UPCOMING EVENTS
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A BREATH OF LINE, A BODY OF COLOR by JOHN WEAVER. September 4-27, 2025. STEWART GALLERY.
OPENING RECEPTION: September 4, 5:30 - 7:00 pm. Artist remarks at 6:00 pm.
Stewart Gallery in the Grinnell Arts Center welcomes a new exhibit of work by John Weaver. John grew up on a farm near Gilman, Iowa, where an early connection to nature and quietness nurtured his creative instincts. John’s work is rooted in biomorphic art—inspired by natural forms, living structures, and unseen processes, but his greatest teachers have been children. Over a lifetime career in education, he has watched young artists create with immediacy, trust, and freedom—qualities he tries to recover in his own work. John now splits his time between Iowa and the Netherlands.
Regular Stewart Gallery hours are 11 am - 5 pm, Tuesdays through Fridays, and 10 am - 12 pm, Saturdays. Stewart Gallery is located in the Grinnell Arts Center, 926 Broad St, Grinnell, Iowa. Free entry to all.
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A BODY OF WATER BY LEE BLESSING. October 3, 4, 5, 9, 10 & 11. LOFT THEATRE.
Grinnell Community Theatre presents A BODY OF WATER by Lee Blessing, directed by Zach Bey. Moss and Avis, a middle-aged couple, wake up one morning in an isolated summer house high above a picturesque body of water. The weather's fine, the view's magnificent. There's only one problem--neither of them can remember who they are. When a young woman named Wren arrives, information starts to flood in. But will it help? Her explanations seem only to make Moss and Avis' world--as well as ours--more terrifying.
This existential mystery stars Brian Mitchell, Mary Noer and Alexis Steele. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, September 16, online on our TICKETS page and in person at the Grinnell Arts Center, 926 Broad Street.
Content disclosure: potentially triggering material, including staged violence, profanity, psychological distress, sexual references and gaslighting. Recommended for older teens and adults.
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GRINNELL ARTISTS AT MAINFRAME. October 2025. MAINFRAME STUDIOS.
The Grinnell Area Arts Council is thrilled to partner with Mainframe Studios in Des Moines for a showcase of Grinnell area artist work in Mainframe’s Third Floor Gallery for the month of October. Please plan to celebrate with us during Mainframe’s First Fridays event on October 3 from 5 - 8 pm, an evening filled with art, music and food! List of participating artists coming soon.
First Friday events are free and open to the public, offering visitors the chance to explore open studios across all five floors, meet local artists, and experience new works. This family-friendly event will offer a variety of food and drink options, live music by Ryan Lombard, and a free hands-on art activity led by Cat Rocketship.
For more info on First Fridays: https://www.mainframestudios.org/first-fridays
For parking information: https://www.mainframestudios.org/directions-parking
Mainframe Studios is the nation's largest nonprofit building for creative workspaces in the heart of downtown Des Moines, housing galleries, artist studios and workshops, and space for classes and entertainment. Open hours are Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 6:30 PM and Saturday & Sunday: 10 AM - 5 PM.
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BALLET DES MOINES NUTCRACKER. Saturday, November 29, 7:00 pm, & Sunday, November 30, 1:00 pm, 2025. GRINNELL HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM.
Ballet Des Moines is bringing The Nutcracker to Grinnell this November, starring Grinnell youth dancers! Save the date and check back here soon for ticketing information! This event is collaborative effort of Grinnell College, Grinnell School of Music and the Grinnell Area Arts Council.
Visit the Classes & Workshops page for upcoming classes!
THE GRINNELL AREA ARTS COUNCIL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES OR CANCELLATIONS AS NECESSARY.
From gallery openings to theatre productions, maker workshops and beyond, we host a variety of events at the Grinnell Arts Center, the Stew Makerspace, and other venues in town.