2025 Annual Members’ Show – Octagon Center for the Arts

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

This non-juried show celebrates the skills, creativity, and lived experiences of the Octagon community! Come fill the gallery and surround yourselves with the amazing work — established artists next to emerging artists, all media.

Free

Paint Your Own Pottery: Under the Sea Week – Workspace at the MU

The Workspace The Workspace Iowa State Memorial Union 2229 Lincoln Way Ames, IA 50014

The Workspace at the Memorial Union has a lineup of fun, engaging activities for all ages. Drop-in Crafts and Paint Your Own Pottery can be done in our studio, or if you’d like to take an art kit to go, that option is available. Open hours are Monday through Friday from 2 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (The Workspace will be closed July 3-5.) Everyone is welcome at The Workspace.

Drawing Skills: Developing Essential Techniques, Ages 12 – 14 – Octagon Center for the Arts

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

Drawing Skills: Developing Essential Techniques, Ages 12 - 14
June 12 & 13
9 am - 11 am

Campers will learn and refine fundamental drawing abilities through guided practice in line work, shading, perspective, and composition. This camp fosters confidence and creativity, helping students build a strong foundation for future artistic growth.

$70

2025 Annual Members’ Show – Octagon Center for the Arts

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

This non-juried show celebrates the skills, creativity, and lived experiences of the Octagon community! Come fill the gallery and surround yourselves with the amazing work — established artists next to emerging artists, all media.

Free

Caricature Drawing Mini Camp, Ages 12 – 14 – Octagon Center for the Arts

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

Caricature Drawing Camp, Ages 12 - 14
June 12 & 13
1 pm - 3 pm

Students will explore the art of exaggeration and expression to create fun and dynamic portraits. Through guided exercises in distortion, proportion, and personality-driven details, young artists will develop their own unique style while learning the fundamentals of humor and storytelling in illustration.

$70

Paint Your Own Pottery: Under the Sea Week – Workspace at the MU

The Workspace The Workspace Iowa State Memorial Union 2229 Lincoln Way Ames, IA 50014

The Workspace at the Memorial Union has a lineup of fun, engaging activities for all ages. Drop-in Crafts and Paint Your Own Pottery can be done in our studio, or if you’d like to take an art kit to go, that option is available. Open hours are Monday through Friday from 2 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (The Workspace will be closed July 3-5.) Everyone is welcome at The Workspace.

Monochrome Muse: Graphite & Ink Portraits, Ages 16+ – Octagon Center for the Arts

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

Monochrome Muse: Graphite & Ink Portraits, Ages 16 +
Thursdays, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
June 12 - 26 (3 Weeks)

Students will develop foundational skills in capturing likeness and expression using graphite, ink, and brush techniques, with guidance in proportion, shading, and character. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your practice, this class offers a supportive space to bring faces to life on paper. Supplies included. 

$85

Belly Dancing: Drop-In: June – November – Octagon Center for the Arts

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

Belly Dance, Ages 14+

Thursdays, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm with optional choreography and intermediate technique from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
$10/session
This beginner - friendly class is designed for anyone interested in exploring the graceful and expressive art of belly dance. Each session begins with a gentle warm-up with stretching exercises to improve flexibility and get you in the groove. Skilled instructor, Melinda, of Mirage Middle Eastern Dance Troupe, will cover basic techniques, isolation exercises and short combinations. Connect with other dancers in a supportive and encouraging environment. Wear comfortable clothing.

$10

2025 Annual Members’ Show – Octagon Center for the Arts

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

This non-juried show celebrates the skills, creativity, and lived experiences of the Octagon community! Come fill the gallery and surround yourselves with the amazing work — established artists next to emerging artists, all media.

Free

Paint Your Own Pottery: Under the Sea Week – Workspace at the MU

The Workspace The Workspace Iowa State Memorial Union 2229 Lincoln Way Ames, IA 50014

The Workspace at the Memorial Union has a lineup of fun, engaging activities for all ages. Drop-in Crafts and Paint Your Own Pottery can be done in our studio, or if you’d like to take an art kit to go, that option is available. Open hours are Monday through Friday from 2 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (The Workspace will be closed July 3-5.) Everyone is welcome at The Workspace.