Arts Festival, vegan market, new Art Center exhibit

Reyes Tamales is one local Tex-Mex restaurant that will be on-site selling a selection of vegan tamales. Check them out on Facebook.

FOOD AND DINING
Shop 20+ Vegan Brands at Summer Market Series

Writer: Karla Walsh

Each of the metro’s many farmers markets is packed with plants, true. But a new monthly market series is the epitome of plant-based: Every vendor at the monthly Vegan Summer Market showcases animal product-free items, from produce to protein powder and cinnamon rolls to cruelty-free lotions.

Before the pandemic, the nonprofit group VegLife Des Moines hosted a yearly indoor event called Des Moines VeganFest. (Read more about it and the organization’s president, Amy Luebbert, here.)

“From 2017 to 2019 [VeganFest] had grown from a small, humble event to a bustling day where 4,000 attendees were able to sample and shop from 50 vendors,” Luebbert says. “As the pandemic continued on, we knew we couldn’t go back to hosting a large indoor event.”

So in the spring of 2021, they decided to shape-shift that once-a-year indoor gathering to a monthly seasonal outdoor summer market. It launched last July, and is back for year two with monthly Sunday markets through September from noon to 3 p.m. at Cowles Commons (221 Walnut St.). Since it’s Sunday, street parking is free, and your next chance to attend is just days away—Sunday, June 26. Then mark your calendars for July 17, Aug. 14 and Sept. 18, the remaining 2022 vegan market dates. Each month, the commons will play host to a new lineup of makers, bakers and farmers, and an on-site fundraiser will benefit a handful of local causes focused on social justice, food access and more.

“People choose vegan items for a variety of reasons including their health, the environment or the rights of animals. Our market is perfect for a casual and leisurely shopping experience," Luebbert says. Plus, she adds, "Cowles Commons has a wonderful fountain for splashing around in to keep cool."

To see the complete list of June Vegan Summer Market vendors, click here.

Along with art for purchase, some artists will be sharing demonstrations of their process and tips for working in their medium. You can also show off your own personal artistry at the BOOM ART! Interactive Mural Project, which lets guests add their own doodles to a group mural. Photo: Taelynn Christopher.

PLAN YOUR WEEKEND

Des Moines Arts Festival Begins

Cruising in on the wake of Art Week, the Des Moines Arts Festival will continue the p(art)y with events, activities and performances all weekend in Western Gateway Park. This juried exhibition includes art in a variety of mediums by around 190 artists from across the nation. The festival kicks off its 25th anniversary year with a concert from William Elliott Whitmore on Thursday night.

In addition to taking in live music, you can catch a short film at the Interrobang Film Festival going on inside the Des Moines Central Library, participate in activities like seed ball making or spray painting T-shirts, and, of course, view and purchase art at the booths lining the streets. You may see some familiar faces in the crowd; among the local artists participating this year are Chris Vance, James Navarro and Linda Lewis.

Find the list of events, artists and a festival map at desmoineartsfestival.org. The festival will be open Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

PLAN YOUR WEEKEND

“Images Unbound” opening reception (Friday, 5-7 p.m.): The Des Moines Art Center will host the opening reception for its newest exhibit, “Images Unbound,” on Friday night complete with refreshments and live music in the lobby and courtyard. Scroll down to read more about the exhibit.

Fitz and the Tantrums (Friday, 7 p.m.): Indie pop band Fitz and the Tantrums will make a stop on their summer tour to perform Friday night at Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park. Tickets are available here.

Vintage in the City (Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.): Take a tour of Des Moines’ vintage shops to find everything from antique furniture to thrifted clothing at this year’s 10th annual shop-hop. There are 11 stores on the roster this year. Expect snacks, drinks and in-store specials during this celebration of vintage and local business. See the list of participating stores and pictures from past events on their Instagram or Facebook.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Home tours: The Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines is hosting its annual HomeShowExpo over three weekends beginning July 9. This year, get a look inside the Kimberley Estates community in Ankeny. See all available dates and purchase tickets here. Also, on July 21 during the expo, experience the Uncoastal Social at Luxury Lane event where guests can tour nine homes, enter giveaways and see a concert from the Pork Tornados. This event requires an additional ticket purchase.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
dsm event: Join us at our upcoming unveiling event to celebrate the release of the July/August issue. The free party will kick off at 5 p.m. July 7 at Warners’ Stellian Appliance in Ankeny. Find more details and register for tickets here.

ARTS AND CULTURE
Season lineup: Civic Music Association has announced its 2022/23 concert season lineup, and acts include well-known a cappella ensemble Cantus as well as several rising stars. Season tickets are now available for purchase here.

Detail of "Multiverse: Spin Off VI" by Frank Big Bear (2013). The collage of photos on found paper shows how images can be manipulated into new forms and bring about a new meaning. Photo: Courtesy of the Des Moines Art Center.

ARTS AND CULTURE

New Exhibit to Open at Des Moines Art Center

The Des Moines Art Center is opening a new exhibit, just in time to enjoy during summer visits. The exhibit, “Images Unbound,” explores the ubiquitous presence of images and media that surround us, and how these images can be moved and changed across platforms and formats. It examines how this presence of visual culture can affect ourselves and the greater creative landscape. Featured artists include Frank Big Bear (pictured) and Andy Warhol, among others.

The opening reception for “Images Unbound” will be Friday (June 24) at 5 p.m. You can see a preview of the curated exhibit and enjoy live music by the Finesse in the Art Center’s courtyard. There will also be refreshments, including sweet treats from Mangos Gourmet Paletas. Read more about the event here.