Des Moines Crafts & Arts: Events, Shops & Classes!
Are you searching for a creative outlet, a chance to explore your artistic side, or simply a fun way to spend your time in Des Moines, Iowa? Des Moines and the surrounding areas offer a vibrant and diverse arts and crafts scene, providing opportunities for everyone from seasoned artists to curious beginners.
For families seeking engaging activities, Des Moines is a treasure trove of options. Whether your family is already passionate about arts and crafts or just starting to explore this world, there are numerous places to take classes, find supplies, and unleash your inner artist. Central Iowa proudly presents itself as the home for DIY arts and crafts, promising a welcoming and inspiring environment for all.
Here's a glimpse into the artistic heart of Des Moines, featuring diverse options to ignite your creative spirit:
| Venue/Event | Details | Address/Location | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artfull | Offers a wide selection of crafts for all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Perfect for a girls' night out or team-building activities. Weekly workshops are available. | Located off I-235 in Valley West Mall | DIY Arts and Crafts |
| The Blok DSM | A locally owned art supply store, offering professional and student-grade supplies. | 232 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265 | Art Supplies (Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, etc.) |
| Des Moines Crafts Week | An opportunity to witness exceptional craftwork and purchase unique pieces. | Various locations in Des Moines | Craft Exhibition and Sales |
| Art and Craft Classes in Des Moines | Classes designed to sharpen skills and deepen your investment in arts and crafts. | Various locations in Des Moines | Arts and Craft Classes |
| Art and Craft Exhibitions | Opportunities to find inspiration and discover interesting art and craft creations. | Various locations in Des Moines | Art Exhibitions |
| Workshops for the Curious and Creative | Workshops focused on creative expression, including art workshops for kids. | Various locations in Des Moines | Creative Workshops |
| Craft and Vendor Shows | Events to showcase and sell crafts and vendor goods. | Des Moines North High School and other locations | Craft and Vendor Sales |
| Des Moines DIY Makerspace | A gift shop filled with unique and inspiring items, a creative space. | Various locations in Des Moines | Gift Shop, Creative Space |
| Clive's Holiday Craft, Vendor, and Boutique Shopping Event | An event with approximately 150 in-home businesses offering holiday goods. | Clive, IA | Holiday Shopping |
| Clive's Spring Craft, Vendor, Boutique and More Shopping Event | A spring event with a wide range of vendors and crafts. | 2100 N.W. 100th St., Clive | Crafts, Vendors, Boutique |
| Des Moines Spring Arts & Crafts Show | Iowa's largest show, with over 300 exhibitors from 7+ states. | Iowa State Fairgrounds | Arts and Crafts Exhibition and Sales |
| Fall Arts & Crafts Festival | A festival to showcase the talents of local artists and crafters. | Various locations in Des Moines | Arts and Crafts Festival |
Artfull, conveniently located just off I-235 in the Valley West Mall, serves as a hub for DIY arts and crafts enthusiasts. Whether it's a girls' night out, a team-building activity, or a solo creative endeavor, Artfull provides a welcoming space for all. They offer a wide selection of crafts suitable for beginners and experts alike, complemented by a series of weekly workshops designed to nurture creativity and skill development.
For those seeking inspiration and supplies, The Blok DSM, the only locally owned art supply store in Des Moines, is a must-visit. Located at 232 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265, The Blok DSM provides professional and student-grade supplies for drawing, painting, ceramics, and more, catering to the needs of both aspiring and established artists. The Des Moines Crafts Week presents a wonderful opportunity to see exceptional craftwork and to acquire some of the best pieces available. These events provide avenues to discover new art forms and to support the local arts community.
If you are looking for classes to sharpen your skills, Des Moines offers art and craft classes. You can also find your inspiration at some of the interesting art and craft exhibitions near you. Workshops designed to encourage curiosity and creativity are available. Whether your interest lies in traditional crafts, modern art, or mixed media, Des Moines offers something to ignite your passion.
For those looking for something fun and creative where art and nature collide, look out for events offering art workshops for kids. This could be a great way to introduce younger generations to the joy of creation. If you are looking for something family-oriented, look for craft and vendor shows at places like Des Moines North High School. These events, often paired with other community activities, provide a lively atmosphere for craft enthusiasts and shoppers. These events often include a wide array of crafts, from handmade jewelry and home decor to unique gifts and seasonal items.
Principal Park often hosts events, sometimes including opportunities for creativity and leisure. Clive, IA, offers holiday shopping events, with many in-home businesses showcasing their holiday goods. For those seeking unique gifts and seasonal decor, these events are not to be missed. The East Village, located on East Grand Avenue, Locust Street, and Walnut Street, is known for its holiday promenade, providing crafts and entertainment. The Heritage also hosts events with craft displays.
The Iowa State Fairgrounds hosts various events, including the Des Moines Spring Arts & Crafts Show. As Iowa's largest arts and crafts show, it features over 300 exhibitors from different states, showcasing a diverse array of talent and creativity. The Clives Spring Craft, Vendor, Boutique, and More Shopping Event is another notable event for those looking to support local businesses and discover unique finds.
If you are in search of something more than crafts, look for events that combine creativity with other interests. Principal Park, for instance, may offer live music, cooking demonstrations, and craft beer and wine. This gives a broader range of experiences and a festive atmosphere.
For those with an interest in the craft beer scene, Des Moines has much to offer. Des Moines Craft Beer Journey provides an experience in exploring local breweries. The Iowa Craft Brew Festival is a celebration of everything brewed in Iowa, with breweries, cideries, and meaderies from across the state coming together to share their craft. This event, held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, includes unlimited samples, live music, and food trucks.
Des Moines DIY Makerspace is another hidden gem, offering a space for creativity and a unique gift shop filled with dopamine and magic. The Glitter Factory, as it is lovingly called, provides a welcoming environment for all.
Whether you're a seasoned artisan or just starting out, Des Moines, Iowa, provides a rich tapestry of opportunities to explore and celebrate the world of arts and crafts. From workshops and classes to exhibitions and festivals, there is always something new to discover and create. So, gather your supplies, unleash your imagination, and embark on a creative journey in the heart of Iowa.
