OCTAGON HOURS
OCTAGON HISTORY The Octagon Center for the Arts, an outgrowth of the Ames Society for the Arts, is a non-profit organization which began on January 23, 1966. Its original home was in a 100-year-old octagonal house. The center quickly expanded from one floor in the house, to taking over the entire building. The house's location did not lend itself to further expansion and with the help of over 100 volunteers and the Ames Homebuilders Association, the Octagon moved to the second floor of a Main Street business.
In 1973, the Octagon once again outgrew its space and purchased the basement and the first two floors of the "Masonic Building," as it was called, on the corner of 5th Street and Douglas Avenue. In 1974, the Octagon Museum Shop was organized to promote and consign the works of local and regional artists. In 1978, when the Masons vacated the third floor of the building, the Octagon purchased the space and the Main Street site was no longer utilized. In 1980, a development campaign raised over $200,000 to help remodel the building. Since 1980, building improvements have been on a smaller scale.
OCTAGON VISION
The founders of the Octagon visualized an art center that would foster active participation in the arts by providing a place where the arts are taught to people of all ages; to give serious practicing artists a meeting place to work together, exchange ideas, and discuss common interests; and to offer activities that would stimulate the appreciation of the arts.
The Octagon board and staff believe that the arts education is fundamental to achieving their public purpose. Arts education includes education through the arts, about the arts and creating art. While art education is critical for young people, continuing education in the arts can keep adult minds growing and older citizens engaged and vital.
Membership in the Octagon has grown to approximately 400 and our current service area includes Ames, Story County and also six surrounding counties as well. The City of Ames, through Ames Commission on the Arts, and the Iowa Arts Council generously provides general operation grants. Area businesses and individuals also support the Octagon by sponsoring exhibits, programs, and special events that otherwise might not be affordable.
For more than three decades, the Octagon has steadfastly worked to make the arts more accessible to the general public. We enhance people's lives by encouraging individual creativity, spirit, and potential. The Octagon continues to contribute to the quality of life and economic growth of the Ames community by making it a more livable and prosperous place.
OCTAGON FUNDING
Approximately 50-55% of the Octagon budget comes from self-generated sources, including membership, special events, education programs and retail art shop sales. Of the remaining 45-50%, approximately 25-30% of funding comes from individuals and businesses, 15% comes from Iowa Arts Council partnerships and Ames Commission on the Arts grants, and 5% comes from the endowment revenues.
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