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The Indianola Public Arts Commission (IPAC) is excited to kick off “Illuminate Indianola,” a community-focused public art initiative that’s designed to help enhance the alleyway between 111 and 115 N Buxton Street to the Indianola Downtown Square.

Contributing to the vibrancy and welcoming atmosphere of the downtown district, and recognizing how dark the space becomes at night, this project will include lighting and murals on both the north and south walls in the alleyway. It aims to celebrate Indianola’s unique history with hot air ballooning and align with the broader theme of wonder and reflection found in the Wonder on Buxton sculptures – a separate public art project organized by Indianola Hometown Pride.

“It has been demonstrated over and over again that public art brings visitors to communities, boosts local economies and is a beautiful aesthetic benefit for all to enjoy. We are extremely excited to have a lighting artist work with our community members to create an original artwork to this dark alleyway,” said Bob Kling, vice chair of the Indianola Public Arts Commission. “Not only will it make a quick and safe walking area from one of the city’s parking lots to our Square, but it will become a destination for locals and visitors to marvel and enjoy.”

“Illuminate Indianola,” budgeted for $50,000, is funded thanks to a $25,000 grant award that IPAC received last year from Bravo Greater Des Moines, as well as through the commission’s own fundraising efforts and the generosity of donors. Following the review of submitted qualifications, proposals and concepts, IPAC selected Pennsylvania-based artist Lori Hepner to bring “Illuminate Indianola” to life.

IPAC presented the project and agreements to the Indianola City Council on December 19, 2024, receiving unanimous approval and support.

 

Hepner has experience with lighting art and plans to involve the community from the conceptualization stages to completion. The project plays with color and light, incorporating hues that shift throughout the day and night – much like the changing sky at sunrise and sunset. By combining the lightness of balloons with the theme of wonder, “Illuminate Indianola” will engage the public visually, emotionally and historically and foster a sense of pride in the community.

Scheduled installation for “Illuminate Indianola” is targeted between May to September 2025.

Community Workshop: Saturday, March 1

To start the process, Hepner will lead a community workshop on Saturday, March 1, at the Principal Black Box Theater at Simpson College. The purpose for the workshop is to incorporate the community’s movements and contributions into the final design for installation. It is geared to include people of all ages and abilities.

Sign up by clicking here.

Drop in with the whole family March 1 and register for one of the available time slots:  11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. or 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. 

View/Download Promotional Flyer (PDF)

Please visit the City of Indianola website at www.indianolaiowa.gov/IlluminateIndianola for project updates and more informational resources.

Want to Donate or Sponsor Project?

Additionally, IPAC continues to accept donations and sponsorships to support “Illuminate Indianola.”

If you are interested, please call Indianola City Hall at 515-961-9410 or email arts@indianolaiowa.gov.

Check Out Preliminary Project Sketches

The Indianola Public Arts Commission (IPAC) is excited to kick off “Illuminate Indianola,” a community-focused public art initiative that’s designed to help enhance the alleyway between 111 and 115 N Buxton Street to the Indianola Downtown Square.

Contributing to the vibrancy and welcoming atmosphere of the downtown district, and recognizing how dark the space becomes at night, this project will include lighting and murals on both the north and south walls in the alleyway. It aims to celebrate Indianola’s unique history with hot air ballooning and align with the broader theme of wonder and reflection found in the Wonder on Buxton sculptures – a separate public art project organized by Indianola Hometown Pride.

“It has been demonstrated over and over again that public art brings visitors to communities, boosts local economies and is a beautiful aesthetic benefit for all to enjoy. We are extremely excited to have a lighting artist work with our community members to create an original artwork to this dark alleyway,” said Bob Kling, vice chair of the Indianola Public Arts Commission. “Not only will it make a quick and safe walking area from one of the city’s parking lots to our Square, but it will become a destination for locals and visitors to marvel and enjoy.”

“Illuminate Indianola,” budgeted for $50,000, is funded thanks to a $25,000 grant award that IPAC received last year from Bravo Greater Des Moines, as well as through the commission’s own fundraising efforts and the generosity of donors. Following the review of submitted qualifications, proposals and concepts, IPAC selected Pennsylvania-based artist Lori Hepner to bring “Illuminate Indianola” to life.

IPAC presented the project and agreements to the Indianola City Council on December 19, 2024, receiving unanimous approval and support.

 

Hepner has experience with lighting art and plans to involve the community from the conceptualization stages to completion. The project plays with color and light, incorporating hues that shift throughout the day and night – much like the changing sky at sunrise and sunset. By combining the lightness of balloons with the theme of wonder, “Illuminate Indianola” will engage the public visually, emotionally and historically and foster a sense of pride in the community.

