#artfest midwest

[artbeacondsm]

interview with emily susanin kessinger, yellow door gallery

credit: Preservation.

Will Signs caught up with Emily Susanin Kessinger of Yellow Door Gallery to learn more about the gallery she and her husband run in their home, hear about her vision for the space, get her take on the art scene in Des Moines and discuss all things Art Week Des Moines.

Why did you decide to open Yellow Door Gallery? 

My husband, Mason, and I have a friend in D.C. (Chris Maier) who runs an amazing initiative called Little Salon. He organizes salons in other people's homes monthly and has creators come together and share their art, music, song, dance, food, drink, whatever. I loved the idea of such events and thought about trying something similar out in Chicago, where we lived before moving to Des Moines. I never got around to it in Chicago but knew it was something I'd pursue when the time was right. So, when we moved to Des Moines in 2016, we decided to try out Yellow Door Gallery – a different yet somewhat related idea here in the community – and it clicked. While our model isn't that similar to Little Salon, I give credit to Chris for the inspiration and for encouraging me to try my own version of salon hosting. Turns out, it morphed in to more that I could have imagined.

So, back to your real question: Why Yellow Door Gallery? For Des Moines. For artists. For something different, something changing, something that expands one's mind and one's view of the world.

What led to the decision to open a gallery in your home, rather than in another space?

While I'd love to have a gallery in another space, I believe Yellow Door Gallery is where it's supposed to (physically) be for now. Running a space elsewhere in Des Moines would take time and money away from other pursuits and interests that I have in life. Plus, I work full-time at Weitz doing marketing and communications, and I love my job and the people there. I enjoy having two vocations and passions that I can switch between.

What is the philosophy that drives how you choose topics and artists for exhibitions, salons and other events at Yellow Door?

I curate the gallery shows with emerging contemporary artists that are pushing boundaries, unique in their practice, and creating art, objects or installations that make me stop and think. Sometimes they're local. Sometimes they're not. Most all of the artists I have shown are friends or friends of friends or friends of friends of friends. Benjamin Gardner and Andy Davis were the first two artists to have a show at Yellow Door. They were local. I've known Andy for 15 years, and he is one of the big reasons I finally launched the space. Mostly because he kept saying, "Why not?" and I listened to that. He believed in it, and I believed it in. And it worked.

I met Benjamin Gardner thanks to Instagram, and he referred the next three artists who I showed at Yellow Door to me directly (THANKS, BEN!). Then, one of the artists he referred whose work I just LOVE, Gyan Shrosbree (of Fairfield), introduced me to the work of Katy Kirbach (of Fairfield/Chicago/Berlin). Then, Katy did a show with her extremely talented friend Zoe Nelson (now of New York). Then, an incredible artist, Heidi Wiren Bartlett, had a performance I saw in Chicago in 2015 that really stuck with me. I found out she was in Iowa City and contacted her there. She wanted to do a show with her friend Kuldeep Singh (of New York), and so it went from there. Referrals, listening to IPR, Instagram, conversations with friends and strangers – that is how exhibitions come together.

I'd say the salons and other events are similar. When you surround yourself with good people doing great things or have friends who know good people who do great things, your network widens and you feel the strength of the community. There have been a few awesome “cold calls” that I've made or that have been made of me. One that sticks out is when April and Josh Visnapuu of Open Door Rep emailed me out of the blue. I was SUPER excited to hear from them and meet them for a coffee date with Mason. They are a driven, adorable couple and were launching a pop-up theatre company. What wasn't to like, and how could I say no? WE BOTH HAD DOOR IN OUR NAMES! So, we partner quarterly and continue to support one another. It's a neat thing.

You’re originally from Des Moines, and your husband, Mason, is a transplant to the city. What are your thoughts on the art scene in Des Moines, and how have you seen it change since you've been back?

The art scene here is growing and vibrant and getting more diverse by the day. We have a freaking Kerry James Marshall now in our public art collection! Mainframe is a major attraction in our city. We have a wonderful Art Center and some rad groups within it (Art Noir, Print Club, Salon 4700). Shoot, Art Week Des Moines is a huge deal, and so is the Des Moines Arts Festival. The Barnum Factory is open and thriving. Art Terrarium in Elevencherry is hosting unique events and bringing artists and creators together. Olson-Larsen and Moberg Gallery continue to have incredible shows of local, regional and national artists, and fun events in and out of their gallery spaces. I love the OL (Olson-Larsen) Guild concept. There are various exhibition spaces around town in places one wouldn't normally think to look, including in Blackbird's Wilkins Building lobby, Baratta's at the Historical Building, Mars Cafe, The Lift and so many others. It's SWEET. And it's only going to get sweeter. I love when people come visit because there's always so much to do within the art scene.

