Posted June 01, 2022in Iowa Artist
When Mainframe Studios refashioned an old Qwest Communications building off Keosauqua Way in 2017, the nondescript concrete exterior didn’t resemble what was inside: a creative studio with talented artists. In 2021, Mainframe approached one of its own artists, Molly Spain, to paint the building’s exterior. Spain created a mockup of
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Posted May 04, 2022in Iowa Artist
Marissa Hernandez’s artwork showcases marginalized people — those who might not fit in the mold of what Americans are supposed to look like. Hernandez is a young artist who wants to reflect acceptance of all nationalities in her images. Her desire to represent people with various body shapes and
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Posted April 06, 2022in Iowa Artist
In Jen Lawler’s studio 437, display cases and glass shelves sparkle and shimmer with silver rings, stone bracelets and delicate necklaces. Each piece is unique — from a bold aquamarine necklace to a pair of go-with-anything silver earrings. Whatever bling you prefer, be assured, it’s a one-of-a kind, handmade creation.
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Posted March 02, 2022in Iowa Artist
Dana Leahy has devoted more than 10,000 hours of work putting together an incredible mosaic unpaid art project that is only half completed. Called Project 66, it’s based on the 66 books of the Bible, and, so far, she’s completed 34 books. When she started in 2006, she estimated she’d
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Posted February 02, 2022in Iowa Artist
For 50 years, pastel portrait and landscape artist Mary Muller has taught art lessons and insists art remains unchanged in the last half century. “Art hasn’t changed. Sometimes an artist might look for something different. I haven’t had to. My subject is light. I like the way light hits the
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Posted January 05, 2022in Iowa Artist
When Iven Jones sold one of his paintings of Tupac Shakur, he felt inspired to continue with his work. That one push affirmed his love of painting, and he hasn’t looked back. Jones considers himself a visual artist. He paints urban/pop culture art and current Black culture trends, including protest
Read More →Randy and Paula Garza combine street and Latino influences. When Paula Garza experienced a troubled time in her life, she took her paycheck and purchased art supplies, discovering that painting provided an outlet for her sadness and anxiety. Before long, she dreamed of sharing her art. Paula was raised in
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Posted November 03, 2021in Iowa Artist
Listed artist, brutalist style An urchin made of steel and a cathedral fireplace screen found homes to New York art collectors. Another art enthusiast is dedicating space for nine of James Bearden’s sculptures in a 15,000-foot home, based on interpretation of what the COVID pandemic meant to him. Bearden, an
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Posted October 06, 2021in Iowa Artist
Des Moines artist is painting the city. Take a drive in central Iowa and look at the sides of large buildings. What used to be drab, gray concrete and brick has exploded with dozens of colorful art murals, courtesy of artist Ben Schuh. Schuh is an artist who is known
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Posted September 01, 2021in Iowa Artist
Robot, dancers mix to create artwork. When visiting artist Amenda Tate in her studio at Mainframe Studio, I met her co-artist, Manibus. Manibus is an integral part of Tate’s unique artistry. However, Manibus was silent for the interview — which is normal. That’s because Manibus is a robot. To describe
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