Around Des Moines

This is the 14th year of the juried Greater Des Moines Exhibited show at the Polk County Heritage Art Gallery. There are 37 artists whose works were selected for the exhibition. Although, with only one judge there are unifying themes.

The color green and a celebration of life is common in the objects. Louise L. Koch’s watercolors of a snow-covered landscape are noticeable exceptions, on first glance. Yet, one painting has evergreens and the other has trees full of leaves, albeit brown, as though winter can be ignored by force of will.

My favorite piece is Nancy Briggs’ pottery vessel. The shape of the vessel is that of an oval pod. The muted green color is that of a mature plant. The handles resemble ribbed stalks. The struts on the sides evoke thoughts of vines intertwining. All of these items draw attention to the shape of the top opening, its roundness and increasing width suggesting a rare and prominent single flower.

The shape of Ben Harle’s ceramic Raku teapot suggests a thrush or similar bird. The curves of a side design resemble both a leaf and a partridge. The lid brings to mind a chickadee or other song bird. All of these comparisons are based on subconscious thought without the use of overt avian images.

The works in the exhibit can be broken down into three categories. The most common is rural and other scenes of nature. Studies in the human psyche are also plentiful. The rest of the pieces fall into social commentary. Not all works fall neatly into just one category.

Some of the pieces seem to have been selected based on the artist’s exploration of technique. This is how I viewed Stan Greenwood’s pencils. I found myself looking at individual strokes and patterns instead of appreciating how, together, they create a scene of a horse grazing in a pasture. In contrast, lines, straight, curved, and circular, are used very effectively by Suzanne Pfutzenreuter in her woodcut, “Heavy.” In this piece, based on my frames of reference, I saw a person crawling out of the tunnel of a wormhole, disoriented and drained, sliding head first across the open matrix of a blank software program. On the other side of the matrix is a swirling turmoil that could be either another maelstrom or winds of change that might, just might, be brining hope.

Cheerful colors, the hope of spring green, and the order agriculture bestows upon the land are easily identified in Jennifer Lynn Bates’s “Roots: 3.” There is something disturbing in the picture, however. A lone plant, the size of Jack’s beanstalk, has sprouted. The impression given is that this one plant is sapping all the energy from the fields. As a result, none of the remaining crop, although in a flood of new growth, will yield produce.

Another example of horror or humor, depending on one’s gastrointestinal fortitude, is Kevin House’s digital collage, “Bad Night on the Midway.” The deep fried oreos and deep fried twinkies are only the beginning of the nightmare.

Due to its size, Nick Werner’s sculpture, “A Brief History of the Future Being,” will attract people who attend the show. Ignore the three-dimensional object and look up at the sketches. They are much more interesting.

The exhibition also includes works done in pastels, with mixed media, in oils, with photography, as serigraphs, and with other materials. Several of these pieces deserve more attention than I had time (or space) to give them.

Eight cash awards were presented at the opening reception. The show runs through January 31, 2008.

M.R. Field is editor of Leading Voices: Iowa.

Options for entertainment at the Iowa state fair range from performances by dance schools to calling contests to musical groups. The quality can be described as eager amateur to well-experienced professional. I came away from looking at the fair’s schedule with the impression that the variety of performers this year was not as great as in previous years. Thus, I was not surprised when my trip to the fair on the second Thursday did not include any acts that appealed to me.
The Elwell Family Food Center, where prize-winning desserts are displayed, was moved to the old tourism building this year. At the old location Blue Bunny had given away samples of its frozen treats.  A person exiting the new location as I entered muttered, “Nothing’s free anymore.”  This was an echo of my own observation that the give-aways at this year’s fair seemed fewer and less interesting than in other years.  Although, the magnet clip from Iowa tourism is nice.

Anderson Erickson is still offering samples of its products. Unfortunately, lemonade was being served the day I was there. Having tasted the beverage before I knew it was proof that AE should stick with dairy products. Cookies was promoting its salsa, which isn’t bad but not so good that the company should stray from its barbeque sauce products.

Most food vendors’ booths had no lines but plenty of people were seen with ice cream cones and pork chops on a stick. The Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters was the only site with a long line. On Thursday, Boone County Beef Princesses were taking orders in the express lines where $2.75 hamburgers were featured from 2-4 p.m..

Nikki (pictured) certainly enjoyed her pork chop. Nikki was trained as a service dog by Dog Expectations in Newton. She is alert for the early signs of a seizure, but also is sensitive to feelings in general and can tell if a child has been abused. She accompanies Kevin Johnson of Des Moines who works as a school-based artist in residence. Johnson takes Nikki to the fair every year on her birthday. This year she is 12 and was celebrating with Ruth Bergland of Boone.

