Welcome to the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation
The Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation enriches lives by advancing the best of public art by placing art in public spaces in the community through public and private collaborations, adding to the cultural record through its collections and educational programs. We invite you to discover public art through-out the Greater Des Moines area.
Featured Art this Month
Kerry James Marshall
July 2018 | Long-Term Collection
Other Public Art Downtown
Mitchell Squire
2019 | Short-Term Collection
Bus Wrap #10: Multiple Black
Tom Sachs
2007, fabricated in 2008 from an edition of 5 (5/5) | Long-Term Collection
Other Public Art Downtown
Featured Artists this Month
News + Initiatives Blog
Our blog posts are a growing knowledge base of insights, stories and information. Get inspired by and delve into a breathtaking array of public art.
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October 1, 2021In Washington, D.C., the National Cathedral has commissioned world-renowned artist Kerry James Marshall to design...
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September 27, 2021Written by Sophie Bernal It took thirty-six years for Paris to see one of its historic... -
August 5, 2021Des Moines, IA — Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation (PAF) is pleased to present...
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May 23, 2020Rendered site plan of urban farm planned for 2308/2310 Lyndale Ave, Hawthorne, Minneapolis. Image: courtesy...
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April 22, 2020"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery... Variations of this proverbial expression can be found...
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April 7, 2020Share stories of diversity, equality, inclusion and equity. Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation presents...
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April 1, 2020There is plenty of space around me as I take my daily walk, I realize...
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February 5, 2020Des Moines, Iowa (February 4, 2020) – The 6th Avenue Corridor Urban Neighborhood Main Street...
From Our Facebook Feed
Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation increasingly utilizes social media as an important method to communicate with current and prospective audiences. Facebook and other social media platforms provide diverse opportunities to share the best of public art in Greater Des Moines to people around the world.
Social media participants can witness the public art process. Followers can watch a video of installations or an interview with artists, public art professionals, and educators on particular subjects. According to the Director M. Jessica Rowe at the Public Art Foundation, people do want to see more than just having public art appear: “Rather than hoping for an audience, we want to build an audience.”
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Sheena Rose is a contemporary artist from Barbados. Her bright and vivid art can be found inside bus shelters at 6th Avenue between Jefferson and Washington as well as College Avenue. Come and have a look. ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
I’ve seen them! They’re beautiful!
Sheena Rose is a contemporary artist from Barbados. Her bright and vivid art can now be found in bus shelters along 6th Avenue, between Jefferson and Washington as well as College Avenue. Come have a look. ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Sometimes looking back can be incredibly interesting, especially when it's LIFTOFF. Photo credits, Eric J. Salmon. ... See MoreSee Less
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While this morning wasn’t windless, it was nice enough to continue installing, THRESHOLD, at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. It’s almost done. ... See MoreSee Less
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A new leaf has blown into town. Juanjo Novella’s large-scale, THRESHOLD, has arrived at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. The installation will be completed on Wednesday, December 15. ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Could be too windy tomorrow to install safely. Looks really cool.
That looks really cool. Can’t wait to see it.
I love this!
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is ready to receive its signature sculpture, Threshold, tomorrow, Monday, December 13, 2021. These pics show its size as well as how it was transported, by truck, to a ship in Spain. It has now crossed the ocean and will be permanently installed tomorrow. ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Will have to make sure I go see this. Thanks.
Francisco Cepelludo
Check out views of Des Moines-based artist Jordan Weber’s installation outside of the ArtLab. Jordan added bronze plaques to the stones that contain an excerpt from a poem by Harvard alumna Amanda Gorman ’20 that reads: “The loss we carry, a sea we must wade.” ... See MoreSee Less
Harvard transforms role of art on campus
news.harvard.edu
The Harvard University Committee on the Arts invites seven visiting artists to create works across campus.Comment on Facebook
This is just the beginning but what a beginning.
LIFTOFF, commissioned by the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation, (PAF) has arrived at the Des Moines International Airport. Created by world-renown artist, Alice Aycock, it is making its appearance after a two day journey from Fort Lauderdale, FL, where it was fabricated.
PAF, partnering with the Des Moines Airport Authority, Liftoff is being erected and secured on a pedestal located where the airport entrance and exit meet. This signature sculpture will greet airport travelers throughout the entire holiday season and long after.
Aycock’s first proposal for PAF was in 2012, for a sculpture along the Sixth Avenue Corridor. According to board president, Tim Hickson, it remained on its art wish list because they were persistent in their intention to find a permanent location for one of her sculptures.
LIFTOFF was created from a multitude of pieces of white gloss powder coated aluminum hosting galvanized structural stainless steer interiors. It will be lit at night to continue defining its loops and spirals. It stands 20-feet high and 22-feet wide. ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
We saw this at the airport this weekend, it looks spectacular coming in, and leaving it was lovely with the sunset colors!
Amazing! Can’t wait to see it in person.