Guide to Art Week on The Avenues: June 12, 2024

Art Week Des Moines returns June 9-15 in neighborhoods across Des Moines! 2024 marks 10 years of Art Week.

The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand is pleased to a highlighted neighborhood in this year’s lineup! The corridor will host activities and events on Wednesday, June 12. For the full schedule of events across the metro click here.

Art Week events will be held in traditional and non-traditional art spaces along Ingersoll & Grand Avenues including restaurants, parks, sidewalks and galleries. Return to this post for the most up-to-date information and details.

Wednesday, June 12: Art Week on The Avenues

• • Mickey Carlson Plein Air Painting & Exhibit: Artist Mickey Carlson uses pencil, brush, paint and pastels to interpret her subjects to the best of her ability. Come view her works on display at Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure (2723 Ingersoll Ave) all month long. Mickey will be popping up outside the coffee shop on the Ingersoll streetscape from 9 a.m.–Noon on June 12 to paint en plein air. Come witness her in action!
  • Art Rocks! at Chamberlain Park: A free, family-friendly crafting event on June 12 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.  at Chamberlain Park (2134 Woodland Ave) in the Woodland Heights neighborhood. Come paint a rock to hide along The Avenues or bring it home to share with friends and neighbors! Supplies & guidance provided by Des Moines Art Center.
  • A Feast For Your Eyes: This foodie favorite is back again! On June 12, enjoy a celebration of culinary creativity on The Avenues as local chefs and mixologists team up with local artists to create a one-of-a-kind, art-inspired menu item to share! Find specials at:
    • The Bartender’s Handshake (artist Genevieve Lavalle)
    • Harbinger (artist Leo Bird)
    • Crème (artist Siricasso)
    • Cheese Bar (artist Rob Stephens)
    • Oak Park (artist Jimmy Navarro)
    • Panka Peruvian Restaurant (artist TBA)
  • City Sounds Sidewalk Concert: Stroll by the City Sounds piano located in front of Ted’s Coney Island (3020 Ingersoll) on June 12 from 4–6 p.m. to hear contemporary tunes played by local musician Fred Gaddy. This event is supported by The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand.
  • Pop-up “Portrait Studio” on The Avenues: Portrait Studio is a traveling art experience designed to bring unique art by local artists to communities! Artist Jen Leatherby will be bringing her talents to The Avenues for a pop-up Portrait Studio at Chain & Spoke (indoor or outdoor, weather pending) on June 12 from 4-6 p.m. Stop by to have Jen draw a complimentary portrait of you to take home. This event is supported by The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand and Chain & Spoke.
  • North of Grand Art Stroll: Stroll through the North of Grand neighborhood on June 12 from 4-8 p.m. and check out the artists on 38th-39th Streets – including Ramona Muse Lambert. See a map of all of the stops on the Facebook event.
  • Art on the Wall of a Record Store Party: Check out the show (available for view all week, more info below) while enjoying free burger sliders courtesy of Lachele’s Fine Foods, along with other snacks, drinks, and even a couple of DJs providing background music on June 12 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Zzz Records. See more info on the Facebook event.

Other Art Week events happening on The Avenues:

• June 9-14 / Art on the Wall of a Record Store: The prints displayed at ZZZ Records (2200 Ingersoll Ave) will be from a print exchange that was organized by Andy AKA @admthelinocutter  with more than 50 participants from 7 countries. The only prompt given for this exchange was “music.” The exchange was titled “Exchange in the Membrane.” This group show will be on display during business hours June 9-14.
• June 11-16 / Lachele’s Fine Foods: Stop into Lachele’s Fine Foods (2716 Ingersoll Ave) to see two artist collaborations in celebration of Art Week: Photographer Joe Crimmings (art on the walls, a special for the week and a few other fun surprises) and Jacob Kuperman will be creating the art for Lachele’s famous special boards that week.
• June 14 / Sarah Grant at Moberg Gallery: Local artist Sarah Grant is the founder of Sticks, which has received national acclaim for a distinctive line of furniture, accessories and object art. Join Moberg Gallery for the opening reception of Grant’s new exhibit, “New Directions,” on June 14 from 5-8 pm. The artist will be in attendance, and there will be refreshments and music. Pop by the studio earlier in the week and you may get a sneak peek of the exibit!