BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Ames Community Arts Council - ECPv6.15.1.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Ames Community Arts Council
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://calendar.amesart.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ames Community Arts Council
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Chicago
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20260308T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20261101T070000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260425T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260425T160000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103410
CREATED:20260120T043147Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T043147Z
UID:10003404-1777129200-1777132800@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:Conversation Circles: Russian - Ames Public Library
DESCRIPTION:Gather (in person or online) for casual conversations in Russian. Chat in your native language or get comfortable speaking in another language. \nTo join via Zoom\, click here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81706386269?pwd=h7HfoFApVWwea7yboGPUGsxXgRhD9w.1
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/conversation-circles-russian-ames-public-library-2/2026-04-25/
LOCATION:Ames Public Library\, 515 Douglas Ave\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ConversationCircles-2022-01-INSTAGRAM-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260425T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260425T173000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103410
CREATED:20260120T044441Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T044441Z
UID:10003428-1777132800-1777138200@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:Conversation Circles: French - Ames Public Library
DESCRIPTION:Gather (in person or online) for casual conversations in French. Chat in your native language or get comfortable speaking in another language. \nTo join via Zoom\, click here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81706386269?pwd=h7HfoFApVWwea7yboGPUGsxXgRhD9w.1
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/conversation-circles-french-ames-public-library-2/2026-04-25/
LOCATION:Ames Public Library\, 515 Douglas Ave\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ConversationCircles-2022-01-INSTAGRAM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260425T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260425T190000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103410
CREATED:20260120T004505Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T004505Z
UID:10003088-1777143600-1777143600@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:Cyclone Cinema: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants – ISU Student Union Board
DESCRIPTION:Desperate to be a big guy\, SpongeBob sets out to prove his bravery to Mr. Krabs by following the Flying Dutchman\, a mysterious swashbuckling ghost pirate\, to the deepest depths of the deep sea. \n2025 | PG | 1hr 28min \n \nAll Cyclone Cinema showings start at 7:00pm. Sunday film screenings will be in open caption format. All other screenings can be open caption as long as the request is made to the staff before the movie starts. \n  \n 
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/cyclone-cinema-the-spongebob-movie-search-for-squarepants-isu-student-union-board/2026-04-25/
LOCATION:Carver Hall\, Room 0101\, 411 Morrill Rd\, Ames\, IA 50011\, Ames\, IA\, 50011\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/CycloneCinema_S26_MUDD_V112.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260425T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260425T190000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103411
CREATED:20260201T200025Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T132730Z
UID:10004145-1777143600-1777143600@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:Pop & Rock Legends Concert - Heart of Iowa Band
DESCRIPTION:The  Heart of Iowa Band will present a Pop and Rock Legends concert at Northminster Presbyterian Church (1416 220th St.\, Ames) on Sat.\, April 25 at 7 p.m.  Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. \nJoin the Heart of Iowa Band for a night dedicated to pop & rock favorites\, featuring music from the 50’s to the 80’s including…\nThe Beatles\, Elvis Presley\, Chicago\, The Mamas and the Papas\, The Doors\, Michael Jackson\, Bon Jovi and more!! \nFree-will Offering Concert\n(Suggested donation of $10 per-person) \nThe purpose of the concert is to raise awareness of our endowment we have in partnership with The Story County Community Foundation. \nA portion of the proceeds from the concert will go to the endowment to fund a college scholarship for an area high school senior who plans to pursue a music education. A ten dollars per person is suggested. \nThe band is a 501c3 non-profit organization meaning your donations can be tax deductible.
