Terra Cotta Conservation in the Art on Campus Collection

Christian Peterson Art Museum 1017 Morrill Hall, 603 Morrill Rd, Ames, IA, United States

University Museums presents "Terra Cotta Conservation in the Art on Campus Collection," an intimate exhibition in the Christian Petersen Art Museum showcasing the innovative technology and conservation science used to preserve Danish-American artist Christian Petersen's iconic terra cotta sculptures across Iowa State University's campus.

FREE

America 250: Prairie, Plows, and the People’s College

Farm House Museum 601 Farm House Lane, Ames, IA, United States

America 250: Prairie, Plows, and the People’s College will honor the key people, moments and experiences that have been centered within the Farm House Museum, campus’ first building. This exhibition will explore America’s 250th through 250 primary source objects from honoring the land of the original Indigenous people to the plowing of the prairie, campus development and the fostering of generations of democratic and innovative citizens.

Free

Beginning Watercolor Painting, Ages 18+ – Octagon Center for the Arts

Octagon Center for the Arts 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, United States

Learn and practice brush control, general principles, techniques and tricks using watercolors. Students will learn to simulate texture and patterns resulting from combining and layering or glazing their paints. Basic skills in the use of transparent watercolors, design principles including composition, and how to decide what to keep or eliminate in your art will be covered.

$120
Lego Builders – Ames Public Library

Lego Builders – Ames Public Library

Children in grades 1-5 are invited to get creative and build with lots of LEGO®! We'll provide the bricks while the kids provide the imagination. All LEGO® will remain at the Library, so bring a camera to capture a photo of your build. Please leave your own LEGO® at home so they don't get mixed up with the Library's. Storytime Room.

Portrait Painting Ages, 18+ – Octagon Center for the Arts

Octagon Center for the Arts 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, United States

Students will explore the art of painting portraits.  Students have the choice to paint from a photo, or paint a self-portrait by using a mirror. Students will learn to explore color, likeness, and the many ways of depicting a person on canvas.
Oil paint focused, but other media are also welcome. All skill levels are welcome!

$85

Guest Artist: Dr. Dror Biran, piano

Martha-Ellen Tye Recital Hall, ISU 300 Union Dr, Ames, IA, United States

(Rescheduled from January 27) American pianist Dror Biran, winner of top prizes at the M. K. Čiurlionis International Piano Competition, the Cleveland International Piano Competition, and others, will present an all-Bach recital featuring selected works from The Well-Tempered Clavier. Expect an evening of masterful artistry. This concert will have a livestream.

Free

Creative Explorations February, Ages 3 – 5 – Octagon Center for the Arts

Octagon Center for the Arts 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, United States

Enjoy creative learning through the art making process using a variety of sensory materials, traditional and nontraditional supplies. New skills will be practiced, while the “process of making” will be the fundamental goal for the child. Materials like paint, charcoal, fabric, plastic, sculpture media, glue, cardboard, paper, etc. will be used.

$65

Pop-Up Valentine Shop at the MU – ISU Memorial Union Workspace

ISU Memorial Union - North Entrance 2229 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA, United States

The Workspace will host a Pop-Up Valentine Shop at the Memorial Union, Mon. through Fri., Feb. 9 through 13, 2026. Choose from a variety of adorable succulents planted in pottery from The Workspace, and personalize your plants with charming tiny animal add-ins. Complete your gift with a beautiful, marbled paper Valentine’s Day card created by local artist Rhonda Scott.