 pm, indoors at the northwest corner of the Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Earlier this month Lt. Governor Judge announced the awarding of nearly $290,000 in grants for Iowa artists and the arts. http://www.governor.iowa.gov/index.php/press_releases/single/601/ Lt. Governor Judge has made promotion of the arts one of her top priorities in office. Following her address, she will tour the show and chat with show artists.

A Des Moines Register Datebook Best Bet!

2010-06-25T10:32:00.000-07:00

From the Des Moines Register Datebook; June 24, 2010

"ArtFest Midwest
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at the State Fairgrounds. Free.

See work from even more artists - 235 at last count, including 98 from Iowa - at the annual art fair in the air-conditioned Varied Industries Building. (Visitors to both shows often park at the fairgrounds and ride the free shuttle downtown.) Check out glass-blowing demonstrations, hands-on activities for kids, a silent auction and more."

Enjoy this "Best Bet"!

See you in the air-conditioned Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds for ArtFest Midwest!

2010-06-24T13:19:00.000-07:00

Over 210 artists will be showing. This year, approximately 40% are from Iowa and 90% from the Midwest! ArtFest Midwest 'The Other Art Show' is offered as an alternative, affordable art show--a complement to the downtown show. The show is 10-6 Saturday and 10-5 Sunday. See you there!!

Something for Everyone at ArtFest Midwest 'The Other Art Show'

2010-06-23T11:21:00.000-07:00

There are all kinds of activities for everyone this weekend at ArtFest Midwest 'The Other Art Show'! Click the title of this entry above to access the ArtFest Midwest site, complete with schedules of all kids' activities, demonstrations, and entertainment that will take place during the show.

The show is 10-6 on Saturday and 10-5 on Sunday. See you there!

ArtFest Midwest 'The Other Art Show' is This Saturday and Sunday!!

2010-06-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

Explore the eighth annual juried fine art event: ArtFest Midwest "The Other Art Show". ArtFest will be held the same weekend as the Des Moines Arts Festival and will feature Iowa and regional artists. Over 210 artists will be showing at this show held in the air-conditioned Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. This year approximately 40% of artists are from Iowa and 90% from the Midwest! ArtFest is offered as an alternative, affordable art show--a complement to the downtown show. ArtFest will be open 10-6 on Saturday and 10-5 on Sunday.

ArtFest Midwest 'The Other Art Show' Information

2010-06-18T10:46:00.000-07:00

Check out the ArtFest Midwest 'The Other Art Show' information page! You can find out all about the activities scheduled for the show, as well as directions to the show and shuttle bus schedules. See you there! (Click the title of this blog post to be directed to the show information page.)

A Big Thank You to our ArtFest Midwest 'The Other Art Show' Sponsors!

2010-06-16T19:32:00.001-07:00

Thank you to our sponsors for the 2010 ArtFest Midwest 'The Other Art Show'!

Country Caboose Refinishing
Des Moines Women's Club
Econo Lodge & Suites, Fairgrounds
Fox Insurance Agency
Frame Works
Independent Thought Gallery
Iowa Architectural Foundation
McGowen Hurst Clark & Smith, P.C
Metro Arts Alliance
Sleep Inn & Suites, Pleasant Hill
The Art Store
The Potters
Vancecoffman Computing
VSA arts of Iowa
Steele Capital Management, Inc.

ArtFest Midwest 'The Other Art Show' Entertainment

2010-06-11T19:42:00.000-07:00

Des Moines Tappers will perform at ArtFest Midwest at 1 pm Saturday, outside the north main entrance of the Varied Industries Building--fun time for all!

A New VSA arts of Iowa Artist is Announced!

2010-06-10T15:39:00.001-07:00

And now another VSA arts of Iowa artist will be conducting a KidzDuArt activity at ArtFest Midwest--Honey Grodt (mixed media)! Check back here to see what fun activity she has planned! (The goal of VSA arts of Iowa is to create a society where people with disabilities can learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts. www.vsaiowa.org)

Artists--Thank you for sharing the news!

2010-06-05T15:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you who posted ArtFest Midwest 'The Other Art Show' info on your own facebook page and on the ArtFest Midwest page! Artists, feel free to post photos of your work on the AFMW page: "Fan Photos".