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/pop-rock-legends-concert-heart-of-iowa-band/
LOCATION:Northminster Presbyterian Church\, Northminster Presbyterian Church\, 1416 20th St\, IA\, 50010\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/HeartOfIowaBand_web.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Heart of Iowa Band":MAILTO:barbkfry@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260425T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260425T190000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103411
CREATED:20260411T012050Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260411T012050Z
UID:10005181-1777143600-1777143600@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:"Oh Yes\, It's 80s Night Concert - Ames City Auditorium
DESCRIPTION:On Sat.\, April 25\, at 7 p.m.\, the Ames City Auditorium\, 515 Clark Ave.\, will present its first-ever “Oh Yes\, It’s ’80s Night” concert\, featuring Central Iowa’s own Mega Ballad and Lani. Lani will open the show with a high-energy set of 1980s pop tunes\, and Mega Ballad will finish the evening with a high-power set of all your favorite hair metal ballads. \nTickets for this event are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/oh-yes-its-80s-night-concert-ames-city-auditorium/
LOCATION:Ames City Auditorium\, 520 6th St\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/MegaBand.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Ames City Auditorium":MAILTO:craig.kaufman@cityofames.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260426T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260426T140000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103411
CREATED:20260412T150019Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260412T150019Z
UID:10005214-1777197600-1777212000@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:BLUE\, Quilted Artworks - Green Hills Art Gallery
DESCRIPTION:Visit the Green Hills Art Gallery to see BLUE\, Quilted Artworks by Central Iowa Textile Artists. \nAll the pieces are done in a variety of blues. \nThe exhibit will be on display in the Green Hills Art Gallery until Tues.\, May 12. \nHours: Mon. – Fri.\,  8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sat. –  Sun.\, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. \nImage: “Cascade” by Carolyn Abbott \n2205 Green Hills Dr.\nAmes\, Iowa 50014 \n515-316-6775
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/blue-quilted-artworks-green-hills-art-gallery-2/2026-04-26/
LOCATION:Green Hills Art Gallery\, 2205 Green Hills Dr.\, Ames\, IA\, 50014\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Blue-image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260426T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260426T160000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103411
CREATED:20251103T033330Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251103T035909Z
UID:10001339-1777212000-1777219200@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:Pokémon Club - Ames Public Library
DESCRIPTION:Calling all school-aged Poké-Kids! Come learn how to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game and use a Library-supplied deck to battle other players. You can bring your decks to talk and strategize with other players\, but card trading will not be allowed. Don’t want to play? Come to watch others\, enjoy Poké-art activities\, chat with other kids\, and build a supportive community of friends! Farwell T. Brown Auditorium \nKids ages 8 and under need to bring a caregiver along to help. Caregivers: not sure what Pokémon is all about? This is a great opportunity to learn along with your kids! \nSupported by Ames Public Library Friends Foundation.
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/pokemon-club-ames-public-library/2026-04-26/
LOCATION:Ames Public Library\, 515 Douglas Ave\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/PokemonClub-2023-02-14-INSTAGRAM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260426T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260426T190000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103411
CREATED:20260120T004505Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T004505Z
UID:10003089-1777230000-1777230000@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:Cyclone Cinema: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants – ISU Student Union Board
DESCRIPTION:Desperate to be a big guy\, SpongeBob sets out to prove his bravery to Mr. Krabs by following the Flying Dutchman\, a mysterious swashbuckling ghost pirate\, to the deepest depths of the deep sea. \n2025 | PG | 1hr 28min \n \nAll Cyclone Cinema showings start at 7:00pm. Sunday film screenings will be in open caption format. All other screenings can be open caption as long as the request is made to the staff before the movie starts. \n  \n 
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/cyclone-cinema-the-spongebob-movie-search-for-squarepants-isu-student-union-board/2026-04-26/
LOCATION:Carver Hall\, Room 0101\, 411 Morrill Rd\, Ames\, IA 50011\, Ames\, IA\, 50011\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/CycloneCinema_S26_MUDD_V112.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260427T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260427T183000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103411
CREATED:20260412T143740Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260412T144228Z
UID:10005199-1777276800-1777314600@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:BLUE\, Quilted Artworks - Green Hills Art Gallery
DESCRIPTION:Visit the Green Hills Art Gallery to see BLUE\, Quilted Artworks by Central Iowa Textile Artists. \nAll the pieces are done in a variety of blues. \nThe exhibit will be on display in the Green Hills Art Gallery until Tues.\, May 12. \nHours: Mon. – Fri.\,  8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sat. –  Sun.\, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. \nImage: “Cascade” by Carolyn Abbott \n2205 Green Hills Dr.\nAmes\, Iowa 50014 \n515-316-6775
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/blue-quilted-artworks-green-hills-art-gallery/2026-04-27/
LOCATION:Green Hills Art Gallery\, 2205 Green Hills Dr.\, Ames\, IA\, 50014\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Blue-image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260427T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260427T160000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103411
CREATED:20251229T172121Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251229T172121Z
UID:10002343-1777284000-1777305600@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:Terra Cotta Conservation in the Art on Campus Collection