The theme of this year’s fair is “Sounds like fun.” As I looked around the fair, I thought “Why bother?” might be a more accurate theme. Cheap plastic toys could be bought for less money at a dollar store than at fair booths. Bauder’s ice cream can be found on Ingersoll Avenue year-round. I could buy cheese curds offered by one vendor with more guarantee of freshness at the Valley Junction farmers’ market.

Then I realized why we need to attend the fair. Cell phones were mostly quiet and laptop computers were scarce. Instead, people were looking at each other and interacting without the buffer of electronic equipment. That is reason enough to bother: an opportunity to interact with each other and to share moments in real-time and in real-space, an opportunity to part of something human.

Guest Writer: M.R. Field is editor of Leading Voices: Iowa.

Move to Des Moines and you will soon hear stories about the flood of 1993. Live here a few months and you will be surprised there isn’t more flooding given the high humidity. Wait a bit and someone will start talking about the mud flats on the Des Moines River that regularly added to the aroma of downtown in September before dams were installed. How does the summer of 2007 compare?

August brought many days and nights of rain across the northern half of Iowa. The ground was saturated and sewers overtaxed. Creeks and rivers rose and water did not drain from streets. People were evacuated from their homes and some municipal water supplies became unusable. Few of those rain
showers, or similar ones in the southern half of Iowa, crossed over Des Moines. The humidity in the city was high, though, and was at tropical levels for several days.

Flowers in the city continued to bloom and to attract butterflies, while mushrooms grew thick and strong among blades of grass. (The picture shows scenes from the western part of Des Moines on August 22.) The flood waters from northern Iowa were rushing through Des Moines on August 24 (pictured, left) and 25 (right), as seen from the Walnut and Locust Streets bridges. The roiling of the water and rocking of the waves is not captured very well, however. Unlike the spring, when high river levels continued until rain and warm temperatures melted snow, this autumn high should drop quickly.

While you stroll along the shores of the river downtown, notice the crickets as they jump across your path. In this picture they are gathered among flower beds edging the Simon Estes Amphitheater outside the Embassy Suites Hotel.

Guest Writer: M.R. Field is editor of Leading Voices: Iowa.

On August 11, 2007, I attended the presidential straw poll conducted by the Republican Party of Iowa. I went for the experience and to talk with people. Since I wasn’t covering the event as a journalist, I voted and my vote was for sale. I went looking for the candidate whose campaign made the best impression of hospitality upon me.

I took advantage of Mitt Romney’s campaign to catch a ride from Des Moines to Ames and to obtain a $35 ticket with which to vote. Since those two items made it possible for me to participate in the straw poll, I placed a comparable value on them. However, I subtracted some points because Romney is drawing upon his deep personal financial resources to drive his campaign. In terms of earning my vote, the politeness and competency of the Romney staff and volunteers went even farther than the monetary outlay. In addition, I was favorably impressed that the campaign’s straw poll location had a barrel for soda pop cans to be recycled. Whether it was done to reduce landfill space or just to recoup the Iowa bottle deposit, it was a good thing to have.

The majority of campaigns offered pulled pork buns with potato chips, a side dish, cookies, and beverage. The campaigns each chose a different restaurant as the supplier, including some in the Des Moines area. Vegetarians had options, too, with watermelon brought in from Arkansas by Mike Huckabee’s campaign, local corn grilled up by Duncan Hunter’s campaign, and Blue Bunny Bomb Pops offered up by the One Vote special-issue campaign. There also was plenty of ice cream. Again, Duncan Hunter’s campaign went local with a John Deere motor powering ice cream makers. The cream was local and very delicious.

Sam Brownback’s campaign had the spot right off of the parking area and it was the first place I headed to see what literature, activities, and food were offered. I was stopped at the gate, though, and told to vote before I ate. Since I saw only one entrance to the campaign’s space, I walked away with the impression that the campaign didn’t care to talk with anybody who wasn’t already a Brownback supporter. No other campaign treated straw poll attendees, many of whom were Democrats accompanying Republican relatives, in this manner. Later in the day I came across another entrance to the Brownback tent where people were not turned away. Alas, I also witnessed campaign workers still automatically turning away straw poll attendees at the first gate. The range of friendliness varied at the other campaigns’ tents, with some more ready with smiles than others but none refusing to welcome guests.

