Des Moines Women's Club to Host 118th Annual Art Exhibition

Central Iowa artists will display original works at the weeklong event.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:04pm

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The Des Moines Women's Club is set to host its 118th Annual Art Exhibition from Sunday, March 13 through Saturday, March 21. The free public event will feature original artwork from Central Iowa artists, with some pieces available for purchase. An opening reception and awards presentation will be held on Sunday, March 15, and a Gallery Night with refreshments is scheduled for Friday, March 20.

Why it matters

The Des Moines Women's Club has a long history of promoting the arts in the local community, dating back to its founding in 1885 with the goal of establishing a free public art gallery. This annual exhibition continues that legacy, providing a platform for regional artists to showcase their talents and allowing the public to engage with and support the local art scene.

The details

The 118th Annual Art Exhibition will take place at the Hoyt Sherman Place Gallery, which houses a large collection of 19th and 20th century paintings and classical sculptures from the Des Moines Women's Club's original collection. This year's judge is Beau Scott, the director of M.A.S.S. Gallery.

  • The exhibition will run from Sunday, March 13 through Saturday, March 21.
  • The opening reception and awards presentation will be held on Sunday, March 15 from 1-3 PM.
  • Gallery Night, featuring refreshments and light appetizers, will take place on Friday, March 20 from 5-7 PM.

The players

Des Moines Women's Club

A local organization established in 1885 with the primary objective of developing and maintaining a free public art gallery in Des Moines. The Hoyt Sherman Place Gallery is home to a large collection of 19th and 20th century paintings and classical sculptures from the club's original collection.

Beau Scott

The director of M.A.S.S. Gallery, who will serve as the judge for the 118th Annual Art Exhibition.

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The takeaway

The Des Moines Women's Club's annual art exhibition continues to be a cherished tradition that celebrates the vibrant local art scene, providing a platform for regional artists to showcase their talents and allowing the public to engage with and support the arts in their community.