DESCRIPTION: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. \nThe exhibition\, which opens one week prior to classes beginning for the semester\, features materials samples\, 3D scanning documentation\, and behind-the-scenes insights from the ongoing conservation of the “History of Dairying” fountain—a National Register of Historic Places landmark created in 1934 as one of the nation’s earliest Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) installations. \nDemocratic Material Meets Iowa Weather\nWorking within Depression-era constraints\, Iowa State College President Raymond M. Hughes directed Petersen to work in terra cotta—”perhaps in tile or pottery”— because ISU’s Ceramic Engineering Department could produce it on campus within the tight PWAP budget and timeline. The material was affordable and expressive—Petersen could create detailed public art for Iowa State’s students at a fraction of the cost of bronze or marble\, perfectly aligned with the land-grant mission of serving everyone\, not elite institutions. The hand-modeling technique allowed him to capture intricate details in works like the “Fountain of the Four Seasons\,” 1941 and “Three Athletes\,” 1936. \nISU Innovation in Action\nThe exhibition highlights the partnership between University Museums and ISU’s Manufacturing & Teaching Labs\, where Sawyer Krotz conducted comprehensive 3D scans of the “History of Dairying” fountain to create precise digital models for replication. The same technology was used to replicate the terra cotta for the “Fountain of the Four Seasons\,” recently re-dedicated after multi-year conservation. Iowa State’s terra cotta sculptures face challenges from freeze-thaw cycles. The same material that once drained Iowa’s agricultural fields (as drain tiles) graces campus buildings and public spaces\, requiring specialized preservation approaches developed through ISU’s materials science and engineering expertise. \n“Prior to 3D scanning\, successive replications of sculptures would be smaller than their originals due to approximately 5% shrinkage when terra cotta is fired\,” said Sydney Marshall\, Curator at University Museums. “A direct mold of the original would ultimately produce a smaller result because of that shrinkage. With 3D scanning\, we can digitally scale up the models by 5% before creating the molds\, ensuring the final fired terra cotta matches Petersen’s original dimensions exactly.” \nAfter 3D scanning\, the digital models are scaled up and used to create forms that terra cotta specialists use for traditional slip-casting methods. The active “History of Dairying” conservation project—which includes foundation repairs\, mural preservation\, and tier replication—is currently underway\, with fundraising still in progress to complete this (National Register) landmark preservation effort. \nExhibition Details\n“Terra Cotta Conservation in the Art on Campus Collection ” offers visitors an insider’s look at how Iowa State preserves and conserves historic objects—from the actual 3D scan data that captured Christian Petersen’s 1934 fountain details to materials samples showing 90 years of Iowa freeze-thaw damage . \nThis exhibition is curated by University Museums and sponsored by the Department of Mechanical Engineering and The John and Nancy Hayes Chair in Mechanical Engineering. \nThe exhibition opens January 12 and runs through December 18\, 2026\nWeekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.\nChristian Petersen Art Museum’s Neva M. Petersen Gallery\nMorrill Hall\, Ground Floor Hallway\nFree admission \nSpecial Event\nMarch 10\, 5:30–6:30 PM\nTech Meets Tradition: Preserving Campus Art with Materials Engineering\nChristian Petersen Art Museum\, 003 Morrill Hall \nIn 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. Following a guided tour of the exhibition\, watch a live demonstration of object scanning and learn how these tools can support the preservation and restoration of public art. Especially great for anyone interested in materials engineering\, museum conservation\, or historic preservation—no technical background required.\nFree and open to the public.
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/terra-cotta-conservation-in-the-art-on-campus-collection/2026-04-27/
LOCATION:Christian Peterson Art Museum\, 1017 Morrill Hall\, 603 Morrill Rd\, Ames\, IA\, 50011\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Exhibition_Terra_Cotta_Email_Banner.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="University Museums":MAILTO:museums@iastate.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260427T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260427T110000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103411
CREATED:20260120T002000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T002000Z
UID:10002983-1777285800-1777287600@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:Toddler Storytime - Ames Public Library
DESCRIPTION:Families with toddlers are invited for a storytime filled with music\, stories\, and fun! Mondays and Wednesdays are the same presentation.
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/toddler-storytime-ames-public-library-2/2026-04-27/
LOCATION:Ames Public Library\, 515 Douglas Ave\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Storytimes-2022-FB-INSTAGRAM-02_3.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260427T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260427T130000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103411
CREATED:20260120T003036Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T003036Z
UID:10003022-1777287600-1777294800@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:Mary Greeley Medical Center at APL - Ames Public Library
DESCRIPTION:Staff from Mary Greeley Medical Center will be available in the Library to talk about inpatient and outpatient mental health services in the Ames community. \n\nMondays\, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on the second floor
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/mary-greeley-medical-center-at-apl-ames-public-library-2/2026-04-27/
LOCATION:Ames Public Library\, 515 Douglas Ave\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Ames-Public-Library.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260427T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260427T160000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103411
CREATED:20260202T195117Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260217T223918Z
UID:10004267-1777291200-1777305600@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:America 250: Prairie\, Plows\, and the People's College - University Museums
DESCRIPTION:America 250: Prairie\, Plows\, and the People’s College\nFebruary – October 2026 \nAmerica 250: Prairie\, Plows\, and the People’s College honors key people\, moments\, objects\, and experiences centered within Farm House through more than 250 primary source objects. The exhibition presents six themes—Early Iowa State Agricultural College and Model Farm\, Early Iowa\, Immigration\, National Imagery\, Native Stories\, and Innovation and the Victorian Home—through decorative arts\, textiles\, furniture\, agricultural implements\, and documents that trace the land-grant university’s heritage and the nation’s evolution. \nVisitors will see George Washington Carver featured in the 1896 Bomb yearbook as the first Black man to enroll\, graduate\, and teach at Iowa State; a hand-painted Norwegian Rosemaling trunk from 1852 personalized with the name “Anna”; Mary Beaumont Welch’s 1884 cookbook from the first Department of Domestic Economy in the nation; the VEISHA bicycle from the 1890s; and early student yearbooks revealing timeless aspects of college life. \nReflective questions appear throughout the exhibition\, inviting visitors to consider how historical narratives continue to shape contemporary society. Topics range from the Morrill Act of 1862 and land-grant universities to immigration patterns in Iowa\, Indigenous history\, and Victorian-era technological innovation. \nOn July 4\, 2026\, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of its founding. Farm House Museum\, built in 1860 as Iowa State’s first building\, has been central to the development of campus\, Iowa State heritage\, education\, innovation\, and national policy.
