Upcoming events.
Paint Pushers Show at Octagon Center
Paint Pushers Group Show
July 3 – August 13, 2026
Closing Reception: Thursday, August 13 | 5:30–7:00 PM
Join us at the Octagon Center for the Arts in Ames for a special exhibition featuring the Paint Pushers, a group of Iowa artists who meet monthly to encourage one another in our creative journeys. Through sharing works in progress, offering thoughtful critiques, and exchanging ideas, we help each other grow both artistically and professionally.
This group exhibition showcases a variety of styles, mediums, and perspectives, highlighting the unique voice of each artist while celebrating the power of creative community. We invite you to explore the collection and join us for the closing reception on August 13 as we celebrate the work and connections that have grown through this collaborative group.
CLASS: Mountains and Texture: Acrylic Dimensional Landscapes
10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Instructor: Courtney Garcia
$65
Ages: 13+
In this expressive painting class, we’ll explore how to create bold, abstract mountain scenes using heavy body acrylics on raw canvas. You’ll learn how to layer paint for texture, blend sky colors for depth, and use palette knives or brushes to create movement and structure. We’ll finish with optional metallic accents or line work to make your piece pop.
MUST be signed up for class on Hoyt Sherman’s website: https://hoytsherman.org/visit/classes/
Art Fair at the Iowa State Fair
Located in the courtyard of the Cultural Building at the Iowa State Fair, the Art Fair brings together local artists, live art demonstrations, and hands-on opportunities for visitors to create alongside them. It’s a space to not just view art—but be part of it.
Albia Restoration Days Art Show
Albia Restoration Days Art Show on Saturday, August 29th, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The show will be held outdoors in the historic Albia Courtyard. Come say hi!
Urbandale Public Library Art Gallery
August 30 – October 10
Reception: Sunday, September 13, 1:00-2:00 pm
Nancy Carlson | Glass Painting | facebook.com/groups/nancycarlsonartexpressions
Courtney Moller | Painting | artyouwoodlove.com
Viktoriya Zilbermints | Painting | facebook.com/artzmints/photos
Urbandale Public Library Art Gallery Reception
Join us for an artist reception at the Urbandale Public Library Art Gallery on Sunday, September 13, from 1:00–2:00 pm.
This group exhibition features the work of three Iowa artists: Nancy Carlson (glass painting), Courtney Moller (painting), and Viktoriya Zilbermints (painting). Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists, learn more about their creative processes, and view the artwork on display.
The exhibition will be on view from August 30 through October 10. We hope you'll stop by and enjoy an afternoon of art and conversation!
ArtSplash Art Festival
Annual ArtSplash Art Festival in late summer this year: September 19-20, 2026, with extended hours on Saturday into the evening to offer a more relaxed, adult-oriented atmosphere. The hours are Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival will again be held downtown on the Art Center campus, making use of all of the Art Center facilities – the Atrium and galleries of the Art Center and the studios of the Gilchrist Learning Center. We have exciting things planned and cannot wait for you to join us! Stay tuned to our website as we update with information on the 2026 festival!
The Octagon Art Festival
The Octagon Art Festival takes place the fourth Sunday of September along Main Street in downtown Ames, IA. The festival is held outdoors on pavement, RAIN OR SHINE. Visual arts, children’s art area, food vendors and performing arts form the foundation of the Octagon Art Festival. Approximately 10,000 people attend the festival.
CLASS: Wildflower Lines & Color
Saturday, May 30
10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Instructor: Courtney Garcia
$65
Ages: 13+
Outside, Weather Permitting
In this nature-inspired painting class, we’ll create a vibrant abstract background using bold acrylic color and expressive brushstrokes on raw canvas. Painting on raw canvas creates a soft, natural texture that allows the colors to interact with the surface in a unique way. Once the colorful background is complete, we’ll add simple white floral linework over the top, creating delicate wildflower-inspired designs that flow across the painting. The contrast between the playful color and clean linework creates a piece that feels both lively and peaceful — perfect for an outdoor painting experience, weather permitting!
