M//Design
#431
Photography
Mike Gustafson is a designer/photographer based in Des Moines, Iowa. Mike has lived and worked in Iowa his entire life, he was born and raised on a farm in rural north central part of the state.
Mike has been involved with the creative arts in Des Moines, Iowa since the late 1990’s. Operating a small audio recording studio and creating music and touring the United States with his instrumental rock band “The Autumn Project” for almost 10 years. During that time Mike was also involved with several video production projects with the Des Moines Art Center and was a coffee roaster at a local coffeehouse.
Mike went on to open a custom furniture workshop called Nestcraft Studio where he designed and built one of kind custom masterpieces, utilizing highly figured wood veneer and complex curves and organic shapes. Mike also co-owned and operated a small independent art gallery called Transient Gallery, housed within the furniture workshop, which hosted artists from around the country and encouraged them to transform the space into a unique installation experience.
In 2016 Mike began building custom vintage motorcycles under the moniker MONNOM customs. He went on to build 6 motorcycles that were featured at custom motorcycle shows in Los Angeles, CA, Milwaukee, WI, Austin, TX, Minneapolis, MN and around the world through social media and the internet.
Mike is now working full time as a freelance photographer, focusing on all aspects of image creation and video creation.
SANDRA GUSTAFSON
#431
Ink & Gouache
Sandra Gustafson has been exhibiting art in Des Moines for over 25 years. Originally working with large acrylic abstracts, she transitioned to smaller gouache and ink pieces 16 years ago while on bed rest during her pregnancy. Limited space and materials led her to develop a style reflecting her experience—layering tape, water, and ink to reveal organic, intuitive forms. Her ethereal work invites personal interpretation. In addition to creating in her studio, Sandra teaches workshops to help others tap into their creative potential. She also integrates art into her work as a realtor, gifting original pieces to clients and continuing to exhibit locally.
https://www.sandragustafsonart.com
UNWIND DESIGNS
#433
Jewel Making
Unwind Designs is a business where you can create art that sparkles and shines through diamond painting.
Their products allow customers to have more creative control over their designs through more of a DIY experience.
They facilitate after school programming as well as host unique party experiences for all ages!
LINDA LEWIS
#435
Clay Narrative Sculptures
Linda Lewis creates figures that reflect her penchant for people and the stories they tell using facial expressions, body positioning and surface treatments. Her recent work explores the hidden parts of us.
DIANE HAYES
#435
Clay Sculpture
Diane Hayes discovered figurative ceramics after many years as a painter. She now cherishes the process of building from clay. Her current work includes expressive figurative pieces as well as fanciful botanical forms.
In Memoriam: JUDY GOODWIN
#435
Clay Sculpture
After 35 years as an English professor at Grand View University, Judy was ready to exercise her intellect less, her intuition and hands more, so she threw herself into sculpting clay into the human figure.
JEN LAWLER DESIGNS
#437
Jewelry
Jen Lawler has been a metalsmith for over 15 years and loves making contemporary, clean jewelry. Alongside her collection, she creates custom work using silver, gold, and precious gems. Check out her work on etsy at the link below.
GENEVIEVE LAVALLE
#439
Textile and Fiber Arts
Genevieve Lavalle is a textile and fiber artist from Des Moines specializing in fine art rugs and tapestries. Lavalle’s rugs depict intricate details and strong narratives.
ANTOINETTE LAVALLE
#439
Film & Photo
Antoinette Lavalle is a multidisciplinary artist working in Central Iowa. Antoinette focuses her time as a filmmaker, photographer, and painter. She enjoys acting, directing, and writing and currently is wrapping up her first feature film, Peck.
CENTRAL IOWA BLUES SOCIETY
#440
Music
The Central Iowa Blues Society (CIBS) is a volunteer non-profit arts organization dedicated to the education, preservation and celebration of blues and roots music throughout Iowa.
ANTHIA WHITE
#443
Metals
Anthia uses metal fabrication to convey personal experiences. Drawing inspiration from textiles and nature, she transforms metal into narratives that resonate with her journey as an artist, maker, and individual.
STIRLING DESIGNS
#443
Metals
Audrey Stirling creates a wide array of jewelry and small metal sculptures using a variety of metalsmithing techniques. Her current work revolves around insects and how they impact us and our environment.
GRETCHEN BOHLING DESIGN
#445
Sustainable Fashion Design
Gretchen Bohling Design is a fashion brand promoting sustainability. We create custom garments, offer a collection of handmade garments, provide tailoring services, and teach private sewing lessons.
JEFF RIDER ART
#446
Painting
Best known for his 'Phobia' series, Jeff is a mixed media artist employing painting and collage to explore a variety of subjects in his dry and warped sense of humor.
ARTIST X ADVOCACY MENTORSHIP PROGRAM + JILL WELLS ART
#447
Mentorship + Multimedia
A.X.A. Cultivating an environment in which the creative class thrives through community works of art and community partnerships. Jill Wells is the founder and primary mentor.
Jill also co-founded and co-runs Freedom of Expression (FOE) Project. FOE is a biennial public arts and culture initiative that explores the intersections of human experience and the right to freedom of expression for individuals of all abilities. The FOE Project collaborates with central Iowa artists across disciplines, abilities, and career stages to create collective exhibitions, public art installations, and meaningful community connections.
DEELDA CUSTOM NEEDLEPOINT AND QUILT DESIGN
#448
Fiber Arts
DeElda has been in the needle arts business for over 40 years. Her "one-of-a-kind" family quilts have graced many family rooms as well as her custom needle point design for shops and friends far and wide.
HANNA PIEPEL
#449
Ceramics and Illustration
Hanna Piepel is an interdisciplinary artist exploring the theme of daily rituals through illustration and ceramics. Her colorful illustrations are also featured in several published children’s books.