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/america-250-prairie-plows-and-the-peoples-college-2/2026-04-27/
LOCATION:Farm House Museum\, 601 Farm House Lane\, Ames\, IA\, 50011\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/unnamed-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="University Museums":MAILTO:museums@iastate.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260427T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260427T133000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103411
CREATED:20260120T004540Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T004540Z
UID:10003109-1777293000-1777296600@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:Conversation Circles: English - Ames Public Library
DESCRIPTION:Gather for casual conversations in English. The focus of this group is to help English Language Learners gain confidence and fluency in a comfortable and fun setting. Library staff will pair native and non-native speakers and provide themes\, questions\, and topics for conversation.
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/conversation-circles-english-ames-public-library/2026-04-27/
LOCATION:Ames Public Library\, 515 Douglas Ave\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ConversationCircles-2022-01-INSTAGRAM-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260427T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260427T180000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103411
CREATED:20260120T010608Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T010608Z
UID:10003137-1777309200-1777312800@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:Conversation Circles: American Sign Language - Ames Public Library
DESCRIPTION:Gather (in person or online) for casual conversations in American Sign Language. Chat in your native language or get comfortable speaking in another language. \nTo join via Zoom\, click here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81706386269?pwd=h7HfoFApVWwea7yboGPUGsxXgRhD9w.1 \n 
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/conversation-circles-american-sign-language-ames-public-library/2026-04-27/
LOCATION:Ames Public Library\, 515 Douglas Ave\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ConversationCircles-2022-01-INSTAGRAM-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260427T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260427T203000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103411
CREATED:20260124T173114Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260124T173114Z
UID:10003657-1777312800-1777321800@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:Wheel Throwing (April)\, Ages 18+ - Octagon Center for the Arts
DESCRIPTION:Wheel Throwing\, Ages 18+\nBeginning-Intermediate skill levels\nMondays\, 6 – 8:30 p.m.\nApril 6 – May 4 (5 weeks)\n$185 \nThis class will guide you through shaping clay on the wheel\, from centering to finishing simple forms. It’s perfect for beginners or intermediate potters who wish to practice and hone their skills. All materials provided. All finished work will be available 10 – 14 days after the class ends. \nClass size limit: 7\nStudio Location: Ceramics/North Studio\, 2nd Floor\nInstructor: Allyson Fillmore
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/wheel-throwing-april-ages-18-octagon-center-for-the-arts/2026-04-27/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/bowls.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Octagon Center for the Arts":MAILTO:info@octagonarts.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T183000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103411
CREATED:20260412T143740Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260412T144228Z
UID:10005200-1777363200-1777401000@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:BLUE\, Quilted Artworks - Green Hills Art Gallery
DESCRIPTION:Visit the Green Hills Art Gallery to see BLUE\, Quilted Artworks by Central Iowa Textile Artists. \nAll the pieces are done in a variety of blues. \nThe exhibit will be on display in the Green Hills Art Gallery until Tues.\, May 12. \nHours: Mon. – Fri.\,  8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sat. –  Sun.\, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. \nImage: “Cascade” by Carolyn Abbott \n2205 Green Hills Dr.\nAmes\, Iowa 50014 \n515-316-6775
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/blue-quilted-artworks-green-hills-art-gallery/2026-04-28/
LOCATION:Green Hills Art Gallery\, 2205 Green Hills Dr.\, Ames\, IA\, 50014\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Blue-image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T091500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T100000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103411
CREATED:20260124T173446Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260124T173446Z
UID:10003662-1777367700-1777370400@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:Exploring Art April - Octagon Center for the Arts