MUST be signed up for class on Hoyt Sherman’s website: https://hoytsherman.org/visit/classes/
Project Iowa Growth Gala Live Painting
I’m honored to be live painting at Project Iowa’s Growth Gala on April 9, 2026, at The Loft in Des Moines.
As the evening celebrates growth, transformation, and the power of community, I’ll be creating a piece in real time inspired by the reminder that we were never meant to grow alone. Through support, encouragement, and connection, beautiful things can take root.
Paint By Number Mural with Estes Construction
A hands-on paint-by-number mural created for Estes Construction’s 10-year anniversary—bringing people together to contribute to one shared piece.
CLASS: Abstract and Color
CLASS: Abstract Cactus and Color
Saturday, January 10
10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Instructor: Courtney Moller
$65
Ages: 13+
In this expressive painting class, we’ll explore how to create a soft, abstract background with wispy, flowing color using acrylics. You’ll learn how to build layers, blend tones for movement, and create an ethereal base that makes your subject stand out. From there, we’ll paint a stylized cactus topped with a bright, blooming flower — a balance of structure and freedom that captures the beauty of the desert in an imaginative way. No prior experience needed.
MUST be signed up for class on Hoyt Sherman’s website: https://hoytsherman.org/visit/classes/
Dress For Success Glow Gala
I’m honored to be live painting at the Dress for Success Des Moines Glow Gala on February 21, 2026, at the Hilton Downtown Des Moines. As the evening celebrates the inner glow—the resilience, strength, and potential that flourish when women are given the right support—I’ll be creating a piece in real time inspired by that very transformation and hope.
CLASS: Swirling Skies: “A Starry Night” Workshop
CLASS: Swirling Skies: A "Starry Night" Workshop
Saturday, February 7
10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Instructor: Courtney Moller
$65
Ages: 13+
In this imaginative painting class, we’ll explore how to create a swirling, star-filled sky inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night. You’ll learn how to build a wispy, expressive background full of movement and color, then add details that bring your night sky to life. For the landscape below, you can choose to paint a cozy town, a forest with mountains, or your own unique scene to complete your masterpiece. No prior experience needed.
MUST be signed up on Hoyt Sherman’s website: https://hoytsherman.org/visit/classes/
MLK Day Celebration Live Painting
Join us this MLK Day as we honor Dr. King’s legacy of love, unity, and justice. Featuring professional drummer Diamond Johnson as our guest speaker, we will lean into the powerful scripture of Amos 5:24 “Let justice roll like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.”
Come and celebrate the vision Dr. King lived for—love that unites and justice that moves us to action. All are welcome.
Revive Worship in the Round Live Painting
Join us for Revive in Hope West Des Moines, we gather for Worship in the Round with the theme Radiant ✨ This night is about encountering God in a way that transforms us—meeting Him with open hearts and stepping into the hope and light He has for this year. I’ll be live painting during worship as we seek His radiant presence together.
Jester Park Nature Center Gallery
My artwork is currently hanging at the Jester Park Nature Center now through April 🤍 This display features landscape and nature scenes, as well as pieces from my new series, Whispers of Grace, which reflects the quiet ways God meets us in moments of stillness and grace.
Live Painting at Hope + Elim Christmas Service
I’ll be live painting at Hope + Elims Christmas Eve service at 3 pm on December 24th!
Live Painting at Hope West Des Moines
I’ll be live painting at Hope West Des Moines Christmas Eve service at 3 pm on December 23rd!
Ruan Center Holiday Market
Come check out Ruan Centers Holiday Market in the Pavilion on December 11th from 10 am to 1 pm! See you there!
Artists Avenue Fine Arts Holiday Shopping
It's that time again! This fine arts event pops-up in The Sagewood with 10 Central Iowa fine artists sharing their works! Plus each day features its own "Special Addition" with more items for sale:
*Friday launches THE GALLERY CAFE with artists Patrick Leer and Andrew B. Clark
*Saturday features AUTHORS Ann Hanigan Kotz, Sharon Clark, and Tiffany Lauer.
Artists Avenue 2025 brings an even wider variety of art disciplines-- an extra day to shop-- and still all under one roof! Free & open to the public. Come check it out!
