The Blanden Art museum is the first museum in Iowa that was built specifically to be an art museum.

It will be celebrating it’s 94th year, built in 1932 prior to the Des Moines Art Center. From 1932 until 1970 the museum was completely run by volunteers.

Today they have 2.5 employees including Director Eric Andersen. They have over 1500 items in their permanent collection and keep three galleries open.

Right now, in addition to the Small Works exhibition, there are two other exhibits to view. There is an exhibit from their permanent collection, called Harmonizing Dimension: Exploring Motion, Time and Rhythym. The second gallery is a show by visiting artist Rachel Mindrup, which is called “Neurofibromatosis: The People”.

This is a collection of portraits she has painted of people dealing with this condition. The individuals whose portraits are on display have written their own biography which is included in the exhibition. The closing of this exhibit will be on July 19, when there will be an Artist Reception July 19, from 2 to 4:30 p.m.