Des Moines is gaining national recognition in surprising areas. We are already known for one of the best Art Festivals in the country. Even if you can’t afford the art, there are so many reasons to attend. There’s food, music, entertainment, and simply strolling and admiring the art. You also have the opportunity to speak to some of these renowned artists from all over the country. Amazing.
Well, there’s another art establishment that will be gaining notoriety. It’s the Mainframe Gallery, destined to be one of the largest art communities in the country.
It is now in its first phase with 65 artists’ studios and 5 non-profit offices. It has event rental space, a commercial kitchen and many common areas.
The financial structure is unique and interesting and allows for local artists to have a permanent studio space at an affordable price. It’s privately funded and is designed to be self-sustaining.
There is a wide variety of artistry in this community, each with it’s own space and hours of business. There are many established artists that will be familiar to locals – Brian Duffy, cartoonist; Bozz Prints, graphic illustrations with iconic Des Moines scenes; The Red Door Press, graphic illustrations using antique printing presses. Some other tenants are Bitty Buttons, children’s clothing; Capital Photography, photos reproduced on metal; Jen Lawler, jewelry and so much more.
The fun thing is that you can browse these artists’ studios and purchase their work on the First Friday of every month. Make sure to catch the educational demonstration by the Gaffers in the art of blowing glass on the lower level. The next open event will be April 5, from 5-8 pm. 900 Keo Way. Put it on your calendar and be prepared to be amazed.
The coldest weather in the last 20 years coming our way, tonight into tomorrow. Have you been to the grocery store? Forget the milk and bread, make sure you have enough toilet paper and batteries! Here’s a few more survival tips.
For 2019 – the color is Living Coral. If you visit the Pantone site, you can actually shop for fun items in the Color of the Year, like a key chain, a journal, a coffee mug. Consider how your front door might look – changing it annually to the chosen hue. Or throw pillows on the couch, or a beautiful glass vase.
New this year – a Christmas edition of the 
Do you have one? Is it a matter of simply asking – Do you see your life as a half full or half empty glass?
November is definately a month were we tend to focus on expressing our gratitude. But, we should not limit the emotion to one month our of 12, or one day out of 365.
I have a few favorite quotes regarding this topic
“O Lord who lends me life, Lend me a heart replete with thankfulness!” William Shakespeare in his timeless wisdom.
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it” by William Arthur Ward. And which of us would do that?
And one I just read today by David Rast, “It is not joy that makes us grateful. It is gratitude that makes us joyful.
Autumn is such a beautiful season. I love the smell of fall, the crunch of leaves as you walk, the array of colors in the trees. As we begin the month of November, I intend to practice giving thanks. will you join me?
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