What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 6:30pm Tuesday 8am - 6:30pm Wednesday 8am - 6:30pm Thursday 8am - 6:30pm Friday 8am - 6:30pm Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 5pm

Mainframe Studios

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United States
Des Moines, IA
Mainframe Studios

Our nonprofit provides affordable workspaces to advance equity and opportunities in the arts. Studios may be shared by two or more artists.
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Mainframe Studios is on track to become a powerful national nonprofit model for strengthening creative culture in urban areas. The game-changing project will transform Central Iowa’s arts scene by creating a financially self-sustaining cultural and economic driver that ensures permanent space for artists in the city. Annual rents for standard studios are $7 per square foot plus utilities (e.g. a 3

50sf studio is $204 per month plus utilities); annual inflation adjustments will apply. Premiums will be charged to those requiring special units or features. Interest is outpacing workspace availability. Our current waitlist includes ceramicists, photographers, glass artists, actors, illustrators, musicians, painters, metalsmiths, sculptors, printers, game developers and many others. Mainframe Studios' founder Justin Mandelbaum co-founded Western Avenue Studios in Lowell, Massachusetts. The once vacant mill building complex is now home to the largest artist community on the east coast. With 250 studios, 50 live/work lofts and over 300 artists, it covers 250,000 square feet. Central Iowa is experiencing significant revitalization in recent years and is home to established, nationally-recognized arts organizations. With the addition of Mainframe Studios, Des Moines is unusually poised to prosper as a hub for vibrant creative culture.

09/10/2024

Mainframe Studios is proud to announce we have received a 2024 Community Betterment Grant from Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel! This grant helps fund our First Friday programming, our monthly event celebrating art, community, and culture. Each month we curate new art from featured artists, and bring in vendors and local musicians promoting equitable art opportunities for artists in Iowa.

Join us on October 4th from 5:00-8:00pm for our next First Friday - A Night of Growth and Recovery, which will feature artists from Momentum and other artists living with disabilities. The event highlights the healing and therapeutic impact art can have. Thanks to Prairie Meadows we can continue to educate others on the importance of art.

09/07/2024

09/06/2024

09/05/2024

🎉✨ Just 1 more day until First Friday's Five Floors of Fashion! 📅👗 Who's excited? Tag who you are coming with below!

Our final artist spotlight is on the incredible Margaux Willa Milne!

Margaux Willa Milne is a nine-year-old artist who sets up shop in her mother’s studio (Jami Milne #451). A lifelong creator, she has always developed elaborate and detailed creations out of any material she could find at home: cardboard to pipe cleaners, clay to canvas.

She began sewing with her grandmother and was quick to pick up the craft, making pillowcases and purses, eventually beginning to design and sew her own clothes. She attended last year’s Fashion Show at Mainframe and left wide-eyed at the thought of creating her own collection for the runway. And she did just that.

Tomorrow Friday, September 6th will be Margaux’s debut of her first collection. Inspired by classic storybooks and fairy tales, from Little Red Riding Hood to Show White, The Queen of Hearts to The Jungle Book and Where the Wild Things Are, she’s designed and created a collection of capes for children and adults alike. She’s hoping that by showing this collection, it will inspire other young artists to believe in themselves.

✨ You’re never too young or too old to make your dreams come true! ✨

09/04/2024

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

We're thrilled to share that Jill WellsArt, one of Mainframe Studios' board members and tenant artists, has been honored with a Tanne Award this year! 🎨✨

Since 1999, The Tanne Foundation has celebrated exceptional artists and organizations, and Jill Wells is now a part of this distinguished group. Known for her interdisciplinary approach, Jill’s work deeply explores themes of accessibility, disability, race, and history through multisensory art. Her innovative use of public art, Braille, and adaptive design creates meaningful and inclusive experiences for all.

Congratulations, Jill, on this well-deserved recognition! 🙌 🎉

Read more here: https://www.mainframestudios.org/news/jill-wells-2024-tanne-award-recipient

This year one of the Tanne Award recipients is Mainframe Studios’ very own board member and tenant artist Jill Wells. Wells is an interdisciplinary artist, advocate, and mentor whose work is deeply informed by both personal experiences and critical explorations of accessibility, disability inequal...

