Free New Art Exhibit

Exhibition Showing: October 2nd- November 26th
Opening Reception: Thursday, October 2nd 5:00-7:00pm

This exhibit will have works By Bob Cooper in the main gallery and the “Side By Side” Collaboration by Bob Schaefer & Jim Engler in the side gallery. The Ankeny Art Center gallery and receptions are free and open to the public. Wine and appetizers will be served.

Main Gallery: Bob creates traditional and contemporary functional woodworking & sculpture. Woodworking was a natural career choice for Bob, whose love of art and woodworking proved to be a rewarding combination. As a result of this passion, Bob formed his own company at age 18. Over a span of 30+ years, Bob developed his business into one which continues to earn national and international recognition.

His work has been published in Iowa Architect, Modern Salon, and Better Homes and Gardens. With his love of design, exotic woods, and his imaginative use of stains and colors, he has invented and developed innovative techniques in woodworking. His style could best be described as a combination of old-world craftsmanship and new-world design. His skill and versatility in woodworking allows him to produce millwork for commercial businesses, homes, salons, and restaurants as easily as he creates art pieces displayed in various galleries.


Side Gallery: The Side By Side exhibit is collaboration between two artists, one using graphite and ink drawings, one using black and white and color photos. These dual images may well lead viewers to a broader appreciation of a subject because of its being shown by more than one medium. Subjects include self-portraits, organic forms in nature, buildings and industrial settings. Thus, the 12 subjects depicted by these two techniques and two different sets of eyes are hung side by side in an exhibit of 24 pieces.

Bill Schaefer is an educator and photographer. His photography includes a wide range: documentary, photojournalism, portrait and landscape. Bill is a professor emeritus at Grand View University in Des Moines, where he taught photography for 30 years. He received a bachelors in education from Minot State University, and a masters and doctorate from Indiana University in Bloomington.

Jim Engler is a painter, caricaturist and an educator. His paintings in watercolor of acrylic focus mainly on landscape and cityscape. Jim’s style ranges from impressionism to abstraction, while his murals are more realistic. His caricatures are executed in either black ink or watercolor. Jim is a professor emeritus of art at Grand View University in Des Moines. He demonstrates painting and drawing techniques and also judges competitive art exhibitions. Jim’s artwork is held in private and corporate collections nationally and internationally. He received his BFA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and his MFA from Drake University.

The Ankeny Art Center is dedicated to promoting and supporting Iowa artists. If you’re interested in seeing outstanding artwork by local Iowa artists, stop by and visit our gallery at 1520 SW Ordnance Road, Ankeny. Our gallery hours are: Tu-Fr: 9a-1p, Th: 4p-7p, Sa: 9a-noon. For more information about our exhibitions, class schedules, events or volunteer opportunities, please visit us at www.AnkenyArtCenter.com or you can reach us by phone at 515-965-0940 or email at: ankenyarts@ankenyartcenter.com. Like us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/AnkenyArtCenter