Inside Iowa State

August 26, 2005

Preview ISU, Ames art scene at new event

Bring your datebook to "Sample the Arts at Stephens" on Sunday, Aug. 28. That way, you can check your schedule, log in the events you want to see and even buy many of your tickets to a variety of performing art events to be held during the coming year on campus and in the Ames community.

The first-time event will bring together 20 local area arts organizations (including the Iowa State Center) for a kick-off to the upcoming performing arts season in Ames. The free event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at Stephens.

Iowa State Center's exhibit will feature information on all its events. You'll be able to buy tickets to any of the performances that attract your interest. If you're lucky, you might receive one of the pairs of tickets that will be given away for 18 upcoming center events.

Throughout the afternoon, there will be live performances by groups such as the Central Iowa Symphony, Ames Children's Choir, Dance Co'Motion, ISU Theatre and others.

Center staff also will be on hand to give backstage tours of Stephens -- recently named Iowa's Building of the Century. And children can try out craft activities sponsored by various groups.

Iowa State Center marketing director Angela Ossian said Stephens is a natural location for such an event. "Stephens is supposed to be all about the arts. It's what it was built for."

Ossian said the response to a joint season preview by other Ames performing arts groups was "overwhelming." Center staff worked with the Ames Community Arts Council to bring the event together.

"We have a rich cultural life in central Iowa," she said. "This is an opportunity for the public to see all that's available to them through Ames' strong performing arts network."

Displays will be located on the ground and main floor of the building, and performances will be held throughout the afternoon. Refreshments also will be available.