09/04/2024

🎉✨ Just 2 days to go until First Friday's Five Floors of Fashion! 📅👗 This is the fashion event of the year, so make sure you mark your calendars and text your friends—it's going to be epic!

Our next artist spotlight is on the incredible woman behind it all: Nik Star Designs.

Nekia Whitfield is the CEO and Lead Designer of Nik Star Designs located in Studio #359. Nekia is originally from Chicago, IL but now resides in Des Moines with her family. Nik Star Designs specializes in high quality fabrics that form to the body with lots of bling and sparkle with hand sewn details.

Enjoy a fully custom experience, from picking out fabric, colors, and embellishments for special occasion dresses to celebrate milestone moments in your life. Her purpose is to foster confidence in women through clothing that celebrates their individuality and self expression. The slogan "Rock It With Confidence" is used to evoke a feeling of beauty, boldness, edginess and fun.

She is now accepting commissions for Prom 2025 and other occasions!

www.nikstardesigns.com
Nik Star Designs
www.instagram.com/nikstardesigns
TikTok:

09/02/2024

🌟🎨 Your next Artist Spotlight is here! Today, we’re shining a light on Life Of Us Clothing, who will be bringing their unique flair to First Friday’s Five Floors of Fashion this Friday! 👗✨ Get ready to be inspired by their innovative designs!

Mark your calendars and don’t miss out on their exclusive showcase! 🗓️💫

Life Of Us Clothing is a streetwear fashion brand creating "clothing made for us."

Crafting apparel to serve individuals who wear it as a canvas for self-expression, a means of communication, and a symbol of shared experiences. Our creations are more than just garments; every piece we create is a work of art, meticulously designed and expertly manufactured holding a profound narrative and meaningful message.

Join us in embracing a fashion culture that goes beyond the fabric—it's about fostering a sense of belonging, connecting through style, and making a statement with every piece. Welcome to Life Of Us Clothing, it’s more than a brand; it's a lifestyle that celebrates individuality and unity in equal measure.

Website: lifeofusclothing.com
We also sell our clothes in-store at KultureKingz515 located in Valley West Mall
Instagram:
Life Of Us Clothing
Tiktok:
Twitter:
Email: [email protected]

08/30/2024

🌟👗 September First Friday Spotlight on Kelsi Ziemann Artistry! 👗🌟

The countdown is on! Only one week until you can see Kelsi and the rest of the featured artists at our First Friday: Five Floors of Fashion. 🎨✨

Get ready for an evening of exceptional style and creative flair where you can explore 180 artists' studios, work from over 220 artists, participate in art activities, enjoy food and drink, and end the night with a fabulous !

Only next Friday, September 6th, from 5-8 pm at Mainframe Studios!

Kelsi Ziemann Artistry offers makeup services and products to make you look and feel your best. Makeup is an expression of art and we love to push the boundaries of traditional beauty. Kelsi has also created her own line of vegan & cruelty-free cosmetics. Her makeup artistry is for all events from bridal, senior photos, and prom to editorial, film, and fashion!

Contact Kelsi Ziemmann:
Visit in Studio #255
Facebook - Kelsi Ziemann Artistry
Instagram - kelsi.ziemann.artistry
Website - www.kelsiziemann.com

08/28/2024

🎨✨ We’re thrilled and inspired by the incredible organizations and artists we connected with during DonorConnect: Artful Impact! Their dedication to accessible and integrated creative experiences truly enriches our community’s creative spirit. Thank you to the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines for ensuring community access to art!

08/28/2024

Did you know that Kaleb Dale's tools range from the late 1700s to current times? Check out Dale's Woodcraft in Studio #453!

