Press Room
INTERESTED IN HOSTING
A METRO ARTS JAZZ IN JULY CONCERT in 2012?
December 12 meeting will cover what you need to know
DES MOINES, IA – Metro Arts Alliance will have an informational meeting on Monday, December 12, for persons or organizations interested in hosting a Metro Arts Jazz in July concert in 2012. The meeting will be at the Urbandale Public Library from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Metro Arts Jazz in July is a month-long festival that celebrates jazz and art with free outdoor concerts across the Greater Des Moines metro. Each year interested venues and musicians apply to be a part of the series. The selected venues are then matched with musicians from central Iowa and national acts with Iowa ties.
Each concert is a mini-festival experience with local artists, children activities, and food and drink vendors. “Metro Arts Jazz in July gives communities a chance to gather, enjoy great music, and become neighbors again,” said Metro Arts Jazz in July Committee Chair Brian Porter. “When we’re asked why there isn’t a concert in a particular area of the city, we explain that that each Jazz in July concert is held in conjunction with a neighborhood partner that has stepped up to be a host for the event.”
The December 12 meeting will provide an overview of the series, cover basic responsibilities of each site, and address questions from attendees.
“We hope the meeting will give community organizers in different parts of the metro the tools they need to bring this legendary American art form to their neighborhood,” said Porter. The concerts in the 2011 Metro Arts Jazz in July series were held across the eight major metro suburbs, and 14 concerts were in Des Moines proper. Metro Arts Jazz in July celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2012.
Metro Arts Alliance’s Accepting Art Donations for GreenArts Auction through Sept. 26
DES MOINES, IA – Do you have artwork that no longer fits your lifestyle? Metro Arts Alliance (MAA) is seeking donations for its GreenArts Auction through September 26. Proceeds from the auction will benefit MAA community events, including Metro Arts Jazz in July, Metro Arts Education, and Metro Arts Expo. Through donor support, these events will continue to be offered free of charge, allowing all in the community to enjoy and learn through the arts.
As a thank you for supporting these local arts events, donors will be recognized in the 2011 Metro Arts Expo catalogue, receive a charitable tax deduction for their contribution and enjoy two complimentary tickets to the Opening Preview of Metro Arts Expo on Thursday, November 3, 2011, at Capital Square, Downtown Des Moines.
The GreenArts Auction will consist of pieces donated by area artists, galleries, patrons and collectors. Nearly 50,000 participants in Metro Arts Alliance’s annual programs will be touched by the gift of art. Donate an art piece today by contacting the Metro Arts Alliance at 515.280.3222.
Metro Arts Expo is an annual indoor fine arts show held in downtown Des Moines, with the 2011 event being held at Capitol Square, 400 Locust Street. The Expo showcases local and regional artists in 13 categories as well as live entertainment, artist demonstrations, and children’s activities. The Expo is offered free of charge to allow all in the community to learn from and experience the arts.
2011 Metro Arts Expo to be Held November 4-5
DES MOINES, IA – Where can you find a great variety of art, interact with local and national artists, and feel like one of the crowd? Look no further than the 2011 Metro Arts Expo, a free community event presented by the Metro Arts Alliance. The Metro Arts Expo is a fine arts show that expands opportunities for anyone who is seeking to enrich their life through diverse forms of arts and cultures – from those with a newfound interest in the arts to seasoned arts collectors.
Featuring over 100 national and local professional and student artists, the Expo offers the opportunity for attendees to engage with artists, creating an environment of accessibility and education. Artists will be featured in 13 categories: 2D and 3D mixed media, ceramics, drawing, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and wood. The event will also feature live entertainment, artist demonstrations, and children’s activities.
This year’s event will be held in a new location, downtown Des Moines’ Capital Square on Friday, November 4 through Saturday, November 5.
Those interested in a sneak peek of the art to be featured at the weekend’s event are invited to attend a preview party and GreenArts Auction the evening of Thursday, November 3. Tickets to the preview party and auction are $50 per person or two for $85; and may be purchased online at www.metroartsexpo.com or by contacting Metro Arts Alliance at 515.280.322 through October 24.