What does Yellow Door Gallery have planned for Art Week 2018?

* RDG Dahlquist Art Studios Tour: Thursday, June 21; 5:30-7:30 p.m.

* June Exhibition Featuring Michael Velliquette and Joey Faerso: Sunday, June 24; 1-4 p.m. (exhibition open June 9 - July 8)

* Art Week Wind Down Yoga at Yellow Door Gallery: Sunday, June 24; 4-5 p.m. ($5 suggested donation)

Visit www.yellowdoordsm.com for details. See these events and others on the full Art Week Des Moines event schedule: www.artweekdesmoines.com/events

What Art Week events are you most excited to take part in?

The Artist Studio Tours that were organized this year each day of DSM Art Week are an awesome feature and super exciting to see on the lineup. I'm stoked to attend as many of those as I can. In addition, there are some great shows up during that time at Art Terrarium, Olson-Larsen and more. I'll see Betsy Hart's work at The Lift during Art Week and attend the Festival over the weekend. It's also fun to check out the Des Moines Social Club's Urban Visionaries show. So much to do in one week. Ah, I better start planning now.

Are there artists that you're looking forward to seeing at the 2018 Des Moines Arts Festival?

It's a secret.

Yellow Door Gallery is a residential alternative gallery space that is shifting the perceptions and dynamics of visual, aural, and performance art. Located in a private home in Des Moines, Iowa, the space connects emerging artists and collectors through salons, installations, concerts, and afternoon teas.

2121 Wakonda Drive

Des Moines, IA 50321

Open Sundays 1-4 p.m. or by appointment.

Interested in making an appointment or sharing your work? Contact info@yellowdoordsm.com.

[krystlecolefineart]

Last weekend I showed my work at Artfest Midwest in Des Moines, IA. Artfest Midwest is the largest fine art show in Iowa with around 250 artist booths. It was the first time I did a show in Iowa, and I had a great time. I met lots of fellow animal lovers and had some fun conversations. Here are pics from the event:

Artfest Midwest 2017

Pictures from Artfest Midwest Last weekend I showed my work at Artfest Midwest in Des Moines, IA. Artfest Midwest is the largest fine art show in Iowa with around 250 artist booths.

[midnightoilstudioworkshop]

We are all set up for the ArtFest MidWest at the Des Moines Fairgrounds! We are at booth number 174, in the “Varied Industries” building (not sure what that means, but it is AIR CONDITIONED)! Come by to escape the heat 🔥🔥❄️💨 . . . #supportartists #artfestmidwest #staycool #indoorday https://ift.tt/2xiyy7L

[billytackett]

Open fer bidness! #artfestmidwest #desmoines #iowa #art #festival #artist #Impressionism #splatterpaint (at ArtFest Midwest) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzTD85wFjAo/?igshid=1rxeovsy69pzp

[redthread11]

Join me this weekend in Des Moines, Iowa for Artfest Midwest (@artfestmw ). Free show inside of the Varied Industries building of the Iowa State Fair grounds. I'll be in booth 145. #churchofdust (at Sycamore, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzIhFVLHwWq/?igshid=ll3hxov8yha

[unitytheband]

MIdwest Sunsplash Music Festival July 26th & 27th 2019 Downtown Menasha, Wisconsin. Save the date and bring your friends & family down from some great music, food and beer. #partycity #livemusic #Foodvendors #artvendors #games  #livepainting  #foodtrucks #Bands #artfest #art #craftbeer #beer. www.midwestsunsplash.org

[palekstudio]

Come see Shawn and all his artwork this coming weekend at Artfest Midwest 2017! #palekstudio #artfest https://www.facebook.com/events/303750750052979??ti=ia (at Iowa State Fair)

[bohogypsygaljewelry]

I am excited to announce that I will be a vendor at ArtFest Midwest on June 24-25 at the Iowa State fairground. If you're in the area, stop by and see me! #artfestmidwest #craftshow #etsysellers #shopsmallbusiness #shophandmade #supportartists #uniquejewelry (at BohoGypsy)

[thesidearts]

State Public Policy Group announces a call for artists for ArtFest Midwest 2017, Iowa’s largest fine art show. Click the link in our bio for details and to apply. ... #DesMoines #Iowa #art #artist #artwork #callforartists #artcall #vendor #craft #crafter #photography #photo #drawing #painting #sculpture #illustration #jewelry #artlife http://ow.ly/kg5L309Z760 (at Des Moines, Iowa)

[artbeacondsm]

art week for young artists

via Ugo Rondinone, MOONRISE. east. january, 2005. Painted cast aluminum on steel plinth.

