Mainframe Studios

01/14/2025

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Layered Exhibition Call for Entries! Mainframe Studios received a record-breaking 286 entries from 123 talented artists across Greater Des Moines. After careful consideration, 57 stunning works by 48 artists have been selected by the talented curator Brittany Brooke Crow. 🎨✨

Swipe to discover the incredible artists featured in the show! Join us for the Layered Exhibition during our February First Friday on February 7th from 5-8 PM at Mainframe Studios. 🖼️🍷🎶

It’s going to be an evening full of art, food, music, and of course layers! We can't wait to celebrate these local artists with you!

01/13/2025

When you book Mainframe Studios as your venue, you're opening the door to a world of possibilities. ✨

🎨 From makeup artists, fashion designers, and jewelry makers to printmakers, graphic designers, florists, and so much more! There's an entire creative community waiting to collaborate with you! 🤝

At Mainframe Studios, every event is a blank canvas, ready for you to make your mark. Whether you're hosting a pop-up, workshop, or celebration, the creative potential is limitless.

Contact [email protected] today to get started. Let’s make something extraordinary together!

01/11/2025

👀 Looking for something to do this weekend?

Head over to Mainframe Studios and explore our current display of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) art and fashion across all four of our upper gallery floors! Each level offers a unique experience, filled with vibrant, thought-provoking works that celebrate AAPI culture.

This sneak peek is just a taste of the stunning garments and art on display. Whether you're looking for inspiration, education, or simply a warm and welcoming space to spend your Saturday, Mainframe has something for everyone! 🎨👗

Come explore, discover, and experience all that Mainframe has to offer. We are open 10 AM - 5 PM on the weekends and 8 AM - 6:30 PM during the week!

📸 by Photosbytrang

01/10/2025

🎉 Dancing because it’s Friday, and you know we LOVE Fridays at Mainframe Studios! 💃🕺 Huge thanks to everyone who participated in and attended January First Friday: Celebrating AAPI Cultures at Mainframe Studios, celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) art and culture with us!

It was an unforgettable night filled with amazing food, fashion, art, performances, and so much more! A special shoutout to the Iowa Asian Alliance for helping make this event a success! 💖

Thank you again to our incredible vendors for being part of the celebration: The Eggroll Ladies, SIVID, Dragon Foodies, Little Crafting Panda, Bubble Tea Kups, Sarinade, MMMBap, Happy Dancing Club (seen above in the video dancing during one of their multiple performances), Korean-American Society of Iowa KASI 아이오와주 한인회, Thai Association of Iowa, and the Japanese Society of Iowa.

If you missed First Friday, no worries! You can still explore the fashion and art in our gallery spaces until January 29th! 🖼️

And don’t forget to join us for the Layered Exhibition on February’s First Friday, Feb 7th from 5-8pm. See you there!

01/09/2025

🎉 A huge THANK YOU to the Iowa Asian Alliance for partnering with us for January First Friday: Celebrating AAPI Cultures at Mainframe Studios! We're so grateful to everyone who participated and attended, making the first First Friday of 2025 a memorable one! 🎉✨

If you missed it, don’t worry! You can still catch up by reading all about it in Jane Nguyen Burns Lawson’s article. Plus, the amazing artwork will be on display throughout January, so be sure to stop by and experience it for yourself!

When I drive downtown Des Moines, I often notice a very colorful building to the south of the freeway on Keo Way.

01/07/2025

We are Hiring a Part-time Community Engagement Coordinator!
Join our dynamic team at Mainframe Studios! We’re looking for an enthusiastic and experienced individual to coordinate First Friday events, support visitor and tenant services, and handle related administrative duties.

Key Responsibilities:
-Welcome visitors and tenants
-Plan and coordinate First Friday events and related programming

Qualifications:
-2+ years of event management, arts administration, or gallery experience desired
-Proficiency in MS Office, Google Workspace, and Canva
-Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
-Outgoing, proactive, curious mindset with a demonstrated commitment to the arts

Values:
-Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
-Promoting a welcoming and equitable culture and quality arts experiences

Apply by January 24, 2025: Email your cover letter, resume, and list of references to Julia Franklin, Executive Director, at [email protected].

Learn more:

Mainframe Studios, the largest nonprofit creative workspace in the nation, is seeking a Community Engagement Coordinator to be part of our dynamic team!

01/01/2025

🎉 Happy New Year! 🎉

Kick-off 2025 by showcasing your creativity! There's still time ⏳ only 5 days left to submit your work for the February 2025 First Friday Exhibition, "Layered," at Mainframe Studios. Whether through imagery, materials, or processes, we encourage you to explore the concept of layers and submit your art for consideration.

This exhibition is a fantastic opportunity to share your work with a wider audience and will be curated by the talented Brittany Brooke Crow, known for powerful self-portraiture and installations.

🗓 Deadline to submit: January 5th, 2025 at midnight.

Don't wait to take your art to the next level this year! ✨

For more details and to submit, visit mainframestudios.org/news/layered

12/30/2024

🎨✨ “Every artist was first an amateur.” No matter where you are on your artistic journey, Mainframe Studios is here to support you! Whether you’re just starting out and eager to take classes and workshops with our professional artists, or simply seeking inspiration, we have something for everyone.

Visit us daily to explore our gallery spaces and art-filled halls, and join us this Friday from 5-8pm for First Friday! Connect with working artists, explore their creative processes, and get inspired!

