America 250: Prairie, Plows, and the People's College - University Museums
2026-06-18 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-19 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-22 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-23 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-24 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-25 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Farm House Museum, 601 Farm House Lane, Ames, IA, 50011, United States
America 250: Prairie, Plows, and the People’s College
February – October 2026
America 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.
Visitors 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.
Reflective 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.
On 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.

Landscapes & Mindscapes: Reflections on the Worlds - Gallery in the Round
2026-06-18 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-22 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-23 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-24 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-25 13:00 - 16:00 | Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames – Gallery in the Round, 1015 Hyland Ave, Ames, IA 50014, Ames, IA, 50014, United States
Landscapes & Mindscapes: Reflections on the Worlds
The Gallery in the Round at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames will present Landscapes & Mindscapes: Reflections on the Worlds We Inhabit, a solo exhibition by visual artist and physicist Sebastián Sánchez-Falero, on view from April 4 through June 30. A public reception will be held on Sat., May 2 from 5 to 7 p.m., featuring an artist talk and discussion open to the public.
Bringing together two complementary bodies of work, Landscapes & Mindscapes reflects on the natural and technological environments that shape contemporary life. One series, Endless Horizons: Colors of the Iowa Plains, contemplates the quiet beauty of Iowa’s land, sky, and seasons through photography showcasing light, atmosphere, and human presence. The other, Minds on a Digital Mirror: Exploring the Human Tapestry, uses AI-assisted visual art to explore what it means to be human in an age increasingly shaped by intelligent machines.
Together, the exhibition places Iowa’s physical landscape in dialogue with the conceptual and technological worlds we now inhabit. It draws attention to the quiet beauty of the land while opening space to reflect on the less visible terrains of contemporary existence: memory, imagination, data, simulation, and the digital systems that increasingly surround us and accelerate human experience. As Sánchez-Falero puts it, the exhibition grows from the question, “What does it mean to be human here and now?” Holding these realities in the same room, Landscapes & Mindscapes invites viewers to consider both the outer landscapes we dwell in and the inner or constructed mindscapes through which we make meaning.
At the same time, the exhibition engages the question of art in the age of AI. With these technologies now firmly part of contemporary life, and the genie already out of the bottle, Sánchez-Falero approaches artificial intelligence not simply as a tool, but as a new mimetic medium: one that emerges from human design and human data, and that can therefore function as a technological mirror of contemporary culture and consciousness and biases.
Through the exhibition and artist talk, he offers an accessible introduction to AI and large language models while reflecting on mimesis across painting, photography, and AI-generated imagery, helping audiences place these new tools in a broader historical and artistic perspective. Sánchez-Falero is a visual artist and physicist based in Ames, Iowa. Across his practice, he explores identity through portraiture of life, spaces, and moments, often working at the intersection of photography, language and technology. His work moves between natural and conceptual space, asking how human beings dwell in the world, how they represent it, and how they continually reshape both their environments and themselves.
The exhibition is on view at Gallery in the Round, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames,
1015 Hyland Ave., Ames, IA.
Viewing hours are Monday and Tues., 9 a.m. to noon, and Wed. and Thurs., 1 to 4 p.m., or by appointment by calling 515-292-5960.
Media Contact:
Sebastián Sánchez-Falero
515-372-5661
sfs@sebastiansanchez.net
www.SebastianSanchez.net

Conversation Circles: Chinese - Ames Public Library
2026-06-18 18:00 - 19:00 | Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Gather (in person or online) for casual conversations in Chinese. Chat in your native language or get comfortable speaking in another language. PEO Room
To join via Zoom, click here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81706386269?pwd=[REDACTED]
515 Douglas Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-5646
Mon. – Thurs.: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Fri. & Sat.: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sun: 1 – 5 p.m.

Terra Cotta Conservation in the Art on Campus Collection
2026-06-19 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-22 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-23 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-24 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-25 10:00 - 16:00 | Christian Peterson Art Museum, 1017 Morrill Hall, 603 Morrill Rd, Ames, IA, 50011, 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.
The 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.
Democratic Material Meets Iowa Weather
Working 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.
ISU Innovation in Action
The 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.
“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.”
After 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.
Exhibition Details
“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 .
This exhibition is curated by University Museums and sponsored by the Department of Mechanical Engineering and The John and Nancy Hayes Chair in Mechanical Engineering.
The exhibition opens January 12 and runs through December 18, 2026
Weekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Christian Petersen Art Museum’s Neva M. Petersen Gallery
Morrill Hall, Ground Floor Hallway
Free admission
Special Event
March 10, 5:30–6:30 PM
Tech Meets Tradition: Preserving Campus Art with Materials Engineering
Christian Petersen Art Museum, 003 Morrill Hall
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. 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.
Free and open to the public.

Optimae Life Services at APL - Ames Public Library
2026-06-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Staff from Optimae Life Services will be available in the Library to connect visitors with resources for mental health, home health, and community integration services. Lisa Fawcett Nilsson Study Room – 2nd floor
515 Douglas Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-5646
Mon. – Thurs.: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Fri. & Sat.: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sun: 1 – 5 p.m.

