The Octagon Center of the Arts has since moved down the block a few spots. I recently wandered into…read morethe shop and the adjacent gallery that was featuring a sign history of Ames. Great Stuff.

I really love this place! Cool art store/gallery/space to rent!…read more I have enjoyed concerts, classes, and art shows here! The rooms are beautiful and big enough for a nice crew to be in, but not huge enough to make things not feel intimate! The store is full of hand made, art stuff! Like Prints, one of a kind things, local art, jewelry, kitchen items, books, dvd's, cd's you name it! If it's art they probably have it! Perfect store for gift shopping for the unique someone who has everything...

This was a fantastic museum to stumble upon in Mason City. We could have spent longer here looking…read moreat everything (but we were pressed for time). Bil Baird's puppets were my absolute favorite permanent collection. Such a variety of puppets - you'll even get to see some of the puppets featured in The Sound of Music from 1965. (If you've seen the movie, you'll recognize them immediately.) MacNider has the most extensive Bil Baird puppet collection anywhere in the world; I suspect it's because Bil grew up in Mason City. The museum resides in a Tudor-style home, previously a private residence and a convent. The house has gone through several renovations over the years. The original staircase is beautiful. The art outside the museum between it and the library is neat, too. If you're going to Mason City, take advantage of MacNider! Free admission.

Such a great museum. A must see when visiting Mason City…read more It's FREE, so no worries if you've just spent all your money at the local ice-cream shop. Donations only. Full of rich history and great exhibits. They even have a small gift shop with items made from local artist. Upstairs the Bill Baird puppets are on display. If you don't know who Bill Baird is, he's the guy who created the puppets for the movie.... The Sound Of Music. They have an Imagination playground for younger children and even a few local exhibits from artists all over the Mid-West. Some of the local exhibits change monthly. They also offer art classes like painting and pottery. Fun place to visit.

A MUST SEE while visiting Clear Lake! Not only a MUST SEE, but go BUY stuff!!…read more Open and accepting! This art center features local artists ware and some beautiful goods from far away. It's a huge place that offers classes - has a great studio space for an art exhibit (saw a fabulous one while there) - has a great space for local art AND a nice little store that sells local art for all budgets. (I bought an adorable pendant made by a local Iowan silver smith. If I could give this place 10 Stars I would! If I lived in Clear Lake I'd drag All my friends there! GO!

When in Clear Lake, I always make it a point to stop in to see what items I can add to my…read morecollection at home. While there are certainly lake-themed items made by local artists for sale, there's a little something for everyone - pottery, paintings, glass, paintings. A quaint establishment, it has a definite museum gift-shop feel (which I love) combined with a small gallery area exhibiting more high-end art pieces for sale. What I appreciate is the eclectic options in all price ranges for folks who appreciate unique pieces to add to their home collection. It's slightly off main street, so if you're touristing - make sure to walk the extra block out off the main drag. It's worth the visit.

I have seen so many amazing shows here. This All Ages venue definitely has a solid community behind…read moreit.

This is a fantastic stop as you travel to, or through, Pocahontas. Leonard is the owner and artist…read morehere and he is very welcoming to all visitors. He often hosts groups or families - email him ahead of time so that he can plan on you, or just drop in. The workshop is right in the store and Leonard is iii eager to show his skill and knowledge of kaleidoscopes and the art that he puts into making them. We got to watch him turn some pieces the lathe and assemble a larger kaleidoscope as well. There is a small retail section to the store where you can purchase your own kaleidoscope to take home too. We really enjoyed our visit here and recommend it to anyone passing through the area!

From the owner: I make handmade kaleidoscopes and other wooden toys.read more

Gayle and I are big fans of the NW Iowa art scene. Whether it be Hank Hall (formally of Art on 16th…read morein Spirit Lake), Dan Ruff, Perry Polson, or Jesse Bogenrief (just down the street), the artistic creativity is impressive and at very reasonable prices. Arts on Grand is a spacious shop and gallery that features some of the above artists and more. They're also part of the annual Artisan Road Trip that allows one to travel the Iowa back roads in search of artistic treasure. Gayle and I wander in when we're in town each summer, and usually come out with a work of art that's both stunning and something we don't have any room at home to display. But we usually figure that out later.

Amazing treasure for the creative spirit!!!!…read more I love, love, love this place. They staff is passionate about their work and it shows. The gift shop/gallery is a beautiful reflection of local artisians and I couldn't resist buying some gifts while there. Do yourself a favor and stop in to find out more about their classes, the gallery shows and the gift shop. It will feed your artistic soul.