Friday December 5th 5-8 pm
Saturday December 6th 10am-4pm
CLASS: Mountains in Texture- Dimensional Landscapes
Saturday, November 1
10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Instructor: Courtney Moller
$65
Ages: 13+
In this expressive painting class, we’ll explore how to create bold, abstract mountain scenes using heavy body acrylics on raw canvas. You’ll learn how to layer paint for texture, blend sky colors for depth, and use palette knives or brushes to create movement and structure. We’ll finish with optional metallic accents or line work to make your piece pop.
MUST be registered & paid here.
CLASS: Color & Contrast- Building a Background
Wednesday, October 8
5:30-7:30 PM
Instructor: Courtney Moller
$50
Ages: 13+
In this beginner-friendly class, we’ll explore how to create a beautiful, harmonious background on raw canvas using a limited color palette. Then we’ll add stippling — a technique that uses tiny dots — to introduce texture, movement, and contrast. We’ll walk through the basics of color harmony and where to use stippling to enhance the overall piece.
MUST be registered & paid online here.
Worship Night
Join us for an extended time of worship, including music, a message, and prayer.
This event takes the place of the regular Saturday night Celebration Service.
The Nursery is available for children age 3 and under at all services.
All services are also livestreamed at HopeOnline.tv.
Live Painting at The Overflow
An offering of worship unto the Lord with a gospel sound, uniting diverse voices in harmony and hope. One Sound, One Spirit. Celebrating unity in diversity as a gift from the Spirit. Reflecting on the vision of being one church with one sound, using music styles that blend gospel and CCM to emphasize oneness. This service will include prayers for reconciliation in the church and the nation.
Art in the Park
Art in the Park 11th Annual Fine Art Festival is held in Founders' Park, alongside the Turkey River in historic downtown Elkader, Iowa. Experience the sights, tastes and sounds of this festival featuring 50+ local and regional artists.
Sunday 10am-3pm
Booth 31
Art Fair at the Iowa State Fair
I have the opportunity to be part of an interactive art experience in the Cultural Center Courtyard at the Iowa State Fair! I’ll be connecting with fairgoers through live art and conversation while displaying and selling my work alongside other talented Iowa artists. Can’t wait to celebrate creativity in such a vibrant setting! 🎡🌽
Waukee Arts Festival
The festival will open Friday, July 18 from 5pm-8pm, followed by a concert with The Nadas. The festival reopens Saturday
at 10am with artist vendors, day time music, food and beer trucks, and will conclude with our feature concert Rock a La Carte Queen Tribute.
Garden Art Fair
The Garden Art Fair at Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa is a beautiful summertime tradition where nature and creativity come together! Held on Saturday, July 13, this annual event features a curated selection of local and regional artists showcasing handcrafted goods—from paintings and pottery to jewelry, woodwork, garden décor, and more. Set against the stunning backdrop of Reiman Gardens, guests can shop unique art, explore the gardens in full bloom, and enjoy a relaxing day immersed in beauty and inspiration. Admission includes access to both the fair and the gardens!
Artist Residency at Creston Arts Center
I’m honored to be spending the week of June 23–30 as an artist-in-residence at the Creston Arts Center in Creston, Iowa! During this time, I’ll be diving into new creative work and connecting with the local community. I’ll also be doing a live demonstration on June 26th —come say hi, see the process in action, and learn more about my work and what inspires it!
Check out the Facebook event here: https://facebook.com/events/s/artist-in-residence-demonstrat/1612316009431719/
Art on the Square
Art on the Square is celebrating its 56th annual event this year in beautiful downtown Oskaloosa, Iowa! This long-standing community tradition brings together artists, makers, and creatives from all over the region for a one-day festival filled with art, music, food, and fun. Stroll the square, discover unique handmade pieces, enjoy live entertainment, and connect with local talent. Whether you’re an art collector or just love a great small-town event, you won’t want to miss this celebration of creativity and community spirit!
2025 Art Walk
The annual Art Walk is a great event that showcases downtown businesses as well as community artists. Discover the artwork of dozens artists including painters, jewelry makers, photographers, woodworkers, potters, sculptors, musicians, and much more.
I will be located in front of The Loft Resale which is located at 233 Main St. Ames, IA.