America 250: Prairie, Plows, and the People's College - University Museums
2026-06-30 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-01 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-02 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-03 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-06 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-07 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-08 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-09 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.

Portrait Painting Ages, 18+ - Octagon Center for the Arts
2026-06-30 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-07 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.

Community & Family Resources at Ames Public Library
2026-07-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Staff from Community and Family Resources will be available in the Library to provide information about addiction, substance abuse treatment, problem gambling treatment, and mental health therapy.
They can also provide assistance in getting started in any of these services including filling out some of the pre-appointment forms.

First Wednesday of Each Month, 10am-12pm on the second floor
Third Wednesday of Each Month, 4-6pm on the second floor

Terra Cotta Conservation in the Art on Campus Collection
2026-07-01 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-02 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-03 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-06 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-07 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-08 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-09 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.

Mystery Lovers Book Group - Ames Public Library
2026-07-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Mystery readers, come talk about books by a selected author or on a theme:
2025

September: Isabella Maldonado
October: Page to Screen
November: Marcie Rendon
December: Mary Higgins Clark

Rotary Room
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.

Maker Nights - Reiman Gardens
2026-07-01 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-08 18:00 - 20:00 | Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Bring your friends and get creative with Maker Nights at Reiman Gardens!
Various Wednesday evenings, 6 – 8 p.m.
All projects are inspired by nature and are simple but elegant. Select from topics typically offered on first Wednesdays in the spring and fall:

2025 Workshops
December 3: Air Plant Globes

Select from various materials such as sand, perlite, soil, pebbles, and other decorative objects to form a base for an air plant that will sit within an open glass globe. Globes can then be suspended from the ceiling or other plant hangers in your home. Each participant will make 2 globes.

2026 Workshops

January 7: Seed Art
February 4: Botanical Doodling
SPECIAL: February 12: PALentine’s Day Maker Night: Fired Ink Wall Art
March 4: Pulp Painting
April 1: Pressed Flower Birds
July 1: MINI Maker Night: Canvas Paintings
July 8: MINI Maker Night: Micro Collages
September 2: Spore Printing
October 7: Pressed Flower Landscapes
November 4: Tiny Terrariums
December 2: Mini Macrame Wall Hanging

Prices

$30
General Public

$18
Members Must Present Membership Card at Check-In

$15
ISU Students Valid with Student ID

Visit https://reimangardens.com/events to find out more and to register.

Conversation Circles: Chinese - Ames Public Library
2026-07-02 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.

Optimae Life Services at APL - Ames Public Library
2026-07-03 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.

Heartland of Story County at APL - Ames Public Library
2026-07-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Staff from Heartland of Story County will be available in the Library to connect Story County residents who are 60+ and their caregivers with programs and services. Visitors may apply for Heartland programs, explore ways to stay active and independent, find low income assistance, and learn about other resources.
Lisa Fawcett Nilsson Study Room – 2nd floor
515 Douglas Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-5646
Library Hours

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

Kids Chess Club - Ames Public Library
2026-07-07 16:00 - 17:00 | Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Come play chess! Whether you are just a beginner or already an expert, all kids in grades 1-5 are welcome to come have fun. Drop in and learn how to play or make new friends with other chess lovers. Storytime Room
515 Douglas Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-5646

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

Teen Advisory Group (TAG) - Ames Public Library
2026-07-08 17:00 - 18:00 | Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Hey 6 – 12th graders, help plan exciting Library events for teens, share what you’re reading, make new friends, and eat some food! To register or find out more, visit https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/get-involved/teen-advisory-group.
Supported by the Ames Public Library Friends Foundation.

Conversation Circles: German - Ames Public Library
2026-07-08 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]

Movies with Mainstream - Ames Public Library
2026-07-09 10:00 - 13:00 | Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Join the Mainstream Living community for a monthly movie screening and related activity! Selected movies are appropriate for adults who are neurodivergent and/or have an intellectual disability. Movies with Mainstream is open to patrons of all ages!
Visit the APL calendar closer to the event for movie titles.
Movies will be held in the Farwell T. Brown Auditorium. Presented in partnership with Ames Public Library and Mainstream Living.

Iowa Aging and Disability Resource Center - Ames Public Library
2026-07-09 13:00 - 15:00 | Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
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

Join the group in the Patricia & Louis Banitt Study Room – 2nd Floor

028: Real Reads Book Group - Ames Public Library
2026-07-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
028 focuses on recently published, popular nonfiction on a variety of topics.
Meet in person in the Dale H. Ross Board Room (2nd floor), or join the Zoom Meeting, use the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87984723696?pwd=[REDACTED]
2025

September – The Man Who Could Move Clouds: A Memoir by Ingrid Rojas Contreras
October – Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell
November – Wastelands: The True Story of Farm Country on Trial by Corban Addison
December – Eight Bears: Mythic Past and Imperiled Future by Gloria Dickie

Supported by the Ames Public Library Friends Foundation.
