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Gallery Night
Valley Junction’s galleries come together to showcase new artwork by regional, national, and international artists during our bi-annual Gallery Night. This event is free and open to the public.
Gallery Night has grown into a popular community event. It is one of the largest merchant events in Historic Valley Junction and a terrific opportunity to rediscover this eclectic shopping district. The galleries of Historic Valley Junction offer original artwork, custom jewelry, ceramics, glass, furniture, folk art, and fine art reproductions, as well as many other one-of-a-kind objects. Gallery Night supports many locally owned businesses and showcases the community of Historic Valley Junction.
The Galleries
2AU Limited | 200 5th
2AU features one-of-a-kind fine jewelry designed and made in our in-house studio. We offer unique custom design services and work with colored gemstones, diamonds, pearls, agates, and more, creating a stunning personalized piece of jewelry for our clients. We also carry a unique selection of objects for home and body from artists of various origins. This Gallery Night we will be featuring new work by studio artists Ann Au, Sena Shebaro and Emily Manker.
Olson-Larsen Galleries | 542 5th
Olson-Larsen Galleries, established in 1979, is a contemporary fine art gallery representing original artwork by 60 of the finest artists in the Midwest. We host six group exhibitions, offer museum-quality custom framing, art consulting, and installation services.
Kavanaugh Art Gallery | 228 5th
Kavanaugh Art Gallery is a family-owned and operated fine art gallery. We have original artwork, including paintings and sculptures, along with fine art reproductions and have been in West Des Moines for almost 40 years.
MIX Creative Community | 120 5th
We will be holding a “Hands-On Creativity” exhibit featuring interactive works. Our visitors are invited to get curious and explore the pieces for themselves!
A Okay Antiques/Atomic Blonde Mid Century Modern Gallery Loft | 124 5th
Specializing in Estate Sales and Business Liquidations, stop by and shop 2 Floors stuffed full. Antique Americana, Neon Signs, Vintage Advertising, Toys, Costume and Native American Jewelry, lighting, Art, Mid Century Modern Home Furnishings, Be sure to check out our Sculpture Garden. Always Buying!!!!
Five Monkeys | 131 5th
Resonance – An Exhibition by Katie Jensen: Resonance is a visual treat playing on colors, movement and the vitality of life. To resonate is to produce, echo or be filled with deep, full, continuing sound. It also means to have a particular meaning, evoke shared emotions, or to strike a chord with someone. What resonates with you?
Kunzler Studios | 324 5th
Kunzler Studios is a family-owned pottery studio and gallery. Our studio is home to more than 45 ceramists from the Des Moines area, who’s their work can be purchased in our gallery. In addition, we offer ceramic and painting classes. For Gallery Night, we’re excited to feature paintings from local artist Mindy Meinders, alongside the incredible work of our ceramic artists.
The Raaz | 201 5th
The Raaz is a gallery in the original West Bank building at 201 Fifth, the oldest brick building in West Des Moines. The gallery is named for Herman and Anna Raaz, founders of West Bank and pioneers of Historic Valley Junction. The gallery celebrates the Mexican-American heritage of our community with its vibrant black-and-white photo collection, curated by Vince Valdez, a local legend and preservationist of Mexican-American culture. Emma Williams, a local West Des Moines artist, will be presenting a variety of ceramic work as well as pieces made with paper. An additional feature of the gallery is a collection of original Mexican furniture, recently added by the Swander estate. Celebrate our heritage at the Raaz!
Pop-Ups
Jen Albright @ Rumley’s Reclaimed Things | 120 5th
Jen Albright is a fine artist and graphic designer with a soft spot for mysteries, puzzles, wit, and wordplay. She enjoys creating things that spark curiosity, elicit epiphanies, and encourage people to consider other points of view.
Megan Rutledge @ The Spice & Tea Exchange | 218 5th
The Spice & Tea Exchange of West Des Moines will feature local ceramist Megan Rutledge and her intricately glazed, functional pottery. Each piece blends everyday usefulness with thoughtful artistry, making her work as practical as it is beautiful. In addition to her ceramics, Megan will also be showcasing a collection of her watercolor paintings.
Stephanie Burris @ Tulip Bloom | 138 5th
Stephanie became a watercolorist almost by accident. After studying art years ago and setting it aside for decades, she picked it up again through a local class—and her very first painting sold, launching a surprising and rewarding journey as her work found homes across the U.S. and abroad.
Jennifer Leatherby and Dana Dahl @ Harlow + James | 411 Maple
Jennifer Leatherby is a multimedia artist, educator, activist, and doula. Jen lives and works in Des Moines, Iowa, where she co-owns Portrait Studio and Past Present Future Publishing.
Dana Dahl’s, descendant of Isanti and Ponca, passion lies in shaping glass into pieces that transport you to a moment of pure joy and discovery that speaks to people and provides lasting delight.
Hannah Aldiano and Lola Mea Tate-Dotson @ Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory | 113 5th
Hannah Aldiano is a self-taught acrylic nail stylist, and college student. She enjoys doing her friends’ nails free-of-charge and delivers a salon quality manicure with hand painted, unbelievable detailed nail art. She is studying to be a Court Reporter at DMACC.
Lola Mae Tate-Dotson is a multi-media artist in her senior year at Roosevelt High School. She plans to attend the University of Iowa next year and pursue a degree in Social Work.
Thank you to our business sponsors!
