ArtFest MidWest

Our mission is to grow Midwest art culture by fostering talented regional artists and art patrons. ArtFest Midwest was founded in 2002 by Sue and Ron Stookey who envisioned an opportunity to expand Iowa’s art community by supporting talented regional artists and connecting people of all ages and backgrounds to art through an annual event. Today, ArtFest Midwest is a 2-day summer festival held in the Iowa Events Center that attracts nearly 10,000 attendees, 200 artists, and offers a variety of original art for purchase, live art demonstrations, interactive art activities for kids, and a sponsorship program for emerging artists.

ArtFest Midwest is a two-day fine art festival held as a featured event each summer during Des Moines Art Week, hosting diverse, local artists. Art mediums at ArtFest Midwest include clay, drawing, metal, printmaking, mixed media, sculpture, fiber, painting, wood, glass, paper, photography, and other forms of fine art. The event has free admission and provided in an air-conditioned, ADA accessible space at the Iowa Events Center. ArtFest Midwest is made possible thanks to the support of donors, sponsors, and partners.