DESCRIPTION:Exploring Art April\n\n\nExploring Art\, 18 months – 3’s with an adult partner\nTuesdays\, 9:15 – 10 a.m.\n$65 for 4 week sessions\nApril 7 – 28 \nChildren and their adult partner will explore art together in a relaxed environment. Toddlers will create their own works of art while learning new skills like arranging\, gluing\, coloring over texture\, painting with different objects\, moving through transitions and imitating art making processes. Activities will focus on age appropriate\, playful\, artistic and sensory materials. \nClass size limit: 6 child/adult pairs.\nInstructor: Beth Weninger\nHunziker Studio
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/exploring-art-april-octagon-center-for-the-arts/2026-04-28/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/child-art.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Octagon Center for the Arts":MAILTO:info@octagonarts.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T160000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103411
CREATED:20251229T172121Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251229T172121Z
UID:10002344-1777370400-1777392000@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:Terra Cotta Conservation in the Art on Campus Collection
DESCRIPTION: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. \nThe exhibition\, which opens one week prior to classes beginning for the semester\, features materials samples\, 3D scanning documentation\, and behind-the-scenes insights from the ongoing conservation of the “History of Dairying” fountain—a National Register of Historic Places landmark created in 1934 as one of the nation’s earliest Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) installations. \nDemocratic Material Meets Iowa Weather\nWorking within Depression-era constraints\, Iowa State College President Raymond M. Hughes directed Petersen to work in terra cotta—”perhaps in tile or pottery”— because ISU’s Ceramic Engineering Department could produce it on campus within the tight PWAP budget and timeline. The material was affordable and expressive—Petersen could create detailed public art for Iowa State’s students at a fraction of the cost of bronze or marble\, perfectly aligned with the land-grant mission of serving everyone\, not elite institutions. The hand-modeling technique allowed him to capture intricate details in works like the “Fountain of the Four Seasons\,” 1941 and “Three Athletes\,” 1936. \nISU Innovation in Action\nThe exhibition highlights the partnership between University Museums and ISU’s Manufacturing & Teaching Labs\, where Sawyer Krotz conducted comprehensive 3D scans of the “History of Dairying” fountain to create precise digital models for replication. The same technology was used to replicate the terra cotta for the “Fountain of the Four Seasons\,” recently re-dedicated after multi-year conservation. Iowa State’s terra cotta sculptures face challenges from freeze-thaw cycles. The same material that once drained Iowa’s agricultural fields (as drain tiles) graces campus buildings and public spaces\, requiring specialized preservation approaches developed through ISU’s materials science and engineering expertise. \n“Prior to 3D scanning\, successive replications of sculptures would be smaller than their originals due to approximately 5% shrinkage when terra cotta is fired\,” said Sydney Marshall\, Curator at University Museums. “A direct mold of the original would ultimately produce a smaller result because of that shrinkage. With 3D scanning\, we can digitally scale up the models by 5% before creating the molds\, ensuring the final fired terra cotta matches Petersen’s original dimensions exactly.” \nAfter 3D scanning\, the digital models are scaled up and used to create forms that terra cotta specialists use for traditional slip-casting methods. The active “History of Dairying” conservation project—which includes foundation repairs\, mural preservation\, and tier replication—is currently underway\, with fundraising still in progress to complete this (National Register) landmark preservation effort. \nExhibition Details\n“Terra Cotta Conservation in the Art on Campus Collection ” offers visitors an insider’s look at how Iowa State preserves and conserves historic objects—from the actual 3D scan data that captured Christian Petersen’s 1934 fountain details to materials samples showing 90 years of Iowa freeze-thaw damage . \nThis exhibition is curated by University Museums and sponsored by the Department of Mechanical Engineering and The John and Nancy Hayes Chair in Mechanical Engineering. \nThe exhibition opens January 12 and runs through December 18\, 2026\nWeekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.\nChristian Petersen Art Museum’s Neva M. Petersen Gallery\nMorrill Hall\, Ground Floor Hallway\nFree admission \nSpecial Event\nMarch 10\, 5:30–6:30 PM\nTech Meets Tradition: Preserving Campus Art with Materials Engineering\nChristian Petersen Art Museum\, 003 Morrill Hall \nIn 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. Following a guided tour of the exhibition\, watch a live demonstration of object scanning and learn how these tools can support the preservation and restoration of public art. Especially great for anyone interested in materials engineering\, museum conservation\, or historic preservation—no technical background required.\nFree and open to the public.
