Something Creative Is Taking Shape
Building Expansion
For more than 40 years, the Ankeny Art Center has been bringing art to people and people to art through visual arts education, exhibitions, and community experiences. Now we are creating room for what comes next.
In September 2026, the Ankeny Art Center announced plans for a new, purpose-built facility in Uptown Ankeny, ushering in an exciting new chapter for the organization. Designed to meet the needs of a growing community, the new Art Center will expand access to arts programming, enhance accessibility, and create additional space for learning, creativity, and connection for generations to come.
The proposed nearly 10,000-square-foot facility at 315 Cherry Street would approximately double the Art Center’s current space, providing additional classrooms and pottery studios, expanded gallery and exhibition space, a community meeting room, an Art Center store, and opportunities for outdoor art and sculpture. More importantly, the new home would allow the Ankeny Art Center to serve more people as demand for arts education continues to grow.
“Ankeny has experienced extraordinary growth, and the opportunities available to our community have grown along with it,” said Steve Van Oort, president of the Ankeny Art Center Board of Directors. “This is an opportunity to create a permanent home for the arts that reflects the community Ankeny has become and where it is headed. We envision a place where people of all ages can learn, create, experience art and connect with one another.”
A New Home in the Heart of Ankeny
Growing Alongside the Community
Building the Vision
Together
Proposed Locations: 315 Cherry Street, Uptown Ankeny
The proposed location places the Ankeny Art Center in the heart of one of our community’s most active gathering places, near the Ankeny Market & Pavilion, High Trestle Trail, local businesses and community events.
The location would also strengthen the Art Center’s connection to the neighborhood, which hosts one of its signature annual community events, the Ankeny Art Center Arts Festival, each May.
Over the past three years, more than 35,000 people have participated in Ankeny Art Center classes, exhibitions, and events. Today, approximately 90% of Art Center classes are at capacity, limiting the organization’s ability to add classes and expand programming.
The proposed facility would include expanded programming for children and adults, additional classroom and pottery space, a larger gallery for school, community, and professional exhibitions, and improved accessibility for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Planning for an expanded Art Center has been underway for several years. In 2025, the organization conducted a feasibility study to assess community interest and support for creating a new facility.
“The response affirmed what we were hearing from our students, families, artists, and community partners: there is both a need and an opportunity to invest in the future of the arts in Ankeny,” said Don Zuck, Committee Fundraising co-chair. “That support has given the Board confidence to move this vision forward.”
The Ankeny Art Center is currently in the leadership phase of a capital campaign, working with individuals, businesses and community partners who share the vision for creating a permanent home for the arts in Ankeny. A broader community campaign will be announced at a later date.
The proposed project is estimated at $4.2 million. Construction would begin following completion of fundraising, with a groundbreaking target in 2027.
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Building Expansion Leadership Team
Bringing this vision to life is a community effort. The Ankeny Art Center’s Building Expansion Leadership Team is helping guide the project and build the partnerships and support needed to create a permanent home for the arts in northern Polk County.
Campaign Co-Chairs
Steve Van Oort, AAC Board President
Don Zuck, AAC Board Treasurer Treasurer
Building Expansion Leadership Team
Bill Catrenich, AAC Board Vice President
Jennifer Bowersox, AAC Board Secretary
Julie Mangels, AAC Board Member
Macy Vollmer, AAC Board Member