International Sculpture Day returns to Des Moines on Saturday, April 26 with hands-on art and community fun

It was established by the International Sculpture Center and is meant to raise awareness, appreciation, and enjoyment of sculpture in communities across the globe. There are hundreds of events that include workshops, exhibitions, and artist talks.

The 2025 International Sculpture Day is free to the public and will be held Saturday, April 26, from 1-4 p.m. at the Inkfish Foundation/George C. Scott Studios located at 22220 7th Avenue South in downtown Des Moines (map below). It’s presented by the Des Moines Legacy Foundation and Inkfish Foundation, made possible by grants from 4Culture of King County.

International Sculpture Day event in Des Moines began in 2023 when local artists Fred Andrews of the Des Moines Legacy Foundation and George C. Scott, founder of the Inkfish Foundation, teamed up to combine their sculpture expertise to create projects that were perfect for the kids and families of our community.

The projects include creating your own glass sculpture in the Inkfish glass studio, conducted by the world famous glass artist, George C. Scott and his assistants. Mr. Scott works with small groups and the projects are suitable for children if accompanied by an adult. There will be more sculpture projects outside, where kids, families and adults are instructed in creating art with wood, paper, wire, and beads.

A new activity for kids of all ages is the “Laced Up for Legacy” Sneaker Painting and Decorating Workshop. Turn your favorite high tops, low tops, or plain old tennis shoes into wearable art!  Personalize them using paints, jewels, embroidery, patches, sequins, or with any of your own decorations to make your sneaker statement!

This workshop is a must for adults planning to attend the upcoming “Laced Up for Legacy” Bayside Sneaker Ball on Saturday, June 14 at Des Moines Yacht Club. It’s all to support and to enrich the quality of life for our local children, families, and seniors!

Every year there is a guest artist who displays their work and discusses their art with the visitors. This year our guest is local artist, Tom Valdez. Tom works in metal and is well known for his mobiles. And, don’t miss the various exhibitions and displays of sculptural work in the Inkfish Gallery and outside of the building.

Thanks to a two year Sustaining Arts Grant awarded by 4Culture of King County to the Legacy Foundation in 2023, funds were available to pay for ISDay guest artists and the creation and installation of a sculpture by local artist, Pat McVay.

Because of the many memorable community arts events and sculpture projects in the last two years, Fred on behalf of the Des Moines Legacy Foundation and George on behalf of Inkfish Foundation were honored with 4Culture’s new Doors Open Program Sustaining Arts Grants for years 2025-2027.  The grant funds will be used to advance the creation and understanding of art and its contribution to our community.

Bayside Sneaker Ball is June 14

Hey Des Moines Adults! You wont want to miss the “Laced up for Legacy” Bayside Sneaker Ball on June 14 at the Des Moines Yacht Club. It’s Legacy Foundation’s annual fundraiser featuring a Red Carpet step and repeat entrance with professional Photo Ops, live Podcast, live Jazz, Pop and Swing Entertainment on three stages, Dancing, Food and Drinks, Champagne hour, Silent Auction with Sports and other exciting items, one-of-a-kind Glass Sneaker, a Paddle Raise to support our children in need, and a Raffle of 2 Round-Trip Alaska Airline Tickets to anywhere Alaska Flies! Need we say more?

For more information about the Des Moines Legacy Foundation and how you can get involved in your community, visit www.DMLegacy.org, or scan this QR code:

Video

Watch fantastic scenes from past International Sculpture Days in Des Moines, courtesy Fred Andrews: