For nearly 23 years, Heather Johnson has been a driving force behind the Octagon Center for the Arts, shaping its growth and impact on Ames. Since joining the Octagon, she has played a pivotal role in organizing the Octagon Art Festival since 2002 and has led as Executive Director since 2009. Her leadership has fostered a vibrant arts culture that continues to flourish in Downtown Ames.
The Heart of Ames’ Arts Scene
Since its founding in 1966, the Octagon Center has been a cultural cornerstone, serving over 30,000 people annually through art classes, outreach initiatives, exhibits, and its popular retail gallery shop. One of the most anticipated events each year is the Octagon Art Festival, which will celebrate its 54th year on September 28, 2025, drawing an estimated 10,000 visitors to Downtown Ames.
The Octagon Shop supports local and regional artists, featuring handcrafted works by nearly 175 artists, primarily from Iowa. Its galleries showcase about 380 artists across 12 annual exhibitions, spanning all ages and disciplines.
Education remains central to the Octagon’s mission, offering diverse classes, workshops, and outreach programs. A major initiative is the 7th Business of Art Conference in March 2025, in partnership with the Ames Community Arts Council, aimed at equipping artists with entrepreneurial skills.
Expanding Opportunities for Artists
A key milestone was the 2024 third-floor renovation, transforming unused space into a creative hub. Funded by local donors and the City of Ames’ Arts Capital Grant Program, this project provides essential studio space. In collaboration with Iowa State University’s College of Design, six MFA students utilize a shared co-working space, while five private studios support local artists.
The Arts as a Catalyst for Growth
Johnson envisions Ames as a hub for creative placemaking, where arts and culture enhance community life and economic growth. She notes that for every $1 invested in the arts, there is a $7 return. Public art is thriving, with Johnson helping assist with the Ames Murals Project, a collaboration with The Ames Foundation to turn downtown into an open-air art gallery.
A Vision for the Future
Committed to artistic accessibility and education, Johnson continues to build partnerships that expand opportunities for artists and the community.
“I’m passionate about the Octagon’s mission to inspire creativity, innovation, and problem-solving,” she says. “This is a place that nurtures what could be possible.” As the Octagon evolves, it remains a beacon of creativity and collaboration in Ames, shaping its cultural future for generations to come.
Learn more about the Octagon Center for the Arts on their website: www.octagonarts.org