08/28/2024

🌟👗 September First Friday Spotlight: Gretchen Bohling Design - gbd! 👗🌟

We’re thrilled to announce that the talented Gretchen Bohling is being featured at our Five Floors of Fashion this September! Mark your calendars 📅 for Friday, September 6th from 5-8 pm 🎨✨

Indulge in the world of bespoke fashion with Gretchen Bohling Design, your go-to destination for custom garments and high-end alterations. Elevate your wardrobe with personalized designs tailored to your unique style and preferences. Whether you are looking for a custom-tailored suit, a stunning evening gown, or expert alterations to your favorite pieces, skilled artisan, Gretchen will bring your vision to life with precision and finesse.

Come by studio #445 to see her work and set up a consultation or get in touch at the following:

email: [email protected]
IG -
TikTok -
Facebook - Gretchen Bohling Design - gbd

08/26/2024

🌟👗 September's First Friday Spotlight: Katie Byers! 👗🌟

Get ready for a fashion extravaganza as we feature the incredible Katie Byers in our Five Floors of Fashion showcase! Friday, September 6th from 5-8 pm only at Mainframe Studios! 🎨✨

In studio #207, fiber artist Katie Byers will be highlighting her one-of-a-kind, sustainable fashion pieces and accessories that utilize her free-motion sewing technique…she draws with her sewing machine! This technique transforms reclaimed clothing and fabric into wearable art.

Her work is sold exclusively at her studio during First Fridays or by appointment.
She can be reached at [email protected], katiebyersart.com, 515-321-2120 (cell) or on Instagram .

08/23/2024

✨👗 Just 2 weeks until September's First Friday: Five Floors of Fashion! To help you get to know our amazing featured artists, we’re kicking off our Artist Spotlights with the incredible Nathalie Girod of the fashion brand isa maïa! 🎨✨

Nathalie Maïsa Isabelle Girod hence the label isa maïsa, was born in Paris, France to a French father and a Bolivian mother filling a rich life of culture, languages, art, travels and cuisines. As a young lady with expensive tastes, she was taught to sew, knit and embroidery by her grandmothers. Her passion for fashion design began to steadily deepen as she progressed with her wardrobe.

In the mid 90’s she was accepted as an apprentice at Louis Féraud , Paris where she worked for two years in the Haute Couture ateliers. It was in Paris where her sewing skills truly matured and cemented her dream to be a fashion designer.

Applying and entering in the underground fashion design school Studio Berçot, her professional life took another powerful turn. This school changed her life. Surrounded by talented students from every part of the worId, she began to learn her sense of design under the tutelage of the iconic Marie Ruki. The following next two years were magical and til this day she continue to heed the teachings of Madame Ruki. She considers herself very fortunate to have been given this education since it opened the door in 1999 to create her first hand knitted collection, she has been designing under her label ever since.

Since the beginning, Nathalie has always gravitated to recycle, reuse, repurpose, reduce and reconsider all of her raw materials and designs. Today the fashion design world is growing with this stewardship towards our lovely planet. Her intention is to sell less and only with higher quality fabrics from different sources. Her pieces are impeccably made with a price point that allow her seamstresses earn a livable salary.

Friday, September 6th Nathalie is show casing her first solo fashion show in Des Moines. Her sense of style continues to evolve along with her experience. She is now building a team as her design business grows. She welcomes you to enjoy First Friday’s Five Floors of Fashion Event.

08/21/2024

🎨 Explore the vibrant world of creativity at Mainframe Studios! With 180 studios and artwork from over 220 artists, there’s always something new to discover. ⭐️ Don’t miss out—our gallery spaces on floors 1-4 feature fresh exhibitions every month. Come experience the latest in art before it's gone!

08/20/2024

🎨📣 Calling all artists with art about disabilities or mental health conditions! We invite you to submit your work for Momentum's 20th Annual Works of Growth and Recovery Exhibition. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your art at Mainframe Studios' October First Friday event, celebrating inclusivity and the transformative power of creativity.

Submit your artwork and be part of a meaningful celebration of growth and healing!

Please click the link to complete this form.

08/20/2024

🎨✨ Step into the heart of creativity at Mainframe Studios! Join us and the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines for a night where art, culture, and community come together. Connect with inspiring artists and vital nonprofits, and dive into conversations that drive positive change. Don't miss this celebration of creativity and collaboration!

Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/3WnG2S6

Join us at Mainframe Studios, where art and culture converge to inspire, educate and foster collaboration. This behind-the-scenes experience will connect you with artists, such as The Red Door Press and Seso, and nonprofit organizations, such as Community Support Advocates, Des Moines Arts Festival, Des Moines Music Coalition and Oak Studio Teen Tech Center, for a celebration of the creativity community.

Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/3WnG2S6

DonorConnect is a conversation series designed to bring our community together to learn about and discuss our region’s most pressing issues and promising opportunities.

08/20/2024

🎨✨ Dive into the creativity of Mainframe Studios with Iowa Realty's video: The Largest Creative Workspace in the Nation! Know someone who hasn’t experienced the magic of Mainframe yet? Tag them below so they can see how ! 🖼️👩‍🎨

Discover the artistic heartbeat of Des Moines! 🎨🌟 Join Mike Pace on an exciting journey as he explores the largest creative workspace in the country. Uncov...

08/19/2024

Mainframe Studios' Workshops are a great way to engage your inner artist 🧑‍🎨 and grow your skills! A variety of workshops that are offered for all ages can be found on our website: https://www.mainframestudios.org/workshops

Have you or your child attended a workshop at Mainframe Studios in the past? Comment a picture of your work below and show off your creativity!

📸 photo from Quinn Art workshop

08/16/2024

Everyone knows Mainframe Studios is the brightly colored building off of Keo, but who remembers when it used to be bland? Art is transformative and here at Mainframe, we love seeing how our artists transform the world around them! We love our bright colors because we want everyone to know

Mural by Artist Molly Spain

08/13/2024

August's First Friday was such a success 🎉

If you weren't able to attend it's not too late... Come see all of the artwork in our gallery spaces from now until August 28th!

Thank you to Cignature Productions llc for putting together this teaser of August's First Friday. We look forward to seeing you on September 6th for First Friday: Five Floors of Fashion 🪡 🧵

08/13/2024

Planning your dream event? Check out Mainframe Studio's venue rentals here: https://www.mainframestudios.org/venue

At Mainframe Studios your event will shine with Tangerine Food Co. as your culinary partner. As the preferred in-house caterer, we’re ready to bring your vision to life with vibrant, delicious dishes. 🎉🍽 https://tangerinefoodco.com/

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Des Moines, IA

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 6:30pm
Tuesday	8am - 6:30pm
Wednesday	8am - 6:30pm
Thursday	8am - 6:30pm
Friday	8am - 6:30pm
Saturday	10am - 5pm
Sunday	10am - 5pm

Website

http://mainframestudios.org/

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Videos

August's First Friday was such a success 🎉 If you weren't able to attend it's not too late... Come see all of the artwork in our gallery spaces from now until August 28th! Thank you to Cignature Productions llc for putting together this teaser of August's First Friday. We look forward to seeing you on September 6th for First Friday: Five Floors of Fashion 🪡 🧵 #ArtHappensHere #iowaart #desmoinesart #fristfriday #photography

Inhale.... Exhale....

Inhale.... Exhale.... Deep calming breaths are a great way to be mindful and in the moment. This #MindfulMonday we reflect upon the "Inhale.... Exhale...." dedication ceremony held on August 2nd. We are so incredibly thankful for the overwhelming community support with over 180 people joining us to celebrate as Jordan Weber dedicated his newest art installation to Teree Caldwell-Johnson. Thank you Oakridge Neighborhood Services for hosting the event and helping us make the event a reality as well as for everything you are doing for the community day in and day out! Thank you to Emmett Phillips Jr. for sharing your spoken word and organizing the youth performance! Thank you to Rural Black Doula for leading us all in mindful breathwork! Thank you Jill WellsArt for speaking and making sure things ran smoothly! Thank you to all of the amazing funders who made this project a possibility: Bravo Greater Des Moines, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, Operation Downtown, Greater Des Moines Partnership, & Polk County Board of Supervisors! And of course, a big thank you Jordan Weber for creating an impactful piece of art to light up the Des Moines skyline! We are incredibly honored and grateful you choice Mainframe as the home for Inhale.... Exhale.... 📸 Photo & Video credits to Ryan Damman Photography #desmoinesart #ArtHappensHere #jordanweber #inhalexhale #iowaart #publicart

