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SUPPORTING COMMUNITY is a shared effort. Luckily, there are many different ways to plug in! You might volunteer your time: building homes, serving food, helping animals, cleaning public spaces. Maybe you’re able to commit to shopping locally and directly supporting your town’s economy. Or perhaps you choose to support causes you believe in with a monthly or yearly donation to a nonprofit that reinvests in your area. In these pages, you’ll find a few of the hardworking nonprofits in Central Iowa that fight day in and day out to make this a more livable place. These groups rely on donations and volunteer hours from community members like you who share that vision. You’ll also learn about some independent retailers that bring a thoughtful and unique product mix to local shoppers. These businesses depend on shoppers’ dollars to continue to adapt, thrive and improve the community themselves. It’s essential that these nonprofits and retailers receive year-round support. But end-of-year giving and holiday gift purchases can provide a much-needed boost into the new year. This winter, find a new favorite cause to support in our donation drive (www.littlevillagemag.com/give) or knock out some gift shopping at a small business you can be proud to live near.
Des Moines Art Center desmoinesartcenter.org
Founded in 1948 and serving 200,000 patrons annually, the Des Moines Art Center provides opportunities for transformational art experiences through its collections, exhibitions, and educational programming. Their staff of 45 facilitate community outreach programs that serve students of all ages. Education programs and interpretative materials include conversational tours, artist talks, school programs, gallery activities and audio content highlighting personal connections inspired by artworks. 14 November 2022 LITTLEVILLAGEMAG.COM/LVDSM8
In 2023, the Des Moines Art Center will be celebrating its 75th anniversary. One of several special events planned is the “Art Center: 75 Years of Iowa Art” exhibition. Running Feb. 10 through May 7, 2023, this exhibition will reflect the work of artists who have lived and worked in Iowa and their connections to the Des Moines Art Center. The Des Moines Art Center is a modern and contemporary art museum located in Des Moines, Iowa (4700 Grand Ave), engaging diverse audiences with art experiences. The Art Center offers changing gallery exhibits, studio classes, an onsite restaurant, rental facilities, a gift shop and the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park—a 4-acre park in the heart of Des Moines’ Western Gateway. People often assume that there is an admission fee to visit the Des Moines Art Center, however, admission to the museum and galleries is always free for all.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden dmbotanicalgarden.com
No matter your age or background, access to plants and beauty is essential to the mission of Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. The
Botanical Garden’s conservatory, Gardeners Show House and 12 acres of outdoor gardens provide respite and engagement with the natural world. Educational programs offer learning opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds, highlighting the importance of plants and native ecology. Throughout the year, 134,256 guests (FY22 total) experience botanically themed art and musical programming. Founded in 1979, and located in Des Moines’ Historic East Village, the organization’s name changed in 2011 when the Botanical Garden assumed 501(c)(3) status. Many community members still refer to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden as the Botanical Center. That’s fair; it was the Botanical Center for a long time! But it’s important for the public