I had hoped to see some buttons urging Condoleezza Rice to run for president even though the group Think Condi could not be at the straw poll, but I was disappointed. Voting itself went quickly and relatively easily.

More comments on the straw poll can be found in the picture captions (set of 6 photos on Flickr). In addition, the August 22 issue of Leading Voices: Iowa will have comments from women at the straw poll and other items related to the event.

Guest Writer: M.R. Field is editor of Leading Voices: Iowa.

An important role of newspapers in a community is that of public service. With Leading Voices: Iowa, I constantly keep my eyes open for projects that can benefit from a partnership with a newspaper. One such project with which I am involved is the Chrysalis Foundation’s Women’s Alliance. Often, information I come across while researching articles turns out to be useful to the project. In turn, discussions among partners has provided me with content for my bi-weekly publication. For example, at one meeting we debated what it meant to be self-sufficient and what it meant to be empowered.

Planning for the Women’s Alliance project has been underway for about a year and a half. It will provide grant money to help organizations work collaboratively to improve the lives of women and girls in the greater Des Moines area. The latest meeting of partners narrowed down lists of priorities in four areas, set benchmarks to reach, and identified strategies to use.

As I was walking from that meeting to have the latest issue of Leading Voices: Iowa printed, I passed by Principal’s offices on Seventh Street, north of High Street, in downtown. I discovered that the white oaks were full of acorns, a sign of autumn’s approach. Then I noticed a robin whose speckled breast indicated a bird new to the world just this spring past.

Over the weekend, as I was waiting for Barack Obama to stop speaking so I could interview women attending the event, I decided to take a picture of the cookie lady’s basket. Ann wanted to be included, though. She has become an emblem of what it means to be around Des Moines in a presidential campaign summer. Her cookies carry the pie chart of Sensible Priorities, a group that has field workers at nearly all, and possibly every, event  here a presidential candidate appears. The group also has a vehicle with the symbol that is driven around town.

Guest Author: M.R. Field is editor of Leading Voices: Iowa.

Summer can be a hectic time. Which is why, somehow, I sped through the 2006 season without a trek to Des Moines’ Downtown Farmers’ Market. This past Saturday a return visit reminded me what I’ve been missing.

When I think of a farmers’ market, the first thing that comes to mind is produce, fresh off the farm and bursting with flavor and color. But the annual Downtown Farmers’ Market is all that and so much more. It’s about seasonal flowers, home-baked pies, handcrafted textiles, lawn and garden art. The market is street corner music and the sound of kettle corn popping. And it’s a showcase of the melting pot that is Des Moines with street-side cuisine from Pakistan, Asia … and nearby Iowa destinations.

My husband Frank and I began our shopping experience by seeking out breakfast. While tempted by the sugary scents of baklava and cinnamon rolls, we made our way to Breakfast Guys & Gals for quick English muffin sandwiches. Our choice was prompted by short lines and cold Cola Cola, the latter iced down since four o’clock that morning, the Huxley-based owner assured me.

While enjoying our meal on park benches, we noted a trend; one the the nicest surprises after a year’s absence from the event, was the increase in the number of organic produce stands. And, after finishing breakfast, we stopped to chat with the vendor from chemical-free Blue Gate Farm. While Blue Gate didn’t have the largest display of produce, their selection was quite unique with its bouquet of multi-colored carrots. A canning jar of a faint green herbal syrup caught my eye. We were offered a sample of a lemonade mixed with the syrup; the combination of lemon with hint of rosemary and other herbs was a surprise hit and we quickly purchased a jar.

Familiar vendors were still on hand, as well. We headed to Scavo’s location for more Iowa grown produce. There we talked with John. His family has been growing and selling vegetables in Des Moines since Frank was a boy. As I selected the choicest ripe tomatoes, John inquired after Frank’s many cousins who have now moved away from the south side of the city.

I looked around at the people chatting across from the curbside musician. At those admiring the huge samoyed dog. These folks weren’t in a hurry to snap up groceries and go. Because, ultimately, the Downtown Farmers’ Market is about connecting, community. And that’s a great way to begin a weekend.

Get the most out of your market experience with these quick tips:

• Before heading out, grab sunglasses and ball cap.
• Consider sun screen.
• Wear sturdy walking shoes.
• And download a map from the Downtown Farmers’ Market Web site.

Guest Writer: Brenda Friedrich is an Iowa-based writer and business
communications consultant. You can also find her blogging at Enroute365.

