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.