Zana Clark; Franklin, WI (mixed media)

Laura Nugent; Merriam, KS (painting)

Silent Auction at ArtFest Midwest 'The Other Art Show' to Benefit Orchard Place

2010-06-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

Check out the Silent Auction at ArtFest Midwest--to benefit Orchard Place, a nationally recognized provider of children’s mental health and juvenile justice services---a GREAT way to help a local charity and get a good deal on some handmade artwork! Three photos of work to be donated:

Pete Smokorowski, painting (Shawnee, KS)

Louis Cantillo, photography (Scottsdale, AZ)

Laurie Rhiner, colored pencil drawing (Clive, IA)

Iowa Artists New to ArtFest Midwest 'The Other Art Show'

2010-05-30T12:34:00.000-07:00

A BIG welcome to our Iowa artists who are new to ArtFest Midwest 'The Other Art Show' (in just a month! June 26-27):

Chris Abigt (painting, Ottumwa)
Michael Brau (photography, Iowa City)
Ron Dinsdale (sculpture, Huxley)
Mark Duncan (glass, Des Moines)
Pam Dyer-Walters (wood, Winterset)
Rob Haman (photography, Solon)
Ray McKee (drawing, Wever)
James Ochs (mixed media, Iowa City)
Pam Ohnemus (painting, Davenport)
Richard & Liz Robertson (pottery, Dubuque)
Michael Sherer (photography, Treynor)
Sandy Spilker (painting, Ames)
Eric Stoltenberg (jewelry, Ellsworth)
Mark Stoltenberg (photography, Ankeny)
Melynda Van Zee (painting, Pella)

Check complete artist list at www.artfestmidwest.com

See Our Updated Website...Plus, Fun for the Kids!

2010-05-24T09:52:00.000-07:00

Check out our newly-updated website for ArtFest Midwest 'The OTHER Art Show'! www.artfestmidwest.com. New artist list and "Media" photos are up. Lots of new entertainment this year!

Hey moms & dads, bring the kids to join the KidzDuArt fun! FREE "Make-a-Puppet!" workshop taught by Gwynne Burke, local puppetmaker. Hours: 11-5 Saturday & Sunday, sponsored by VSA arts of Iowa & located in the n.w. corner of the Varied Industries Building.

ArtFest Midwest 'The Other Art Show'--Featured Artist

2010-05-14T12:53:00.000-07:00

We're proud to announce that our featured artist for 2010 is James Ochs (graphics/printmaker). James was accepted into graduate school at the University of Iowa’s famous Printmaking Department, where he received his M.A. in 1972 and M.F.A. in 1974--studying with Mauricio Lasanaky. He currently operates studios in Iowa City and Bentonsport. Ochs has received grants from the Iowa Arts Council for the watercolor series ‘Magical Acts’ and the fifteen color intaglios in ‘The Writers Suite’. To see additional work from this artist, please click on the title for this post.

"Scapegoat"

"BB"

ArtFest Midwest 'The Other Art Show' Announces Iowa Demonstrating Artists

2010-04-26T10:28:00.000-07:00

We're very excited to congratulate the following six artists who were chosen for the special Iowa Artist Demonstration Area (located just inside the main entrance to the Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds). We're including a photo of work done by each artist--to entice you to stop by during the show and watch art work in progress!

Val Neumann, potter (Williamsburg)

Kristin Hill, potter (Davenport)

John Weyer, woodworker (Sperry)

Rachel Sims, jeweler (West Des Moines)

Ron Dinsdale, sculptor (Huxley)

Chris Abigt, painter (Ottumwa)

Work from ArtFest Midwest Artists from Across the Country--Iowa Demonstrating Artists to be Announced Soon!

2010-04-17T08:51:00.000-07:00

We'll soon be announcing those Iowa artists who have been accepted for the Iowa Demonstrating Artist Area at ArtFest Midwest, but for now we'd like to highlight the work of a couple artists from opposite ends of the country!

Joey Welsh (Gilbert, AZ), Drawing titled "Four of a Kind"

Nancy Strailey (Columbia, SC), Colored Pencil Drawing titled "King"

Renowned Glass Artist to Demonstrate at ArtFest Midwest and ArtFest West

2010-04-10T20:40:00.000-07:00

We are REALLY excited to announce that renowned glass artist, Louis "Tony" Curiel, will be conducting glassblowing demonstrations at our June show (ArtFest Midwest 'The Other Art Show') and October (ArtFest West) show. He worked with another famous glass artist, Dale Chihuly, in past years. Tony will dazzle art lovers with his traditional glassblowing skills throughout the day Saturday & Sunday, June 26 & 27, as well as October 9 & 10.