12/30/2024

“Mainframe Studios is one of a kind place and was perfect for our wedding celebration. More than a blank canvas, Mainframe brought its own beauty and energy. A party we will never forget!”
-Autumn and Joe Kotz

Ready to design your dream event?�Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or an intimate gathering, Mainframe Studios offers stunning, versatile spaces that adapt to your vision. From the vibrant atmosphere to exceptional event support, we’re here to make your event unforgettable.

📅 Book your event today!�Email [email protected] or visit mainframestudios.org/venue to get started.

12/27/2024

🎉 One week until January’s First Friday at Mainframe Studios! 🎉�Mark your calendars for January 3rd, 5-8 PM, and join us for an unforgettable night celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) culture!

We’re partnering with the Iowa Asian Alliance to bring you a vibrant evening filled with art, food, fashion, and fun, all while uplifting AAPI voices in our community.

🍽️ Food & Drinks include Bubble Tea Kups, Sarinade, MMMBap, and more!

🎶 Live Music & Performances from Happy Dancing Club, Song of Siam Band, and more!

🛍️ Art, Fashion, & Goods from Little Crafting Panda, the Korean-American Society of Iowa KASI 아이오와주 한인회, the Thai Association of Iowa, the Iowa Asian Alliance, and more!

And of course, explore the 5 floors of Mainframe Studios, chat with artists, shop local, and have a blast! 🖼️💫

See you next Friday for a night of art, food, culture, and community you won’t forget! 🎉

�

12/24/2024

🎉 Join Us for January First Friday: Celebrating AAPI Cultures at Mainframe Studios!

Get ready for an unforgettable First Friday on January 3, 2025, as Mainframe Studios showcases a vibrant celebration of AAPI culture!

🎨 Explore Cultural Exhibits highlighting 15 AAPI cultures, featuring traditional art and attire.

🎶 Enjoy Live Performances from DJ SugaBear, Songs of Siam, Lion Dancers, and more!

🍽 Savor Delicious Food from MMMBap, The Eggroll Ladies, Sarinade, and other local favorites!

🗓 When: January 3rd, 5-8 PM�
📍 Where: Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA

Mark your calendars for this exciting celebration of culture, food, fashion, and art!

12/23/2024

🎉 Plan Your 2025/2026 Event at Mainframe Studios! 🎉

Looking for the perfect venue for your upcoming event? Whether it’s a party, conference, or celebration, Mainframe Studios offers a creative, vibrant atmosphere with gorgeous natural light and flexible space to bring your vision to life!

🌟 Book your event space by the end of the year and save 10%! 🌟 This limited-time offer is your chance to host your event at Iowa’s premier creative venue. Don’t miss out!

📩 Email: [email protected]�
🌐 Book Now: mainframestudios.org/venue
Let’s make your event truly one-of-a-kind! ✨

12/21/2024

🎨 CALL FOR ARTISTS! 🎨

Whether you're finishing up a project or creating something new over the holiday break, don’t forget to submit your work for Mainframe Studios' February 2025 First Friday exhibition: "Layered"!

The theme, layers, is open to interpretation, and we look forward to seeing how you explore the concept of layers in your work! The exhibition will be curated by the talented Brittany Brooke Crow.

🗓 Important Dates:
-Submit by January 5th: at MainFrameStudios.org/news/layered
-Delivery of selected works: Wednesday, January 29th - Saturday, February 1st (by 4 PM)
-Exhibition Reception: Friday, February 7th from 5-8 PM
-De-install & Pickup: February 28th

🔑 Note: While Mainframe has video monitoring, we cannot guarantee the safety of artwork. No commission will be taken from sales; buyers will contact artists directly.

We can’t wait to see what you create!

12/20/2024

Thank you to Bravo Greater Des Moines for their incredible investment in arts and culture across Central Iowa and their continued support of Mainframe Studios! We are honored to receive an Operating Grant which empowers us to continue impacting our community.

In just seven short years, Mainframe Studios has grown into a cornerstone of the local arts scene, providing 181 affordable studio spaces for 223 artists and 8 arts nonprofits. In 2024, we…

⭐️ Hosted 12 First Friday events with an average of 2,377 attendees each night
⭐️ Exhibited works by 576 young, emerging, and professional artists from Greater Des Moines�
⭐️ Engaged 593 K-12 students through art tours, experiences, and workshops (a new growth area for us!)
⭐️ And we welcome over 175,068 visitors annually to explore art and creativity.

This incredible progress would not be possible without the support of Bravo and its ongoing partnership with the 17 local government communities that contribute a percentage of hotel/motel tax revenue to Bravo each year. Thank you for helping us bring arts and culture to the heart of our city!

And thank you to the following 17 government communities: City of Altoona, Iowa - Government, City of Ankeny - Government, City of Bondurant, Iowa Government, City of Carlisle, Iowa, City of Clive, City of Des Moines - Government, City of Grimes, Iowa, City of Indianola, Iowa - Government, City of Johnston Government, City of Norwalk, Iowa - City Hall, City of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, City of Polk City, Polk County Iowa, City of Urbandale, Iowa, City of Waukee, City of West Des Moines - City Manager's Office, and City of Windsor Heights, Iowa.

12/14/2024

🎉 Today is the day! 🎉 It's Mainframe Studio's Last Call — the final open studio event of the year! 🎨✨

Come grab those perfect, one-of-a-kind handmade gifts from our amazing local artists before it's too late! 🎁🎨

🕛 Join us today from noon to 4pm and make your holiday shopping extra special! 🎄✨