I finally got the opportunity to be in Des Moines for Art Week. We stayed at the Surety Hotel, which was the perfect location to access all of the activities (and a great stay). I wore one of my new t-shirts, which got lots of positive comments & asks where others could purchase it.
We started by exploring the outdoor Des Moines Art Festival. It was sensory overload for us - if it hadn't have been so hot, I would have wanted to walk through it all a second time to try to take it in. Instead I just went back to the few shops I knew I wanted to buy some items. We had thought we would go back and enjoy the music performances at night, but we ended-up just wanting to relax at the bar at our hotel or in our room.
I couldn't resist both a large and smaller coordinating CREEPS ((Curiously Random Emotionally Elusive Peculiar Specimens) by Artist Chris Cumbie and a Rainbow Wooden Popsicle (from an artist who didn't sign his work or include a card in his packaging unfortunately).
Next we enjoyed an amazing supper at the Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company. The Pretzels made with the spent brewing grains were off the charts and served with three dipping sauces. I also loved the house-brewed root beer float for dessert.
Saturday morning we finally got to experience the Des Moines Farmers Market. I would love to come back a little later in the season when the vegetables would be more plentiful. We did however get some fingerling potatoes, candy onions and green beans that I will be cooking-up later today. Rod also enjoyed a Bratwurst on a Pretzel Roll for breakfast, and I got a Pretzel and some Honey Lemonade.
Next I took my cart and headed to the indoor Artfest Midwest for more Art Shopping. I personally preferred the mix of Vendors at this event (more smaller items vs. mostly larger pieces of art at the outdoor show).
My first purchase was a ramen bowl and spoon rest from Ron Netten Ceramics in Storm Lake, Iowa.
Next I enjoyed talking with and purchasing two purses from Ann Ringness Leather. I love the amazing craftsmanship and all of the pockets.
After that, I got a lovely rope basket from Dew Drops Decor.
My last stop was the amazing fused glass jewelry from Miss Olivia's Line - it totally made me want to get back into the glass studio again. I particularly loved the pieces that she sandblasted after firing them ... they reminded me of amazing little pieces of complex sea glass.
It turned out to be a cooler afternoon after a morning rain, so we sat on the patio bar of our hotel and enjoyed some frosty beverages for a while. I love when I tell a bartender to make me something sweet it Tequila and he nails it ... so delicious.
We enjoyed our final vacation breakfast at St. Kilda's Café. Those Pineapple Preserves were off the chart with that hearty perfectly-toasted wheat bread.
It felt good to drive across Iowa again and see the corn swaying in the wind. I'm already planning my next getaway in August ... can't wait.
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