Mainframe Studios invites artists to submit work for the May 2025 First Friday exhibition, THE ENVIRONMENT, which explores humankind's relationship, interaction, and impact on the natural world. This exhibition will delve into how we connect with, alter, and imagine our surroundings, as well as the consequences of our choices on the environment…

Des Moines, Iowa, is home to many unique places to explore, and one standout destination is Mainframe Studios. Open to the public daily, Mainframe Studios invites visitors to explore its vibrant gallery spaces and view the art outside of artists’ studios.

Momentum is the nonprofit arts program of the Community Support Advocates. The program provides free art supplies and creative workspace to artists living with disabilities here in Des Moines, Iowa. Momentum is located in studios #103 and #109 here at Mainframe Studios. Their studios include a creative workspace and a gallery space for Momentum artists.

To learn more about Momentum read Building Momentum by Lisa Rossi from the dsm Magazine.

Mainframe Studios, the largest nonprofit creative workspace in the nation, is seeking a Community Engagement Coordinator to be part of our dynamic team!

Mainframe Studio's new Executive Director, Julia Franklin, has been named one of the recipients of the Business Publications Corp.’s second annual News Changemakers Award for Cultural Leader Newcomer of the Year…

Mainframe Studios hosted Central Academy Potters in Studio 108 during our December 2024 First Friday - The Ceramics Invitational. Watch the We Are Iowa Local 5 News video on the event here.

We Are Iowa covered the Holiday Art Markets here at Mainframe Studios and did an interview with Adam and Tammy Winn of Red Door Press.

Kyle Kirwan (Studio #LL04) is known for his designer toy collectibles and is growing the Des Moines collector toy scene with his No Coast Trouble Club…

DSM Magazine writer Macey Shofroth goes in depth with photographer and Mainframe Studios Artist Alyss Vernon in the most recent DSM Magazine publication…

Iowa State graduate and recipient of the year-long ISU residency at Mainframe Studios Artist Lydia Nong has established herself as a practicing artist based out of Des Moines, Iowa. Now, she has her own studio at Mainframe, #244, and continues to create astonishing paintings and sculptures…

Des Moines, Iowa, is rapidly gaining recognition as a vibrant hub for creativity and culture, and a recent article from Travel + Leisure highlights this transformation.

This year one of the Tanne Award recipients is Mainframe Studios’ very own board member and tenant artist Jill Wells.

On Friday, August 2, 2024, in lot #301 of the Oakridge Neighborhood, there was a dedication and unveiling ceremony of Artist Jordan Weber’s newest installation “Inhale…. Exhale….”

Click here to view Mainframe Studio’s Executive Director Julia Franklin explain the “Inhale…. Exhale….” dedication on We Are Iowa Local 5 News.

Read about the 10 ISU students featured in the Contemporary Lens exhibition on display August 1-27.

The Oakridge Studio Teen Tech Center is a place for 13-21 year olds in Des Moines to grow their passions and explore alternate career paths. Read more about their feature in Innovation Iowa here.

How artist Valerie Carr teamed up with a plus-size boutique to uplift the women of Central Iowa.