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The Des Moines Art Center houses many important works of art; most of which are contemporary.

The collection showcases many works from such artists including Edward Hopper's Automat, Jasper Johns' Tennyson, Henri Matisse's Woman in White, Georgia O'Keeffe's From the Lake No. 1, and Francis Bacon's Study after Velasquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent X.

Many events are also held at the Art Center. Running until April 29, Peter Feldstein will showcase his Oxford Project: Who We Are exhibit.

Feldstein photographed 670 residents of Iowa in 1984. In 2005, he returned photographing many of the same individuals 21 years later.

Writer Stephen Bloom teamed up with Feldstein for this project. He conducted interviews and refined these conversations into the astounding autobiographical narratives that go along with the photographs.

Collectively, Feldstein's photographs and Bloom's writing portray an enthralling, overpoweringly and unsettling account about what life does to people.

The Des Moines Art Center expanded and opened in the Wells Fargo Building on 800 Walnut Street, November of 2003. This extension will showcase three to four art exhibits a year.

However, the Des Moines Art Center has more to offer than just beautiful art to look at. They provide a variety of different classes and workshops, which allow anyone three years old and up to expand their creativity.

From painting, to ceramics classes, the art center offers something for everyone. You can also see one of the many concerts that the art center has every year. The next event, on April 14, is the Claremont Trio.

If you get hungry while touring the art center, you can take a break and eat at the Des Moines Art Center Restaurant. The restaurant was given a five star rating by the Des Moines Register and the menu changes weekly.

The Des Moines Art Center can be fun and educational for anyone. From the amazing collections, the world class architecture, the five start rated restaurant and the museum shops, there is something to do for a person of any age.

"I have only been to the art center once, but I definitely will be back again," Tad Hutchinson of KC said. My kids love the workshops and my wife is a fan of the museum. There really is something for everyone."

The Art Center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. during the week, 10 a.m. on Saturday and closing at 4 p.m. every day except Thursday when it closes at 9 p.m. Admission is free. For more information please call the Des Moines Art Center at 515.557.6109 for general information or visit the Web site below.

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