dsmWeekly - September 10, 2025

By Brittany Brooke Crow

What happens when artists get space, resources and an opportunity to dream bigger?

You can find out on Sept. 16, when “The World We Build” will bring together 13 Iowa-based artists for an evening of art, fashion and community in the East Village. The biennial Freedom of Expression exhibition will feature an adaptive fashion show and new works spanning multiple media from 5 to 8 p.m. at Curate, 322 E. Court Ave.

Artist Jill Wells and Katie Flippen, a leader in arts and accessibility, launched the Freedom of Expression (FOE) Project in 2022 to amplify the voices of artists of all abilities through multidisciplinary collaboration, collective mentorship, community engagement and public exhibitions.

Wells curated the first FOE Project show in 2023 at the Polk County Heritage Gallery and soon teamed up with Flippen, who knew artists who were ready to share their work. “Katie had been working with these artists for a long time,” Wells said.

In addition to giving artists of all abilities a chance to exhibit their art, the FOE Project includes a mentorship with Wells and gives artists time and space to learn from one another.

“The artists, when they're comfortable, start offering their talents to the other people in the class. They start teaching themselves and other people, and us, how they're creating their pieces,” Flippen said. “The talent was always there. The opportunity was not, but now it is.”

Artist Holly Newvine, pictured, created paintings and a new coat for the show. Her cat, Aurora, is one of her primary muses. “She’s my cartoon character,” Newvine said.

Newvine calls the cartoon version “Princess Aurora” and depicts the cat as royalty in her paintings. In line with this theme, the artist will wear one of her many tiaras for the fashion show, along with a coat she created out of stuffed animals. “They’re all my kids,” she said. “I play a lot.”

At the show’s opening, Newvine wants visitors to know how special art-making is to her and the joy she feels when creating her work.

Deb Robbins, Newvine’s home host provider, has lived with her for nine years and has encouraged her to pursue her art. Robbins accompanies Newvine to the studio for mentorship sessions with Wells. “Jill really has brought a lot out of her, as far as her being more expressive in her art,” Robbins said.

Although “The World We Build” features work by artists with disabilities, Flippen says that’s not what the show is about. Instead, it showcases “ability beyond what is potentially perceived.” Flippen wants people to see what happens when people have opportunities to hone their skills and bring their talents to life.

“It ripples through everything else in their lives,” Flippen said.

“The World We Build” is free and open to the public. Wells emphasized the accessibility of Curate as one of the reasons for choosing the location for the exhibition launch.

After the opening, the FOE Project’s exhibition will travel to the Des Moines Art Center, where many of the show’s participating artists have previously created artwork through the ongoing Community Access Program.

Brittany Brooke Crow is a freelance writer, photographer, visual artist and Iowa Arts Council Artist Fellow.

The new "Always Together" mural by Ricardo Gonzalez on the corner of Locust Street and Fifth Avenue will be part of a special Architecture on the Move tour. (Photo: Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation)

BEST BET

Architecture — and art — on the move

A special edition of Architecture on the Move, co-presented with the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation, will lead participants on a walking tour of the downtown this Friday, exploring the interplay between public art and architecture. Highlights include Kerry James Marshall’s "A Monumental Journey," Jun Kaneko’s "Expansion," Ricardo Gonzalez’s new "Always Together" mural,and architectural landmarks like the Civic Center Historic District, Cowles Commons and Des Moines Riverwalk buildings shaped by the City Beautiful Movement.

Sign-in begins at 5 p.m. in the atrium of Capital Square, with tours departing promptly at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are required. Don't forget your walking shoes!

The Week Ahead

Aliza Nisenbaum: “Día de los Muertos,” Friday through Jan. 11, Des Moines Art Center. The new exhibition features six paintings curated by the the Mexican-American artist to commemorate 25 years of Dia de los Muertos celebrations at the art center.

"Blithe Spirit," Friday through Sept. 28, Tallgrass Theatre Company. Noel Coward’s comedy about a writer who hosts an ill-fated seance comes back to life in a new local staging in West Des Moines.

Sharane Calister & The Feel Right Band, 7 p.m., Friday, Temple Theater. Bask in the smooth sounds of "The Voice" finalist Sharane Calister and some of Des Moines’ top musicians.

HomeShowExpo, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Ridgeview Development. Join fellow architecture lovers on the opening weekend of the 50th anniversary of the HomeShowExpo. The event will take place each weekend through Sept. 28.

By Libby Nichols

Brightside Aesthetics, the med spa arm of Ducharme Dermatology in Clive, is known for their blend of clinical skincare and elevated self-care services. Brightside’s space reflects its philosophy: clean, modern and welcoming. The atmosphere is elevated yet approachable, boasting a team that prioritizes both comfort and care. And with Ducharme Dermatology behind the scenes, every treatment is backed by clinical expertise, ensuring safety, efficacy and personalized attention.

Among Brightside’s most sought-after treatments is the SaltFacial, a three-step service that offers to deliver visible, lasting results for a range of skin concerns, from signs of aging to persistent acne.

Originally developed for medical-grade skin rejuvenation, the SaltFacial is different from traditional facials by combining natural exfoliation, advanced technology and therapeutic light. It’s a treatment that doesn’t just pamper — it performs.

“It’s like a Hydrafacial on steroids,” said Sydney Walz, licensed aesthetician at Brightside. “You might not leave with the same instant glow as a traditional Hydrafacial, but you get more bang for your buck. The results are deeper and more transformative.”

Each SaltFacial begins with a personalized consultation, where Brightside’s aesthetic team assesses your skin’s current condition and talks through your skin goals. Progress is tracked over time to ensure treatments remain tailored and results-driven.

As the name suggests, the first step of the treatment uses organic sea salt, delivered through a pressurized flow system to gently exfoliate and detoxify the skin. This method removes dead skin cells, balances pH and clears congestion without irritation, making it ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin. It can also help refine texture and restore clarity in mature skin. At Brightside, this exfoliation phase is usually enhanced with a chemical peel, selected to target individual skin concerns such as active acne, sensitivity or fine lines.

Next, a process called “aesthetic ultrasound” is used to infuse the skin with customized serums while stimulating collagen and circulation from within the skin. Skin experts claim ultrasound waves can help product penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, enhancing absorption and supporting deep hydration to plump fine lines and improve elasticity.

The final step is LED phototherapy, which uses targeted wavelengths of light to calm inflammation, reduce redness and promote long-term skin health. It’s especially beneficial for those managing rosacea, pigmentation or post-acne healing.

For those seeking a treatment that delivers more than a fleeting glow, the SaltFacial offers a sophisticated solution. Treatments start at $300, with package options available for those looking to incorporate SaltFacials into their regular skincare routine. You can book your appointment through Ducharme Dermatology’s official site.

Libby Nichols is the creator and founder of Meet DSM, an Instagram account and brand dedicated to showcasing Des Moines. She also writes about local businesses and events for dsm magazine.