by Carilyne Clarke
In an age dominated by digital screens and virtual experiences, the transformative power of art has never been more important. Yet for many adults, the thought of embarking on new artistic endeavors can seem daunting. Amid the hustle and bustle of modern life lies a vibrant and affordable opportunity right here in Iowa – you just have to know where to look.
From pottery workshops to music jam sessions, these common spaces in cities across the state offer more than just learning—they provide an environment conducive to personal growth, connection, and discovery. That’s exactly what John Lithgow finds out in his upcoming PBS special, The art happens here with John Lithgow.
In this new hour-long program, actor, writer, humorist and renowned performer John Lithgow shares his passion for arts education as he joins students and teachers at four organizations in Los Angeles, immersing himself in four arts disciplines: dance, ceramics, screen printing and a vocal jazz ensemble. Noting how arts education nurtures and inspires the hearts and minds of students of all ages, Art happens here follows Lithgow as he tries his hand at singing, dancing, printmaking and ceramics, working alongside and learning from young people whose lives have been transformed by art. Read on to get inspired for yourself.
Community Colleges
Exploring art in your community can be an enriching experience, and local community colleges often provide excellent opportunities for adults to get involved in creative pursuits. In Iowa, many colleges offer continuing education programs that cater to a variety of interests in the arts. You can try a new form of music, like piano or guitar, or take an art class like ceramics or photography.
For example, DMACC in Central Iowa offers a range of photography courses, including subject photography, digital photography and editing classes. Lakes Community College in Northwest Iowa currently offers a course on how Broadway shows are adapted from the stage into film productions. Kirkwood Community College in Eastern Iowa has a collection of glassblowing classes.
Whether you want to try out a new musical instrument or hone your skills in the visual arts, your local community college is a fantastic place to start your artistic journey.
Public organizations
Since 2013, Girls Rock! Des Moines empowers cis-girls and women, non-binary and trans youth and adults through self-expression, creative agency and mentorship in music and arts-based education, collaboration, performance and production. This organization has a We Jam program for cis-women, non-binary, and trans adults to channel their inner rocker! No musical experience is necessary, so this is a great opportunity to try something new without any expectations.
The Cedar Rapids Art Museum offers a wide variety of programs for adults to explore their inner artist, including Art Bites, Art Chats, and their Art Lovers Book Club. These opportunities allow you to learn about current exhibitions, visit current artists and immerse yourself in art. You’ll be inspired in no time.
The Des Moines Art Center offers free educational resources for people of all ages as well, offering a variety of programs and community resources that utilize the artwork in the Art Center’s collections and exhibits. You can attend a lecture and gallery talk, see a public performance or participate in a hands-on activity.
The Sioux City Art Center also offers many classes for all ages, such as their upcoming Alcohol Ink Workshop, where participants will create a beautiful spring-inspired scarf. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned artist, the Sioux City Art Center welcomes you. Their Saturday classes are perfect for having fun while unleashing your artistic side.
Explore your own community to find areas where you can connect with local artists.
Iowa PBS content
Crafts from the past introduces hobbies from decades past, offering examples of a variety of techniques from skilled Iowa craftsmen. Some crafts you can learn include paper quilling, folded book art, and frills. Making stained glass is becoming more and more popular and you can learn the basics from this series!
Do you want to express yourself through movement? The sport of breaking has come a long way in 50 years and will make its Olympic debut at the Paris Games in 2024. Check out this feature story from Life in Iowa for DSM Breakerz, a non-profit organization that aims to offer a safe environment for people to practice the art of breaking through classes, performances or competitions.
Get inspired by how your artistic expression can benefit your community in this digital short from In Their Words. Arsh Pal, a talented young artist from Iowa who strives to teach painting lessons to students of all ages. Arsh saw a need in his community, so he began selling his artwork and donating the proceeds to charity.
If you need a little inspiration before starting a new art project of your own, check out your own community’s murals. In this latest digital short video from Iowa PBS Express, learn more about the colorful murals that are appearing on the walls of buildings in cities across Iowa. You just might get inspired to create something of your own!
Get inspired to create something in your community and watch The art happens here with John Lithgow on April 28 at 2 p.m. or anytime on the PBS app.
