The Ankeny Art Center is pleased to present “Vulnerable Strength”, works by Virginia Ocken in the main gallery and “Floral Fairy Tales”, works by Art Martinez, in the side gallery.  Both exhibits open June 17 with and opening reception to take place Saturday June 20 from 6 to 9 pm for Art Martinez and a separate opening Saturday July 18 from 6 to 9 for Virginia Ocken.  Hors Devours will be provided. 

Main Gallery

The experience of creating art… for Ocken can be spontaneous, fluid, or intense, whether from elements of art, from personal emotions, or from spiritual connections to that which touches us, smiles at our struggles, and holds our hand at every risk—that element… some would call god.  Virginia's experience—nearly always includes figures.  Figures—are living forms treading on one’s soul, offering only their quiet sensitivities—vehicles to express human states of being, stages of life and relationships, and moments of inter-connectedness--moments of VULNERABLE STRENGTH.

Side Gallery

Art Martinez was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa.  He is a self taught artist who didn't really get started in his art career until after retirement.  He is very much involved w/ ALAS - Association of Latino Artists and is also an artist instructor volunteer for Veterans Affairs Day Program. 

His works feature a mix of floral and figurative studies where in an almost dream like sequence you might see a woman dancing in the stem of a rose.  He has exhibited extensively a the Latino Heritage Festival, DMACC, Grand View College, Witter Gallery in Storm Lake, Gov. Culver's Inaugural Ball, Pegasus Gallery, and also completed a community mural in Red Oak, IA

All Exhibits and Events at AAC are free and open to the public.

Past Exhibitions

Upcoming Exhibitions

Kem Tan Bappe - August 18-October 10

Robert Mullinex - August 18-October 10

AAC Annual Photo Contest - Oct 15-November 20

Tim Wirth - November 25-December 30

Rebecca Scholl - November 25-December 30

Jane Elgin and Judith Veeder - Jan 5-Feb 7, 2010

Josh Schwake - May 2010

Jeff Bonker - May 2010

Mary Kline Misol - June 2010

Gary Tonhouse - July 2010

Kyle Tyhe - August 2010

Past Exhibitions