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

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
Baby Time – Ames Public Library

Baby Time – Ames Public Library

Ames Public Library 515 Douglas Ave, Ames, IA, United States

Bring your pre-walker to the Library for stories, songs, and baby sign language. Join with other caregivers and older siblings for 20 minutes of fun and learning. Feel free to bring a stuffed animal or doll for the older sibling to learn along with you. 

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.

Tech Meets Tradition: Preserving Campus Art with Materials Engineering

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

In conjunction with the exhibition Terra Cotta Conservation in the Art on Campus Collection, materials engineer Sawyer Krotz will join curator Sydney Marshall for a dynamic exploration of how technology is shaping the future of the conservation of sculpture.

FREE

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

Estate Planning: The Best Plan for Your Clan – Ames Public Library

Ames Public Library 515 Douglas Ave, Ames, IA, United States

Estate planning isn’t just about documents—it’s about people.

Join attorney Merlaine Mosley for an engaging session exploring how to create a clear, practical plan that protects your loved ones, preserves family harmony, and ensures your wishes are honored.

Learn how wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations work together to form a plan that truly fits your family—no matter its size, structure, or stage of life.

Free

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

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. The use of scissors and proper handling of materials and color mixing will also be explored. Guardians are encouraged to participate in class activities.

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