eleanor kahn design
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[Color Your Palate]

Color Your Palate: A Block P-Art-Y Event Series was the culmination of the first artist-in-residency program in Des Moines, IA. Eleanor Kahn was selected as the artist to partner with local non-profit, Invest DSM, to focus on one of their special investment districts and lift up their revitalization and place making efforts with art. Kahn chose to focus in the Dogtown Business District, part of the larger Drake Neighborhood. Partnerships were established with business owners and the artist to establish goals of the business district and surrounding stakeholders. The colorful sidewalk art was designed to bring color and joy to the business district while adding an interactive component that invited the public to answer the question “What’s for Dinner?” Additionally, 6 block parties were thrown around the neighborhood and included the same sidewalk painting activity, all executed by neighbors who live in the Drake Neighborhood. The squiggly line motif was replicated and helped to visually thread together all corners of the neighborhood. This motif also encourages visitors and neighbors alike to take time and explore the beautiful area in which they live!

This artist-in-residency and subsequent parties brought together several Des Moines organizations that contribute to the city and the neighborhood alike to build community and push the value of art in neighborhoods forward. Participating organizations included: Invest DSM, Bravo Greater Des Moines, the Drake Neighborhood Association, Group Creative Services, Drake University, West Side Chamber and the Dogtown Business District.

 [color your palate]

Eleanor Kahn was selected as Des Moines, Iowa’s first Artist-in-Residence. The residency was created by Invest DSM, Bravo Greater Des Moines and Group Creative Services. Color Your Palate was the culmination project that brought together Drake neighbors and Dogtown business through a series of block parties featuring interactive sidewalk art! See below for more info.

Color Your Palate: A Block P-Art-Y Event Series was the culmination of the first artist-in-residency program in Des Moines, IA. Eleanor Kahn was selected as the artist to partner with local non-profit, Invest DSM, to focus on one of their special investment districts and lift up their revitalization and place making efforts with art. Kahn chose to focus in the Dogtown Business District, part of the larger Drake Neighborhood. Partnerships were established with business owners and the artist to establish goals of the business district and surrounding stakeholders. The colorful sidewalk art was designed to bring color and joy to the business district while adding an interactive component that invited the public to answer the question “What’s for Dinner?” Additionally, 6 block parties were thrown around the neighborhood and included the same sidewalk painting activity, all executed by neighbors who live in the Drake Neighborhood. The squiggly line motif was replicated and helped to visually thread together all corners of the neighborhood. This motif also encourages visitors and neighbors alike to take time and explore the beautiful area in which they live!

This artist-in-residency and subsequent parties brought together several Des Moines organizations that contribute to the city and the neighborhood alike to build community and push the value of art in neighborhoods forward. Participating organizations included: Invest DSM, Bravo Greater Des Moines, the Drake Neighborhood Association, Group Creative Servives, Drake University, West Side Chamber and the Dogtown Business District.