Community Outreach Program
Prairie Meadows Community Outreach Program
Winner of the Gold Pinnacle Award for Best Community Outreach Program
from the International Festivals & Events Association
Enjoy these amazing interactive arts-related activities from our 2012 non-profit partners. Be sure to click on their names to learn more about each organziation and their contributions to our community!
AARP Des Moines, IA
Create paper bag puppets that reflect intergenerational relationships at play (pets, children, parents, grandparents, etc.)
AARP is dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all as we age. We lead positive social change and deliver value to members through advocacy, service, and information.
Animal Lifeline of Iowa Des Moines, IA
Color a large cat and dog cut-out that will be displayed at the shelter and/or Thrift Shop! You may also color sheets of a cat and a dog to be entered into a contest.
The mission of Animal Lifeline of Iowa is keeping loved pets in their homes and out of shelters through proactive programming that addresses the potential cause of separation before they\'re irreparable.
Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Inc. Des Moines, IA
Assemble a colorful cardstock cat or dog from an assortment of shapes and then choose from a variety of materials to decorate a collar and name tag. You can also create and assemble a pet comic book.
Our mission is to promote animal welfare, the human animal bond, and prevent the overpopulation of pets.
Blank Park Zoo Des Moines, IA
Create your own three-dimensional "underwater view" of swimming seals and characters; just like the Blank Park Zoo's new seal and sea lion pool!
The mission of the Blank Park Zoo is to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education and recreation.
Blessman Ministries Urbandale, IA
Create safari animal masks, zoo animal necklaces, safari animal door hangers and magic scratch safari animals.
The mission of Blessman Ministries is to meet the physical needs of the children of South Africa by providing nutritional support, housing, and medical care; and to meet their spiritual needs through training and support for leaders of the African church.
Central Iowa Shelter & Services Des Moines, IA
You be the judge. Make your voting token and cast your vote on artwork made by guests of the Shelter. Kids will create and design voting tokens that will be used to judge artwork produced by guests of CISS.
The mission of Central Iowa Shelter & Services is to provide free shelter and meals to homeless adults regardless of physical or emotional conditions, and to facilitate their move toward self-sufficiency.
Conmigo Early Education Center Des Moines, IA
Make a "magic" mask by scraping and revealing colors that lie underneath.
We are a premier Latino learning academy specializing in bi-lingual, culturally affirming educational programming and experiences for children and their families. We position children to thrive in school, community and life.
Des Moines Symphony Orchestra and Academy Des Moines, IA
Enjoy a "hands-on" experience with a real violin and cello at the String Instrument Petting Zoo.
The mission of the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra and Academy is to provide enriching, comprehensive, fun and interactive music education experiences for students, teachers, and other music lovers.
Des Moines Woodworkers Association Des Moines, IA
Make your own woodworking trinkets by using a scroll-saw and/or a handsaw. Lathe demonstrations will also be provided.
Des Moines Woodworkers Association is a non-profit association dedicated to education, community service, and sharing of knowledge for those of all ages and skill levels in the field of woodworking.
Greater Des Moines Music Coalition Des Moines, IA
Create your own 11" x 17" music poster using a variety of art materials.
The mission of the DMMC is to aggressively advocate, sponsor and develop an independent and progressive live music economy in Central Iowa for the purposes of urban revitalization, regional economic development, and securing the future of our region by attracting and retaining young adults to this region.
Greater East Side Development Des Moines, IA
Decorate a card stock fan that says "Be a fan of the east side".
The mission of Greater East Side Development is to unite volunteers from churches, businesses, schools and neighborhoods to make the east side the best it can be.
HCI Care Services West Des Moines, IA
Create a memory book to take home and continue to add to with more and more memories.
The mission of Hospice of Central Iowa Care Services is providing dignity, independence and quality of life through compassionate and effective community-based care.
Iowa Asian Alliance Des Moines, IA
Create and take with you two distinctly Asian crafts, origami artwork and paper fans.