Work from Some of our Artists

2010-04-10T11:21:00.000-07:00

Although I'm not an artist myself, I'm truly overwhelmed by the artistic talent that comes our way every year from show applicants. Even if you're not able to attend any of our art shows this year, I hope you'll enjoy seeing some of the artwork. This week, I'm choosing work from three Iowa artists.

Benjamin Schuh, Des Moines (acrylic painting)

Rosemary Fee, Carlisle (reverse glass painting)

Carolyn Blattel-Britton, Zearing (drawing with ink & colored pencil)

ArtFest Midwest Jurying is Complete!

2010-03-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

Just finished jurying for our June ArtFest Midwest 'The Other Art Show'--Can't wait for the show!

Steven Johnson (Clear Lake, IA), medium: clay

Terrell Powell (Austin, TX), medium: 2-D & 3-D mixed media

Looking for Demonstration Artists for 2010 Shows

2010-03-10T21:58:00.000-08:00

We're looking for an artist to hire to do an outdoor, rather large, "spectacular" demo--for instance, raku pottery, traditional glassblowing, blacksmithing, etc., at our June 26-27, 2010 and October 9-10, 2010 shows (both in Des Moines, IA). Any ideas?? Let us know if you know of anyone we could hire!!

Getting Geared Up for 2010 Show Season

2010-03-08T20:19:00.000-08:00

Artists, you can now apply on Zapp for our fall show, October 9-10, at Village of Ponderosa in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Artist Application Deadline Information

2010-02-25T11:43:00.000-08:00

Artist application deadline for ArtFest Midwest 'The Other Art Show' is March 1! Show is held June 26-27, 2010, in Des Moines, Iowa--same weekend as outdoor Des Moines Arts Festival. Apply online at www.zapplication.org.

Applications also available on ZAPP for October 9-10 ArtFest West! (juried fine art show to be held at Village of Ponderosa in West Des Moines, Iowa). Check out this outstanding venue! www.villageofponderosa.com (application deadline: June 1, 2010)

2010-02-01T19:38:00.000-08:00

ArtFest West! Outdoor Fine Art Show!
Enjoy our outdoor fine art show, ArtFest West, October 9-10, 2010. It will be located in the new Village of Ponderosa, Des Moines’ premier venue for living, playing and doing business with over 95 acres of shopping, dining, offices, walking trails, public art and lakeside living. Located in the heart of West Des Moines, the vibrant, pedestrian-friendly development brings big city style and small town charm to the area. Village of Ponderosa offers the unique Lakeside Terrace with a waterfall fountain, clock tower, Gateway Market lakeside dining and scenic green space for public events. See www.VillageOfPonderosa.com.

ArtFest Midwest, June 26-27, 2010

2010-02-01T19:22:00.000-08:00

ArtFest Midwest 'The Other Art Show': June 26-27 The Largest Fine Art Show in Iowa!

Explore the eighth annual juried fine art event: ArtFest Midwest "The Other Art Show". ArtFest will be held the same weekend as the Des Moines Arts Festival and will feature Iowa and regional artists. Over 210 artists will be showing. This year approximately 40% are from Iowa and 90% from the Midwest! ArtFest is offered as an alternative, affordable art show--a complement to the downtown show.

It will be held indoors in the air conditioned Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. There will be an expanded "artist demonstration area" in front of the building. Check back here for a list of those artists, as well as what they'll be demonstrating.

Admission to the show and parking will be free. In addition, there will be bright yellow school buses that will shuttle continually between the Fairgrounds and the Des Moines Arts Festival downtown--approximately a 7-minute trip. Patrons are encouraged to park at one of the spacious lots at the Fairgrounds to visit both shows. Food will also be available.

An extensive array of free children's entertainment will be offered as well.

This fine art show will reflect quality similar to the quality found at the original "Art in the Park" show held several years ago at the Des Moines Art Center (then moved to the Fairgrounds). In addition to exposure to local and regional artists, patrons will enjoy the opportunity to browse through approximately 200 booths of affordable art in air-conditioned comfort. The goal of presenting this show is to contribute to the enjoyment of the arts during that weekend in Des Moines and to provide a complement to the downtown show.