Disney’s Newsies JR.
2026-06-19 19:00, 2026-06-20 14:00, 2026-06-21 14:00 | Ames City Auditorium, 520 6th St, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Story Theater Company Presents Disney’s Newsies JR

Performing at Ames City Auditorium June 19-28, 2026

Inspired by the rousing true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City, Newsies JR. features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein. When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys’ expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what’s right.

Footloose (ACTORS)
2026-06-19 19:30, 2026-06-20 19:30 | Ames Community Theater, 120 Abraham Drive, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Footloose
Stage Adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie
Lyrics by Dean Pitchford
Music by Tom Snow with additional music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hager, Kenny Loggins, and Jim Steinman
Based on the Original Screenplay by Dean Pitchford
Kick off your shoes and cut loose–Footloose is 40!
Based on the explosive rock-n-roll musical movie, this Broadway hit tells the story of Ren McCormack, a big-city teen who finds himself out of place in a rural town. He is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school but wasn’t expecting to fall in love with the preacher’s daughter. Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind.
Footloose is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
Tickets available online or at The Octagon Shop, 427 Douglas, Downtown Ames

Lego Builders - Ames Public Library
2026-06-23 16:00 - 17:00 | IA
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.
Supported by the Ames Public Library Friends Foundation.
515 Douglas Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-5646

Mon. – Thurs.: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Fri. & Sat.: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sun: 1 – 5 p.m.

Portrait Painting Ages, 18+ - Octagon Center for the Arts
2026-06-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Art of the Portrait, Ages 18+
Tuesdays, 6 – 8 p.m.
February 10 – 24 (3 weeks)
$85
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!
Instructor: Zack Bukovich
Class Size Limit: 10
Studio Location: TBA
Student supply list:
Choose preferred type of Paint: Gouache, Acrylic or Oil Paint

4-6 canvases, panels or paper, between 9 x12” and 16 x 20”

Gouache or Acrylic Supplies:

Gouache or Acrylic paints: A simple color palette of basic colors (red, blue, yellow, black, white and brown).
Brushes*

Oil Painting Supplies:

Oil 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).
Mixed sized brushes (can be bristle or synthetic)*
Palette Knife
Palette surface (sheets are fine)
Odorless Turpentine or Gamsol
Paint mixing tray
*The Octagon will provide paper towels, pencils, gently used paintbrushes of varying type and size.

Deep Roots Book Group - Ames Public Library
2026-06-23 19:00 - 20:30 | Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Join gardeners and nature enthusiasts for deep discussion of books in connection with the Ames Seed Library.
Topics will touch on seeds and plants, gardening, community-building, and the relationship between humans, animals, and plants.
Book selections include both fiction and non-fiction intended for general audience.
2026

January 27: Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton
February 24: A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons by Kate Khavari
March 24: When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History, and America’s Black Botanical Legacy by Beronda Montgomery
April 28: Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly
May 26: Forest Euphoria: The Abounding Queerness of Nature by Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian

Supported by the Ames Public Library Friends Foundation.

Conversation Circles: German - Ames Public Library
2026-06-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Gather (in person or online) for casual conversations in German. Chat in your native language or get comfortable speaking in another language. Dale H. Ross Board Room
To join via Zoom, click here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81706386269?pwd=[REDACTED]

View from the Margins Book Group - Ames Public Library
2026-06-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Check out this book group for fresh insights and lively discussion about topics relating to society, identity, and culture. Book selections include fiction and non-fiction from a wide variety of perspectives and marginalized identities.
Participate in person in the Danfoss Room or join the Zoom Meeting, use the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83974516721?pwd=[REDACTED]
2025

September – What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez? by Claire Jimenez
October – Beautiful Country: A Memoir of an Undocumented Childhood by Qian Julie Wang
November – The Turner House by Angela Flournoy
December – Fire Exit by Morgan Talty

2026

January – The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates
February – The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez
March – See Me Rolling: On Disability, Equality, and Ten-Point Turns by Lottie Jackson
April – Victim by Andrew Boryga
May – Hijab Butch Blues: A Memoir by Lamya H
June – Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor
July – A Council of Dolls by Mona Susan Power
August – Cactus Country: A Boyhood Memoir by Zoë Bossiere

Supported by the Ames Public Library Friends Foundation.

515 Douglas Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-5646

Mon. – Thurs.: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Fri. & Sat.: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sun: 1 – 5 p.m.

Iowa Aging & Disability Resource Center - Ames Public Library
2026-06-25 10:00 - 12:00 | IA
Community Support Advocates will be available to help older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers connect with local services and support.

Second Thursday of Each Month, 1-3 p.m. on the second floor
Fourth Thursday of Each Month, 10 a.m. – noon on the second floor

Lisa Fawcett Nilsson Study Room – 2nd Floor

Dementia Caregiver Support Group - Ames Public Library
2026-06-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Caring for someone with dementia can bring challenging moments. Join others who understand the journey and share your experiences, and leave with practical, confidence-building tools you can use right away.
All caregivers are welcome. Dale H. Ross Board Room
Check the Ames Public Library’s calendar for specific topic each month.
Presented in partnership with Ames Public Library, Dementia Friendly Iowa, and Home Care Assistance.