The mission of IAA is to unite Iowa's diverse Asian and Asian-American communities for the purpose of fostering economic growth and community development within the state of Iowa.
Iowa Environmental Council Des Moines, IA
Complete a 9” x 12” Gyotaku-style fish printing of a native Iowa fish.
The mission of the Iowa Environmental Council is to create a safe, healthy environment and sustainable future for Iowa.
Living History Farms Urbandale, IA
Design a farm animal and have it made it into a button.
Living History Farms is an interactive outdoor museum which educates, entertains and connects people of all ages to Midwestern rural life experiences.
Make-a-Wish Foundation Des Moines, IA
“Tie-dye” paper stars by using marbles, paint and a shoe box, and then write your one true wish on your star. You can help reach a goal of creating 2,500 stars in honor of the Iowa chapter granting 2,500 wishes in 25 years.
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human condition with hope strength and joy.
Mentor Iowa Des Moines, IA
Create a blow ink picture masterpiece.
The mission of Mentor Iowa is to provide trained volunteer mentors to abused, neglected and delinquent children who are under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court. We will do this by working in partnership with the children, their families and the community.
Reach Out and Read Iowa Johnston, Iowa
Create book illustrations on pre-made booklets using stamps, feathers, crayons/markers, sequens, glue, glitter, and more.
Reach Out and Read Iowa is part of the national Reach Out and Read pediatric literacy program that links literacy and health by incorporating books and literacy guidance into every well-child visit from 6 months through 5 years of age. Reach Out and Read is an evidence-based nonprofit organization that promotes early literacy and school readiness in pediatric exam rooms nationwide by giving new books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud.
Salsa Des Moines Des Moines, IA
Dance your way through mini classes of salsa, bachata, merengue, and cha cha to learn about the different styles of Latin dance.
The mission of Salsa Des Moines is to provide high quality dance education experiences for all ages and levels in order to expand the dancer community through technique and knowledge. We coordinate with local organizations, institutions, and venues to provide social dancing opportunities for the community and the students.
Science Center of Iowa and Blank IMAX Dome Theater Des Moines, IA
Would YOU go to Mars? Visit the SCI booth and let your imagination and creativity be your guide as you design your own Mars mission patch button to take home!
The Science Center of Iowa is committed to be the highest quality resource inspiring scientific exploration through interactive education, programs and exhibits.
The Pet Project Midwest Des Moines, IA
Face Painting!
The Pet Project Midwest (TPPM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to keeping pets with the people who love them through proactive programming.
The Winterset Art Center Winterset, IA
Using homemade paper books, learn to carbon print using a leaf and primary colors for shading and blending the design. Basic sculpting and finger painting will also be taught.
The Winterset Art Center is dedicated to art education; to the history and preservation of local art and artists; and to the support and promotion of artistic endeavor in Winterset, in Madison County, and in the State of Iowa.
About the Prairie Meadows Community Outreach Program
The mission of the Des Moines Arts Festival® is to add vibrancy to Central Iowa by creating opportunities for people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds to celebrate the arts. By continuing to expand the children’s programming, and encouraging all on-site participants to offer even more creative and interactive arts activities, the Festival fulfills this mission. The Des Moines Arts Festival® and Co-Sponsor Prairie Meadows team up to present the Prairie Meadows Community Outreach Program.
The Prairie Meadows Community Outreach Program offers non-profit organizations the opportunity to participate on-site at the Festival and to share their mission to thousands of guests free of charge. In exchange for their free promotional space, each organization either offers an interactive arts activity for guests or provides volunteers for the Festival. Up to 22 organizations are featured in the Prairie Meadows Community Outreach Program.
All participating non-profit organizations are promoted in Festival marketing materials, on the official Festival Web site, and in the official Festival guide. As a fellow non-profit, the Festival understands the significance and the need of offering a program that provides options for local groups to share their mission to a wide audience at no charge. These organizations are an integral part of the Des Moines community and with support from co-sponsor Prairie Meadows, the Festival is pleased to offer this opportunity.
