PUBLIC ART AT MAINFRAME

Critical Mass is the vision of Mainframe artist Molly Spain. By definition, the term critical mass addresses the size or amount required to maintain a movement or venture. The mural gives critical mass a visual representation through dark, fluctuating, totem-like columns that portray the stacks of creative disciplines at Mainframe Studios where their interplay produce colorful and varying outcomes. The artist looked to the Brutalism architecture style for inspiration. When mapping out the building’s elevations and studying its grid system, Molly started connecting its geometric block pile construction to her own art practice that works with elemental materials and references ancient structures to interpret the many ways humans have interacted with the planet. As one of its artists, Molly says the mural is a way to honor what Mainframe Studios stands for and. She states, “There is vibrancy and endless possibilities when creative forces are at work. We bring thoughtfulness and an irreplaceable perspective to our communities. Enhancing and influencing our surroundings from a place of curiosity, discovery and the ability to manifest with little hesitation.”

In September 2021, professional contractors at Heartland Finishes completed the nearly four-month process of preparing the building's surfaces and applying color. Approximately 40,000 square feet of surface was painted with 900 gallons of paint that used 1596 hours of labor.

A large-scale rooftop art installation by Iowa’s premier contemporary artist/activist Jordan Weber that reads “Inhale, Exhale” is scheduled to happen in the near future at Mainframe Studios. Constructed from mirrored stainless steel that is backlit by LED bulbs, the nearly 5-foot-high letters will reflect the sky during the day and be seen from Interstate-235 at night. The artist chose to point his installation towards Oakridge Neighborhood with its words inhale and exhale serving as a reminder that maintaining a meditative breath can be healing when facing challenges, including discrimination. Oakridge is a low-income housing organization serving 53% children, and 66% immigrants and refugees from over 23 countries. With a career focused on racism and environmental justice, Jordan uses his art to provoke reflection, discussion and progress.

Jordan Weber is a Des Moines-based multidisciplinary artist who was a recent artist-in-residence in St. Louis through a collaborative project of the Pulitzer Arts Foundation and Washington University’s Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity, and Equity (CRE2) and Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts. Weber is best known for a series of urban land remediation projects on vacant lots and his deconstructed police vehicles, which have been turned into community gardens.

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Located prominently on the first floor of Mainframe Studios, is a captivating installation created by renowned Graphic Designer and Mainframe artist Jay Vigon. Known for his bold graphics, logo design, music packaging, and fashion advertising, Vigon's work is instantly recognizable. The artwork is hung above the elevators and showcases Vigon's iconic painted faces, paying homage to the diverse and dynamic individuals who populate our building each day. The installation is a striking focal point, showcasing Vigon's unique artistic style and adding an energetic and vibrant element to the lobby.

This impressive mural, which warmly welcomes visitors to Mainframe, was designed by Tone the MoveMaker, a talented Mainframe artist and the owner of Des Moines-based streetwear brand 'Designed by the Streets'. As an urban artist, Tone draws inspiration from his upbringing in south Chicago, and his unique doodle style of drawing is a prominent feature of this mural. The mural captures the Des Moines skyline, showcasing Tone's artistic interpretation of the city's landmarks in his distinctive style. Serving as a vibrant and dynamic introduction to the building, this mural adds a touch of urban flair and sets the tone for the creative energy that awaits within Mainframe Studios. This was a temporary mural, installed in the atrium, from 2021-23.