Our Impact
340,000+ Over 340,000 guests experience the museum, art school, and sculpture park annually.
2,000+ Over 2,000 youths and
adults are served through community access programs.
Admission to the museum and Sculpture Park is always free to the public.
Mission
The Des Moines Art Center stewards an exceptionalcollection of art and architecture, stimulates profound conversations about art, ideas, and society, and inspires the creativity of new generations of artists.
Key Services Provided
Our purpose is to catalyze meaningful encounters with art and people to build creative, empathetic communities. Last year, we offered over 500 free workshops, gave over 9,000 students free guided tours, and saw over 10,000 guests participate in exhibition openings and related events.
Key Audiences Served
The Des Moines Art Center’s Community Access Program collaborates with local schools, non-profits, and social service organizations to provide engaging programming and art education. In 2025, we partnered with nearly 40 nonprofit organizations to design inclusive programs that foster self-expression and community-building.
Ways to Give
Become a member.
Make a gift or donation.
Volunteer to assist with a
community event.
Register for a Studio class.
Support the Museum Shop.
What are the most immediate needs to support your organization?
Support from individuals, corporations, and foundations is crucial to sustain the Art Center’s free admission, public events, Community Access Programming, and care for our permanent collection. Volunteers are needed for community event support, advisory committees, and as docents leading tours for school groups and visitors. Learn more about volunteering at desmoinesartcenter.org/volunteer. Purchasing a membership helps keep the Art Center free and accessible to the public. Members enjoy exclusive benefits, discounts, and behind-the-scenes experiences. Become a member today at desmoinesartcenter.org/membership. Learn more about planned giving, honorary and memorial support, and general operating
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Jason Gross
Vice president: Amy Anderson
Secretary: Renee Montz
Assistant secretary: Pamela Bass-Bookey
Treasurer: Andrea Abel
Assistant treasurer: Laura Creighton
Liz Adelman
Eva Anderson
Rick Ballinger
Mary Chapman
Anne F. Harris
Tim Hickman
Kate Hightshoe-
Lambert
Ellen Hubbell
Tom Koehn
John Krantz
Kyle Krause
Virginia Lauridsen
Patricia McFarland
Jo Christine Miles
Chris Nelson
Ian Roberts
Craig Shadur
Mike Simonson
Ellen Yee