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/terra-cotta-conservation-in-the-art-on-campus-collection/2026-04-28/
LOCATION:Christian Peterson Art Museum\, 1017 Morrill Hall\, 603 Morrill Rd\, Ames\, IA\, 50011\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Exhibition_Terra_Cotta_Email_Banner.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="University Museums":MAILTO:museums@iastate.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T110000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103411
CREATED:20260120T012851Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T012851Z
UID:10003159-1777372200-1777374000@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:Family Storytime - Ames Public Library
DESCRIPTION:Children of all ages and their grown-ups are invited to this storytime to build listening\, language\, and literacy skills through music\, movement\, song and action rhymes. Each week will feature a new theme.
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/family-storytime-ames-public-library-2/2026-04-28/
LOCATION:Ames Public Library\, 515 Douglas Ave\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Storytimes-2022-FB-INSTAGRAM-02_3.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T160000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103411
CREATED:20260202T195117Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260217T223918Z
UID:10004268-1777377600-1777392000@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:America 250: Prairie\, Plows\, and the People's College - University Museums
DESCRIPTION:America 250: Prairie\, Plows\, and the People’s College\nFebruary – October 2026 \nAmerica 250: Prairie\, Plows\, and the People’s College honors key people\, moments\, objects\, and experiences centered within Farm House through more than 250 primary source objects. The exhibition presents six themes—Early Iowa State Agricultural College and Model Farm\, Early Iowa\, Immigration\, National Imagery\, Native Stories\, and Innovation and the Victorian Home—through decorative arts\, textiles\, furniture\, agricultural implements\, and documents that trace the land-grant university’s heritage and the nation’s evolution. \nVisitors will see George Washington Carver featured in the 1896 Bomb yearbook as the first Black man to enroll\, graduate\, and teach at Iowa State; a hand-painted Norwegian Rosemaling trunk from 1852 personalized with the name “Anna”; Mary Beaumont Welch’s 1884 cookbook from the first Department of Domestic Economy in the nation; the VEISHA bicycle from the 1890s; and early student yearbooks revealing timeless aspects of college life. \nReflective questions appear throughout the exhibition\, inviting visitors to consider how historical narratives continue to shape contemporary society. Topics range from the Morrill Act of 1862 and land-grant universities to immigration patterns in Iowa\, Indigenous history\, and Victorian-era technological innovation. \nOn July 4\, 2026\, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of its founding. Farm House Museum\, built in 1860 as Iowa State’s first building\, has been central to the development of campus\, Iowa State heritage\, education\, innovation\, and national policy.
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/america-250-prairie-plows-and-the-peoples-college-2/2026-04-28/
LOCATION:Farm House Museum\, 601 Farm House Lane\, Ames\, IA\, 50011\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/unnamed-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="University Museums":MAILTO:museums@iastate.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T140000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103411
CREATED:20260120T020923Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T020923Z
UID:10003231-1777383000-1777384800@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:Baby Time - Ames Public Library
DESCRIPTION: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. \nBabies and caregivers are welcome to stay and play after the event!
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/baby-time-ames-public-library-4/2026-04-28/
LOCATION:Ames Public Library\, 515 Douglas Ave\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Storytimes-2022-FB-INSTAGRAM-02_3.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103411
CREATED:20251103T071005Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251103T071005Z
UID:10001482-1777392000-1777395600@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:Lego Builders - Ames Public Library
DESCRIPTION: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. \nSupported by the Ames Public Library Friends Foundation. \n515 Douglas Avenue\nAmes\, IA 50010\n(515) 239-5646 \n\nMon. – Thurs.: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.\nFri. & Sat.: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.\nSun: 1 – 5 p.m.
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/lego-builders-ames-public-library/2026-04-28/
LOCATION:IA
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/LEGOBuilders-2022-10-INSTAGRAM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T200000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103411
CREATED:20260124T161611Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260124T161611Z
UID:10003568-1777399200-1777406400@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:Portrait Painting Ages\, 18+ - Octagon Center for the Arts
DESCRIPTION:Art of the Portrait\,  Ages 18+\nTuesdays\, 6 – 8 p.m.\nFebruary 10 – 24 (3 weeks)\n$85 \nStudents 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.\nOil paint focused\, but other media are also welcome. All skill levels are welcome! \nInstructor: Zack Bukovich\nClass Size Limit: 10\nStudio Location: TBA \nStudent supply list:\nChoose preferred type of Paint: Gouache\, Acrylic or Oil Paint \n\n4-6 canvases\, panels or paper\, between 9 x12” and 16 x 20”\n\nGouache or Acrylic Supplies: \n\nGouache or Acrylic paints: A simple color palette of basic colors (red\, blue\, yellow\, black\, white and brown).\nBrushes*\n\nOil Painting Supplies: \n\nOil Paints:  Ivory Black\, Yellow Ochre\, Titanium white\, warm yellow and cool yellow (usually cadmium yellow and lemon yellow)\, warm red and cool red (usually cadmium red and alizarin crimson) and ultramarine blue; other colors of your choice (bring what you have).\nMixed sized brushes (can be bristle or synthetic)*\nPalette Knife\nPalette surface (sheets are fine)\nOdorless Turpentine or Gamsol\nPaint mixing tray\n*The Octagon will provide  paper towels\, pencils\, gently used paintbrushes of varying type and size.