The arts are about to overtake downtown Des Moines in grand fashion! Located in the downtown Western Gateway, the 2007 Des Moines Art Festival promises non-stop live music, free dance performances and the work of over 500 visual artists.

And this year, to celebrate it’s tenth anniversary, the Des Moines Arts Festival is pulling out all the stops with a free performance with the world renowned Joffrey Ballet. The outdoor performance is scheduled for Friday, June 29, and made possible by Hancher Auditorium and the University of Iowa.

Although the event starts at 8 p.m., you’ll want to come early. Head for 12th Street, between downtown’s Central Library and the Pappajohn Higher Education Center and bring your blankets and folding chairs for this one-and-a-half-hour performance.

Can’t make the date? Des Moines won’t be the ballet company’s only Iowa stop. This summer,the Joffrey Ballet will present five free performances to mark Hancher’s 35th anniversary season. The tour will include appearances in Council Bluffs, Muscatine, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.

For a complete schedule of the Joffrey Ballet’s Iowa River-to-River tour, visit http://www.hancher.uiowa.edu/hancher35/locations.html

Guest Author: Brenda Friedrich

technorati tags: Home Turf Media, Iowa, Des Moines, Des Moines Arts Festival, Brenda Friedrich

People in Des Moines and West Des Moines may have heard that a major sporting event called the Hy-Vee Triathlon will be run in the city on Sunday, June 17, with associated competitions and activities being held on Saturday, June 16. From past experience, I know that people who visit Des Moines on those days for reasons other than the race will have no idea about the road and other closings. Heck, even people who live here and don’t travel the same route every day, and only that route, will be shocked by the closings. Thus, I am offering this public alert.

Des Moines won’t really shut down for the triathlon, but at times it might seem that way. The information I have as to what will close and when it will be closed is very minimal. (Here is West Des Moines information.) I know the central library will be closed on June 17. The local buses will be re-routed and delayed at least part of June 16. The State Historical Building has information on its web site about parking when the streets around it are closed. Even the majority of Grand Street from around the state capitol into West Des Moines will be closed for four hours the morning of June 17. Triathlon races begin at Gray’s Lake, so expect early congestion around that area.

Non-triathlon events are still planned throughout the city. As far as I
know, the downtown farmers market will be open on June 16. Music Under The Stars kicks off June 17 at Roosevelt High School. Locally-owned stores and restaurants throughout the city would still appreciate your business. If you are out and about Des Moines, please drive, walk, run, bike, and swim safely and expect detours and delays.

Guest Author: M.R. Field is editor of Leading Voices: Iowa.

Twenty-some years ago, artist/teacher Peter Feldstein followed through on a notion to photograph each resident in his new-found home of Oxford, Iowa. Two decades later the townspeople came before Feldstein’s camera once again, this time telling their stories to University of Iowa collegue Stephen G. Bloom. The result - a photo-and-text exhibition entitled “The Oxford Project: Who We Are” - is a candid look into the effects on time on a community.

Sixteen sets of Feldstein’s photographs and Bloom’s texts are now on display at the Des Moines Art Center (through April 29), as part of the Oxford project, which has been profiled in the New York Times, Smithsonian Magazine and on ABC World News Tonight. The attention comes as a welcome surprise considering the project’s humble beginnings.

During the summer of 1984, University of Iowa professor Peter Feldstein hoped to convince Oxford’s entire population of 673 into sitting for a free portraits. Feldstein had been inspired by Arkansas artist Mike Meyer (also known as Mike Disfarmer), famous for snapshots of his neighbors taken in the 1940s.

Homemade signs and word-of-mouth publicity slowly brought the townspeople in. By summer’s end, Feldstein had photographed 670 Oxford residents, each dressed in come-as-you-are fashion with no posing or photographer-supplied props. The collected photos were kept on display for a time, then filed away, almost forgotten. Until recent years.

In 2005, Feldstein asked U of I colleague and writer Stephen G. Bloom to join him in revisiting the Oxford project. Bloom’s job was to capture the story of each resident returning for a photo.

Once again word spread in the small town of Oxford and over 100 participants returned for a second portrait. Many shared poignant personal stories from the intervening 21 years, causing Bloom to postulate, “Two decades is a long time. Or is it? People change. Or do they? Peter’s time-lapse photographs pose those questions, and they remind us of who we dreamed we would become and who we turned out to be.”
Guest Author: Brenda Friedrich

technorati tags: Home Turf Media, Iowa, Des Moines Art Center, Peter Feldstein, The Oxford Project, Stephen G. Bloom, Oxford Iowa