Scheduled installation for “Illuminate Indianola” is targeted between May to September 2025.

Community Workshop: Saturday, March 1

To start the process, Hepner will lead a community workshop on Saturday, March 1, at the Principal Black Box Theater at Simpson College. The purpose for the workshop is to incorporate the community’s movements and contributions into the final design for installation. It is geared to include people of all ages and abilities.

Sign up by clicking here.

Drop in with the whole family March 1 and register for one of the available time slots:  11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. or 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. 

View/Download Promotional Flyer (PDF)

Please visit the City of Indianola website at www.indianolaiowa.gov/IlluminateIndianola for project updates and more informational resources.

Want to Donate or Sponsor Project?

Additionally, IPAC continues to accept donations and sponsorships to support “Illuminate Indianola.”

If you are interested, please call Indianola City Hall at 515-961-9410 or email arts@indianolaiowa.gov.

Check Out Preliminary Project Sketches

The Indianola Public Arts Commission (IPAC) is excited to kick off “Illuminate Indianola,” a community-focused public art initiative that’s designed to help enhance the alleyway between 111 and 115 N Buxton Street to the Indianola Downtown Square.

Contributing to the vibrancy and welcoming atmosphere of the downtown district, and recognizing how dark the space becomes at night, this project will include lighting and murals on both the north and south walls in the alleyway. It aims to celebrate Indianola’s unique history with hot air ballooning and align with the broader theme of wonder and reflection found in the Wonder on Buxton sculptures – a separate public art project organized by Indianola Hometown Pride.

“It has been demonstrated over and over again that public art brings visitors to communities, boosts local economies and is a beautiful aesthetic benefit for all to enjoy. We are extremely excited to have a lighting artist work with our community members to create an original artwork to this dark alleyway,” said Bob Kling, vice chair of the Indianola Public Arts Commission. “Not only will it make a quick and safe walking area from one of the city’s parking lots to our Square, but it will become a destination for locals and visitors to marvel and enjoy.”

“Illuminate Indianola,” budgeted for $50,000, is funded thanks to a $25,000 grant award that IPAC received last year from Bravo Greater Des Moines, as well as through the commission’s own fundraising efforts and the generosity of donors. Following the review of submitted qualifications, proposals and concepts, IPAC selected Pennsylvania-based artist Lori Hepner to bring “Illuminate Indianola” to life.

IPAC presented the project and agreements to the Indianola City Council on December 19, 2024, receiving unanimous approval and support.

 

Hepner has experience with lighting art and plans to involve the community from the conceptualization stages to completion. The project plays with color and light, incorporating hues that shift throughout the day and night – much like the changing sky at sunrise and sunset. By combining the lightness of balloons with the theme of wonder, “Illuminate Indianola” will engage the public visually, emotionally and historically and foster a sense of pride in the community.

Scheduled installation for “Illuminate Indianola” is targeted between May to September 2025.

Community Workshop: Saturday, March 1

To start the process, Hepner will lead a community workshop on Saturday, March 1, at the Principal Black Box Theater at Simpson College. The purpose for the workshop is to incorporate the community’s movements and contributions into the final design for installation. It is geared to include people of all ages and abilities.

Sign up by clicking here.

Drop in with the whole family March 1 and register for one of the available time slots:  11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. or 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. 

View/Download Promotional Flyer (PDF)

Please visit the City of Indianola website at www.indianolaiowa.gov/IlluminateIndianola for project updates and more informational resources.

Want to Donate or Sponsor Project?

Additionally, IPAC continues to accept donations and sponsorships to support “Illuminate Indianola.”

If you are interested, please call Indianola City Hall at 515-961-9410 or email arts@indianolaiowa.gov.

Check Out Preliminary Project Sketches

Whip It Good Catering is excited to be hosting "Call Me Chef! Kids Cooking Classes again! Please read below for important information:

• Classes held at Whip It Good Catering, 110 South Howard Street, Indianola, Iowa
• Designed for kids ages 3-14 (give or take depending on child).
• An adult will be required to attend with the kids.
• Kids will prepare a full family meal that feeds 4-5 people. Meals will be prepared in disposable pans and ready for your ovens at home.  
• Kids will receive a paper chef's hat, disposable apron, and ceritificate of completion.
• Cost is $60 per child
  • $25 per additional child if they want to prepare and share the same meal
  • If they each want to prepare their own meals then they will need to each register at the $60 level
  • Payment is required no later than 1 week prior to the class. If you do not submit payment, your spot may be released.

With just a handful of key concepts, Changemakers can enable change in an organization in a way that protects business interests, empowers people, and simplifies the process. Join us in this session to learn more.