It’s never too early to appreciate art! Children are some of the world’s best artists, and these events are sure to inspire your little ones to create a true masterpiece. Art Week isn’t just for grown ups - many events are designed to reach all art appreciators no matter their age. So if you’re stuck in a summer rut already, skip the water park and bring your kids to Art Week.

Be drawn by the Portrait Studio at the Mars Cafe. 4 PM, Monday. Portrait Studio is a traveling art experience designed to bring unique art by real artists to communities and organizations. All artists have a unique style and practice outside of the studio. Portraits are $10 per face.

East Side Mural Tour + Bike Ride 5:30 PM, Monday. Join Des Moines City Ride for a bicycle tour of the East Side Murals and learn more about the project and the artists behind them.  Meet at Third Space DSM (1707 E. Grand Avenue) at 5:30pm to screen print your own bike themed t-shirt with The Side Garage before the ride!

Rock the Des Moines Arts Festival Rock Painting Event 1 PM, Tuesday. Stop in any time between 1p-8pm to paint a couple rocks to be shared with the world as you visit the Des Moines Art Festival.  There is a national kindness movement that involves painting, hiding and finding rocks.

Baby + Me Drop-In Tour at the Pappajohn Scultpure Park 11 AM, Wednesday. Adults are encouraged to bring their infants (pre-walkers) to an informal tour led by an Art Center docent. While conversation is geared for adults, babies love the visual stimulation of artwork.

Third Space Back Lot Bash 5 PM, Friday. Live Music and DJ sponsored by the Warren Morrow Latin Music Festival with free tacos! Graffiti art demonstrations and live mural painting with Miami based artists Diana Contreras, Nate Dee, and Amanda Valdes Neighborhood Tattoo Artist Showcase with Edgar Tenorio, Adan Gomez, and Ramon Ortiz.

[alyssatauber]

It looks like I will have a booth in the "Upstarts" area of this!

[midnightoilstudioworkshop]

Getting set-up for Artfest Midwest here in Des Moines, IA. Come visit us at the state fairgrounds this weekend in the Varied Industries building. We are booth #174. . . Also, it is air-conditioned! 😎 .. . #artfair #desmoines #printmaking #serigraphy https://ift.tt/2FGa90v

[redthread11]

Heavy is the Hand hand-carved limestone statue Part of the Business Flies series: on display June 22-23 at Naperville Fine Art Fair, June 29-30 at Artfest Midwest in Des Moines, then July 18-21 at the Ann Arbor Summer Fair. All of my work is available for purchase, PM for details #churchofdust (at Sycamore, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/Byh-gx9na1V/?igshid=zszfp5bgn0sg

[redthread11]

Scorpio: hand-carved limestone relief, heading to Naperville in 2 weeks for their Art Fair (June 22-23), then onto Des Moines the following week (June 29-30) for Artfest Midwest. All of my work is available for purchase, PM for details. #churchofdust (at Sycamore, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByfPNN4HZZc/?igshid=yf9kdr3g2h2b

[redthread11]

The Judge hand-carved limestone 4.5" x 4.5" x 14" Part of the OneLoneDrone (Business Flies) series of sculptures. May 25-26: St Charles (IL) Fine Art Fair June 22-23: Naperville (IL) Fine Art Fair June 29-30: Midwest Artfest Des Moines (IA) July 18-21: Ann Arbor (MI) Summer Art Fair #churchofdust #sculpture #stonesculpture (at Sycamore, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxID4d8Bukx/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=wb56ehk1y5bt

[redthread11]

NuTruLuv hand-carved limestone 8" x 8"x 18" #churchofdust photos by T.Busse Part of the OneLoneDrone series St.Charles (IL.) Fine Art Fair May 25-26 Naperville (IL.) Fine Art Fair June 22-23 Midwest Artfest Des Moines (IA) June 29-30 Ann Arbor (MI) Summer Art Fair July 18-21 (at Sycamore, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw4eYYrnWlM/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1aq3jh3g13u3h