Thank you to everyone who came to First Friday! The Photography featured at the event will stay on display in our gallery space until August 27th. This includes @Tatianagia Landscape & Nature Photography on the 4th floor! Come to Mainframe Studios today to see visual storytelling through photography! 📸🌅🌌🌄🏙 #mainframestudiosartist #fristfriday #desmoinesart #ArtHappensHere #photography #naturephotography

It's almost time for First Friday! What are you most excited about seeing? #art #desmoines #desmoinesart #thingstodoindesmoines

Where every brushstroke tells a story 🎨 So proud to feature the amazing artwork of local public school kids in our studio! @desmoinespublicschools #desmoinesart #art #dmps

So much student art from Des Moines Public Schools on display for First Friday! Come down from 5-8PM this week and experience the passion and creativity of young artist from 70 schools in the Des Moines area #mainframestudiosdsm #mainframestudios #desmoines #dsmp #dsm #desmoinesart #art #thingstofdo #thingstodoindesmoines #youthart #studentart

We have a NEW way to park for First Fridays. The Principal lot between 7th and 8th Street will offer free parking and shuttle for guests of Mainframe Studios #mainframestudiosdsm #mainframestudios #art #dsm #desmoines #thingstofdo

Join us for First Friday featuring Student Art from 70 Des Moines Public Schools artists! #mainframe #mainframestudios #mainframestudiosdsm #dsm #desmoines #dsmp #art #thingstofdo

Fuel your creativity. 🎨☕️ ☕️ 10:30-1:30 | Happy Home Coffee ⏰ 11-12 | Pricing Your Art Workshop with @jess.quinn.art 📍 2nd Floor Gallery | Mainframe Studios . . . #mainframestudios

“From emerging artists pushing boundaries to established talents making waves, the creative pulse Black community resonates through Mainframe’s atrium, galleries, studios, and community events. We celebrate the resilient creativity and indomitable spirit of the Black community in Des Moines.” - @abenasankofa First Friday | Our History ⏰2.2 | 5-8 PM 📍 900 Keo Way 🎙️ Abena Sankofa Imhotep 🎞️ @nonbinaryphotos . . . . #mainframestudios #firstfriday #blackjoyradiance

Caydence is the a 9yr old girl boss behind @cayslayaccessories. Established back in 2021 Caydence has worked hard on creating and curating accessories for kids and sometimes adults who love to sweeten up their hair. The vibrant candy, unicorn, sparkle, and rainbow hair accessories not limited to bows, scrunchies, and clips make her so happy to have available to others. 📆 2.2.24 ⏰ 5-8 pm 📍900 Keo #mainframestudios #firstfriday

What’s on your 2024 Vision Board? 📍 First Friday | Mainframe Studios 🎨 @siricasso . . . . #mainframestudios #mainframeartist #desmoinesartist #iowaartist #downtowndsm

Fresh Start 🎨🌿 . . . 🎞️ @nonbinaryphotos #FirstFriday #mainframestudios

Art happens here. 🎨 📍First Friday | Works of Growth and Recovery 📆 10.6 ⏰ 5-8 PM ✨ @momentum.csa 🎨 @gazzogalleries • @jillwellsart 🎥 @nonbinaryphotos . . . . #mainframestudios #mainframeartist #mentalhealthawareness #downtowndsm #desmoinesartist

Are you ready for this #MainframeArtist collaboration? 👀 . . Garrett Cornelison | Fashion + Textiles | #453 Really Kindof Amazing Vintage Born and raised in the Midwest and thrifting at an early age, Garrett cultivated a passion for clothing and design. After 7 years in LA working as a professional commercial photographer, he is back in Iowa with a focus on his own sustainable designs and his curated vintage collection from all over the world. Chris Vance | Painting | #LL13 Chris Vance Art is best known for his vibrant exterior wall murals throughout the Des Moines area. His painting is influenced by graffiti and skateboard artists. Join us next Friday in the Big Room at 6:00 for a Fashion Show featuring Garrett and Chris alongside other Mainframe fashion designers. FIRST FRIDAY | Four Floors of Fashion 📅 9.1.23 ⏰ 5-8 📍Mainframe Studios . . . #mainframestudios #mainframeartist