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/portrait-painting-ages-18-octagon-center-for-the-arts-2/2026-04-28/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Self_Portrait_Class_brlmev.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Octagon Center for the Arts":MAILTO:info@octagonarts.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T200000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103411
CREATED:20260124T183525Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260124T183956Z
UID:10003673-1777399200-1777406400@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:Expressive Landscape Painting\, Ages 18+ - Octagon Center for the Arts
DESCRIPTION:Expressive Landscape Painting\, Ages 18+\nTuesdays\, 6 – 8 pm\nApril 14 – 28 (3 weeks)\n$85 \nStudents will learn the basics of painting a landscape.  By exploring depth and composition in painting\, students will learn to paint expressive landscapes of the places they love. All skill levels welcome! \nInstructor: Zack Bukovich\nClass Size Limit: 10\nStudio Location: TBA
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/expressive-landscape-painting-ages-18-octagon-center-for-the-arts/2026-04-28/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/landscape-watercolor.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Octagon Center for the Arts":MAILTO:info@octagonarts.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T203000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103411
CREATED:20260120T023043Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T023043Z
UID:10003269-1777402800-1777408200@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:Conversation Circles: Spanish - Ames Public Library
DESCRIPTION:Gather (in person or online) for casual conversations in Spanish. Chat in your native language or get comfortable speaking in another language. Dale H. Ross Board Room \nTo join via Zoom\, click here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81706386269?pwd=h7HfoFApVWwea7yboGPUGsxXgRhD9w.1 \n 
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/conversation-circles-spanish-ames-public-library-2/2026-04-28/
LOCATION:Ames Public Library\, 515 Douglas Ave\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ConversationCircles-2022-01-INSTAGRAM-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T203000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103411
CREATED:20260120T050703Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T050703Z
UID:10003457-1777402800-1777408200@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:Deep Roots Book Group - Ames Public Library
DESCRIPTION:Join gardeners and nature enthusiasts for deep discussion of books in connection with the Ames Seed Library. \nTopics will touch on seeds and plants\, gardening\, community-building\, and the relationship between humans\, animals\, and plants. \nBook selections include both fiction and non-fiction intended for general audience. \n2026 \n\nJanuary 27: Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton\nFebruary 24: A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons by Kate Khavari\nMarch 24: When Trees Testify: Science\, Wisdom\, History\, and America’s Black Botanical Legacy by Beronda Montgomery\nApril 28: Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly\nMay 26: Forest Euphoria: The Abounding Queerness of Nature by Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian\n\nSupported by the Ames Public Library Friends Foundation.
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/deep-roots-book-group-ames-public-library-2/2026-04-28/
LOCATION:Ames Public Library\, 515 Douglas Ave\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/DeepRoots-2025-FB-INSTAGRAM-02.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260429T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260429T183000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103411
CREATED:20260412T143740Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260412T144228Z
UID:10005201-1777449600-1777487400@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:BLUE\, Quilted Artworks - Green Hills Art Gallery
DESCRIPTION:Visit the Green Hills Art Gallery to see BLUE\, Quilted Artworks by Central Iowa Textile Artists. \nAll the pieces are done in a variety of blues. \nThe exhibit will be on display in the Green Hills Art Gallery until Tues.\, May 12. \nHours: Mon. – Fri.\,  8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sat. –  Sun.\, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. \nImage: “Cascade” by Carolyn Abbott \n2205 Green Hills Dr.\nAmes\, Iowa 50014 \n515-316-6775
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/blue-quilted-artworks-green-hills-art-gallery/2026-04-29/
LOCATION:Green Hills Art Gallery\, 2205 Green Hills Dr.\, Ames\, IA\, 50014\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Blue-image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260429T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260429T110000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103411
CREATED:20260124T173815Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260124T173815Z
UID:10003666-1777456800-1777460400@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:Creative Explorations April\, Ages 3 - 5 - Octagon Center for the Arts
