City of Ames, IA
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Dragons at City Hall
Ames residents were invited to submit name suggestions during the Octagon Art Festival. Submissions were narrowed to several finalists and online voting ended last November. Other finalists included “Gertrude and Agnes,” “Purpleishes and Peppermintiatty,” “Spleeque and Xevender,” “Sunrise and Sunset,” “Symphonium Pair,” and “Double Trouble.” Matthew Renze submitted the winning name.
Storm Drain Art
Water running into our city storm drains flows into our local streams, rivers, and lakes. Pollutants that enter these storm drains can easily contaminate our water. The Ames Public Art Commission raised awareness of this potential problem with a pilot project to educate our community about the importance of protecting our watersheds and environment. Through funds from the Storm Water Utility, the public was invited (all ages are encouraged to submit) to create their own design to paint on an adopted storm drain, with a theme of educating and bringing awareness to the public on keeping these waterways clean and free of pollutants. Check out the Storm Dain Art on the City of Ames Facebook page!
Transformer Box Design
The Ames Public Art Commission, in partnership with Downtown Ames, added visual interest to our city by beautifying what might otherwise be considered an eyesore. A pilot program to cover electrical transformer boxes with vinyl wrap designs was approved for the downtown district. Artists, amateur or professional, were invited to submit their designs for consideration. Find the Transformer Box designs and see the installation process on the City of Ames Facebook page!
Visiting Artists
Peter Inriq - In the fall of 2011, internationally recognized artist and cultural teacher, Peter Irniq, shared his passion and expertise with the citizens of Ames through the making of three stone landmarks called inuksuk. Mr. Irniq constructed 3 Inuksuit during his visit from September 18 - October 1, 2011 at Brookside, Emma McCarthy Lee Park, Ada Hayden Heritage Park.
Patrick Dougherty - In the fall of 2008, Patrick Dougherty visited Ames to create Restless by Nature at Ada Hayden Heritage Park. This photo book tracks Restless by Nature through the seasons.