Gateway West Cultural District
Visual & Performing Venues
Artdive
1417 Walnut Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
Ph: 515.245.9000
Email: cmartdive@aol.com
Website: www.artdive.com
Thurs-Sat 11-6
Artdive is a gallery that specializes in eclectic, hip, funky, unique, and thought provoking local art for all styles and tastes. Whether it is the urban loft or the traditional home Artdive has something for you, even on a budget. Located one block south of Locust in downtown’s west end.
Des Moines Social Club
1408 Locust Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
Ph: 1-877-201-3361
Email: michelleholley@live.com
www.desmoinessocialclub.org
Mon-Thur 5-11pm, Fri-Sat 5p-2am, Sun 11-6
The Des Moines Social Club is a nonprofit organization made up of Des Moines residents using art as the catalyst in a city filled with people aching for a way to grow, a way to stay, and a way to be part of a movement.
Fitch Studios & the Fitch Gallery
304 15th Street, Box 104
Des Moines, IA 50309
The Fitch Building houses the studios of more than 30 artists and artisans as well as the Fitch Gallery. It is located in the heart of Des Moines, in Gateway West, and its history reflects the evolution of downtown. It was originally the home of a shampoo and hair tonic factory, F.W. Fitch Co., where shipping was facilitated by the nearby railroad. The building has housed a janitorial company and a collection agency. In the 1980s, pioneering artists converted its top three floors into studios. More recently, the building was threatened with condemnation by encroaching development until the present owners purchased it and began its restoration. The Fitch Building is steps away from a blossoming downtown, the new Central Library, and the forthcoming Pappajohn Sculpture Garden.
On the ground level, the Fitch Gallery is an innovative event driven art gallery, established to provide passionate emergent and mature artists a venue for exposure and promotion. The motivation for the gallery is stimulated by the creativity and passion of determined artists who are dedicated to transforming cultural perceptions through their work.
Artstop group show by Fitch Studio Artists in the Fitch Gallery:
Debbie Bauer Linda Dainty
Caye Driess Kim Hutchison
Larassa Kabel Mindy Meinders
Abra Pulley Dawn Parizek
Rachel Simms Jeff Thompson
Patricia Van Cleave
Glass Jewelry demonstrations by Rachel Sims of Fuzzishu
Friday night Live music by Des Moines bands:
Blutiger Fluss www.myspace.com/blutigerfluss
Why Make Clocks www.whymakeclocks.net
Please join us for a wine, art and entertainment!
Ritual Café
1301 Locust Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
Ph: 515.288.4872
Fax: 515.244.5032
Email: RitualCafe@aol.com
Website: www.ritualcafe.com
Mon-Thur 7-7, Fri-Sat 7-11
Nestled in the heart of downtown’s Gateway Park, Ritual Café is a cultural hub for Des Moines, attracting artists of all walks of life. While one wall is anchored with a permanent display by a local artist, artwork by other local artists rotates monthly on the walls surrounding the live performance area. Ritual Café: where great local art is as much a daily ritual as great coffee.
Robert Spellman Gallery
1727 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
Ph: 515.979.6158
Email: Robert.spellman@gmail.com
Website: www.robertspellmangallery.com
Friday artstop hours 5-9, Saturday 11-7
A contemporary fine art gallery devoted to the reinvigoration of Impressionism & Abstract Expressionism. Bright, energetic, emotional works by local painters and sculptors. The industrial space is dedicated to providing "art for the masses at an affordable price." Artists include Robert Spellman and other local artists.
Vitae Design Collective
1731 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
Ph: 515.288.1349
Email: vitaedesigncollective@gmail.com
Website: www.vitaedesign.com
Mon-Sat 11-7, Sun 12-4
Vitae offers original and limited run designer clothing, boldly exquisite jewelry, kitchy accessories and innovative multi-media pieces in an artist-run boutique and workspace. A vital educational and networking hub, and a substantial force in the independent design movement, Vitae is a true gem of world-class shopping at refreshingly modest prices.