DESCRIPTION:Creative Explorations\, 3 – 5 years with an adult partner*\nWednesdays\, 10 – 11 a.m.\n$65 for each 4 week session\nApril 8 – 29 \nEnjoy 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. \n*Children who are 5 years old may be more developmentally willing/able to work alone on their projects. If so\, guardians are encouraged to stay on site either in the studio or in the adjacent lounge area during class.\nClass limit: 6 children/adult pairs\nInstructor: Beth Weninger\nHunziker Studio
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/creative-explorations-april-ages-3-5-octagon-center-for-the-arts/2026-04-29/
LOCATION:Octagon Center for the Arts\, 427 Douglas Avenue\, Ames\, IA\, 50010\, United States
ORGANIZER;CN="Octagon Center for the Arts":MAILTO:info@octagonarts.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260429T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260429T160000
DTSTAMP:20260417T103411
CREATED:20251229T172121Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251229T172121Z
UID:10002345-1777456800-1777478400@calendar.amesart.org
SUMMARY:Terra Cotta Conservation in the Art on Campus Collection
DESCRIPTION: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. \nThe exhibition\, which opens one week prior to classes beginning for the semester\, features materials samples\, 3D scanning documentation\, and behind-the-scenes insights from the ongoing conservation of the “History of Dairying” fountain—a National Register of Historic Places landmark created in 1934 as one of the nation’s earliest Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) installations. \nDemocratic Material Meets Iowa Weather\nWorking within Depression-era constraints\, Iowa State College President Raymond M. Hughes directed Petersen to work in terra cotta—”perhaps in tile or pottery”— because ISU’s Ceramic Engineering Department could produce it on campus within the tight PWAP budget and timeline. The material was affordable and expressive—Petersen could create detailed public art for Iowa State’s students at a fraction of the cost of bronze or marble\, perfectly aligned with the land-grant mission of serving everyone\, not elite institutions. The hand-modeling technique allowed him to capture intricate details in works like the “Fountain of the Four Seasons\,” 1941 and “Three Athletes\,” 1936. \nISU Innovation in Action\nThe exhibition highlights the partnership between University Museums and ISU’s Manufacturing & Teaching Labs\, where Sawyer Krotz conducted comprehensive 3D scans of the “History of Dairying” fountain to create precise digital models for replication. The same technology was used to replicate the terra cotta for the “Fountain of the Four Seasons\,” recently re-dedicated after multi-year conservation. Iowa State’s terra cotta sculptures face challenges from freeze-thaw cycles. The same material that once drained Iowa’s agricultural fields (as drain tiles) graces campus buildings and public spaces\, requiring specialized preservation approaches developed through ISU’s materials science and engineering expertise. \n“Prior to 3D scanning\, successive replications of sculptures would be smaller than their originals due to approximately 5% shrinkage when terra cotta is fired\,” said Sydney Marshall\, Curator at University Museums. “A direct mold of the original would ultimately produce a smaller result because of that shrinkage. With 3D scanning\, we can digitally scale up the models by 5% before creating the molds\, ensuring the final fired terra cotta matches Petersen’s original dimensions exactly.” \nAfter 3D scanning\, the digital models are scaled up and used to create forms that terra cotta specialists use for traditional slip-casting methods. The active “History of Dairying” conservation project—which includes foundation repairs\, mural preservation\, and tier replication—is currently underway\, with fundraising still in progress to complete this (National Register) landmark preservation effort. \nExhibition Details\n“Terra Cotta Conservation in the Art on Campus Collection ” offers visitors an insider’s look at how Iowa State preserves and conserves historic objects—from the actual 3D scan data that captured Christian Petersen’s 1934 fountain details to materials samples showing 90 years of Iowa freeze-thaw damage . \nThis exhibition is curated by University Museums and sponsored by the Department of Mechanical Engineering and The John and Nancy Hayes Chair in Mechanical Engineering. \nThe exhibition opens January 12 and runs through December 18\, 2026\nWeekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.\nChristian Petersen Art Museum’s Neva M. Petersen Gallery\nMorrill Hall\, Ground Floor Hallway\nFree admission \nSpecial Event\nMarch 10\, 5:30–6:30 PM\nTech Meets Tradition: Preserving Campus Art with Materials Engineering\nChristian Petersen Art Museum\, 003 Morrill Hall \nIn 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. Following a guided tour of the exhibition\, watch a live demonstration of object scanning and learn how these tools can support the preservation and restoration of public art. Especially great for anyone interested in materials engineering\, museum conservation\, or historic preservation—no technical background required.\nFree and open to the public.
URL:https://calendar.amesart.org/event/terra-cotta-conservation-in-the-art-on-campus-collection/2026-04-29/
LOCATION:Christian Peterson Art Museum\, 1017 Morrill Hall\, 603 Morrill Rd\, Ames\, IA\, 50011\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.amesart.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Exhibition_Terra_Cotta_Email_Banner.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="University Museums":MAILTO:museums@iastate.edu
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR