Behind the scenes at a recent off-camera lighting workshop at the Des Moines Art Center. (Photos: Leah Heagy)
By Hailey Evans
School is out, but classes are still in session at the Des Moines Art Center.
Whether you’re a beginner with a blank canvas or a seasoned maker looking for some fresh inspiration or skills practice, the Art Center is offering a wide range of classes starting up in June for community members to create and connect.
Classes cater to all different experience levels. Some offerings include multi-week courses for intro to painting and calligraphy, plus specific skill development like portrait photography and off-camera lighting classes. There are also classes and summer camps for different age groups. One-time workshops are available for learning new skills like stop motion, henna and bookbinding.
Leah Heagy, a dsm contributing photographer, teaches an off-camera lighting photography class as well as a street photography/architecture photography class. During the street photography course this summer, participants will join Heagy on guided photo walks around downtown that highlight the city’s history while receiving hands-on instruction.
“The atmosphere of these classes is really collaborative and supportive. Because everyone comes in with a shared interest in photography, some at different skill levels, there’s an immediate bond that starts to form,” Heagy wrote in a note about the classes she’s taught. “It’s a mix of hands-on learning, community building and creative exploration.”
She added that it’s not uncommon for students to continue collaborating outside of class, becoming part of each other’s creative network and assisting on future gigs.
To sign up for classes, head to the Art Center’s website. Full disclosure, some classes already have waitlists. If a class interests you but it’s already full, join the waitlist to signal the folks at the Art Center to continue the class next semester. They require at least five participants to keep the class going.
And if you really love creative classes and are looking for more, our friends on Facebook shared a few other suggestions with us:
- Guided creative projects at a new maker space and DIY “project bar” called the Glitter Factory by Imperfect Inspiration.
- Instrumental and vocal music for all ages through the Drake University Community School of Music.
- Private watercolor classes with Humble Hands by Juelie Gish, who brings all the supplies to you and lets you keep them after the class.
- Workshops led by residents at Mainframe Studios.