Toree Goetz | Fashion Design | Studio 237..@toreegoetz is the fashion designer behind TM Label. Her label is made up of TM Originals and 1 of 1 Reworks. Toree’s work will be featured in September’s First Friday | Four Floors of Fashion. Her work will be featured in the Fashion Show at 6 PM in the Big Room as well as the 2nd Floor Gallery....🎞️ @nonbinaryphotos...#mainframestudios #mainframeartist #studioartist #studiospotlight #desmoinesart #desmoinesartist #catchdsm #arthappenshere #downtowndsm #fashiondesign #DesMoines

Tom Goetz | Painting, Sculpture | Studio 237 . . . @xxgetz is an emerging multidisciplinary artist focused on painting and sculpture. His work can be found in @mainframearts, Studio #237. . . . 🎞️ @nonbinaryphotos . . . #mainframestudios #mainframeartist #studioartist #studiospotlight #artiststudios #artiststudiospace #desmoinesart #desmoinesartist #catchdsm #arthappenshere #downtowndsmusa

Happy Home Coffee Social

How do you start your week? . . 10:30-1:30 | Happy Home Coffee 11:00-12:00 | Artist Workshop Every Monday | 2nd Floor . . Join us Monday June 19th for Mainframe FAQ with Lani! Let’s grow together. 🎨☕️ . . 📸 Scott Bruxvoort . . #mainframestudios #mainframeartist #happyhomecoffee #supportlocal #desmoinesiowa #desmoinesphotographer #iowaartist #community

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Our Story

We believe developing proper infrastructure for individual artists is as important as creating a world-class art center, sculpture park, opera or theater performance venues. Des Moines is fortunate to have all of these, and we are demonstrating to other cities why giving equal attention to creative professionals benefits communities in profound ways. Opened in late 2017, Mainframe has quickly realized substantial achievements: 3 of 5 floors renovated; all but $1.7M raised of our $14.5M capital campaign; renovations to complete the project have begun; 75 current non-residential studios support five nonprofits and over 90 creatives from 16 regional communities representing 25 disciplines; 100% occupancy and 120 on the waiting list who have paid deposit; and $400k in current annual rental revenue. In pre-Covid days, our doors welcome over 19,000 visitors a year through artist-led activities (workshops, photoshoots, demonstrations), event space rentals (summer camps, conferences, weddings, fundraisers, music video shoots), public tours and our popular monthly First Friday public festivities. Mainframe has prided itself on showcasing the high-quality of talent that’s been previously hiding in basements, at kitchen tables and in the dreams of regional artists.

We love our community and we are determined to progress as a beacon of resilience, inclusiveness and recovery. Art and humanity go hand in hand. #weR1dsm - This week we begin to finish what we started. This is our 2nd floor being demolished so more creatives can make their mark with confidence and collaboration. We are committed to going forward together. #BLM Rent for standard studios start at $7.43 per square foot plus utilities (e.g. a 350sf studio is $217 per month plus utilities, which includes heating, cooling, wifi and general liability insurance); annual inflation adjustments will apply. Studios may be shared. Interest is outpacing workspace availability. Our current waitlist includes ceramicists, photographers, glass artists, actors, illustrators, musicians, painters, metalsmiths, sculptors, printers, game developers and many others. Mainframe Studios' founder Justin Mandelbaum co-founded Western Avenue Studios in Lowell, Massachusetts. The once vacant mill building complex is now home to the largest artist community on the east coast. With 250 studios, 50 live/work lofts and over 300 artists, it covers 250,000 square feet. Central Iowa is experiencing significant revitalization in recent years and is home to established, nationally-recognized arts organizations. With the addition of Mainframe Studios, Des Moines is unusually poised to prosper as a hub for vibrant creative culture.