Changemakers are the individuals who put the good of the organization first, make authentic human connection, and consistently treat change as a process, not an event. They make things happen.

More often than not, though, Changemakers get stuck. There’s not enough budget. Our projects keep falling behind. We rarely stick to a change when we propose one. Someone is always upset about an initiative. Is there a better way? Yes!

This jam packed and engaging session will give you the tools and techniques for a better way…

• For change
• To get more done
• To bring people along

By attending this course, participants will:

• Gain tools to help you improve your influence
• Encounter a simple, easy-to-apply model for talking about one of the most disruptive forces at work
• Enable you to identify and empower changemakers around you

Join us for an exciting in-person event - The WeLIFT Expereince Incarceration Simulation Training! Get ready to experience the mental battle of incarceratioon as you step into the shoes of a inmates and returning citizens. Located at 2604 N Jefferson Way, Indianola, IA, USA, this event promises an unforgettable experience.

Immerse yourself in realistic scenarios designed to test your skills and decision-making abilities. From high-pressure situations to critical thinking exercises, this training will challenge you to think on your feet and make split-second decisions.

We aim to represent a realistic landscape of what individuals face upon incarceration. By experiencing these complex obstacles and barriers, we not only gain visibility into the various individual perspectives, but also discover innovative ways to create safer work and living environments, ultimately leading to a reduction in prison violence and recidivism.

Whether you're an aspiring law enforcement officer, work in reentry or simply curious about the work of sheriffs and police, this event is perfect for you. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to step into the world of incarceration. Mark your calendars and join us for an action-packed day!

9-10am- Networking /  Introductions
10-11am- Experience Incarceration Simulation
11am-12pm- Reentry Simulation
12-1pm- Lunch
1-2pm- Panel Discussion & Questions

Overview
At countless moments during the day, we have the opportunity to choose a coach approach with our coworkers or employees. Coaching in the moment allows us to reinforce praise-worthy behaviors, prevent future discord, or give others the opportunity to consider their actions or circumstances in a new way. Sometimes, we shy away from coaching conversations because we’re not sure how to start or feel we don’t have the authority. Let’s explore incorporating coaching as a mindset, recognizing there are various moments for pausing to take a coach approach. We’ll practice using multiple tools and models you can incorporate into your day-to-day right away!

Objectives
By attending this series, participants will:

• Incorporate coaching as a mindset
• Be exposed to coaching tools and models
• Recognize there are various moments and opportunities for taking a coach approach
• Practice coaching & grow your “coaching muscle”

Whether it’s a simple switch or a major move, change can cause disruption, but it doesn’t have to cause dysfunction. With just a handful of key concepts, anyone can help enable change in an organizational context in a way that protects both the people and the business, and doesn’t create unnecessary pain. Join us in this half-day session to learn more.

I now consider myself a Patch Maker!

I have always loved doing patches but never knew how easy it could be with the right product. I have fallen in love with Dime Patch Twill, Patch Attach, Exquisite Heavy Duty Water Soluble Stabilizer and of course Patch and Applique Maker software. I would love to introduce all these new products

call to reserve your chair 515-961-5162

ALSO

Bring your laptop * Class size is limited so call and register.

10:30 to 12:30 or 6:30 to 8:30

Class fee $30.00

unless you purchased your Palette 11 from The Stitching Place

then as always its free!

I now consider myself a Patch Maker!

I have always loved doing patches but never knew how easy it could be with the right product. I have fallen in love with Dime Patch Twill, Patch Attach, Exquisite Heavy Duty Water Soluble Stabilizer and of course Patch and Applique Maker software. I would love to introduce all these new products

call to reserve your chair 515-961-5162

ALSO

Bring your laptop * Class size is limited so call and register.

10:30 to 12:30 or 6:30 to 8:30

Class fee $30.00

unless you purchased your Palette 11 from The Stitching Place

then as always its free!

The Indianola Noon Lions are rallying the community to help stock the shelves at the Indianola Helping Hand Food Pantry and the Indianola High School Food Bank with a fun and meaningful Cereal Box Fundraiser!

How It Works

• Donate unopened boxes of ready-to-eat cereal (all brands welcome!)
• On March 14, middle school students will create a massive cereal box domino display at Blake Field House before donating them to local food pantries.
• The event aims to raise awareness and garner media coverage to highlight food insecurity in our community.

How to Donate

• Middle School Students 0 Bring a box of cereal as admission o the February 7th School Dance
• Drop off cereal boxes at the Middle School front office from February 7 to March 12
• Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to join in by donating
• Monetary donations are accepted – make checks payable to Indianola Noon Lions (write “Cereal Box Dominoes” in the memo) and mail to:
• Indianola Noon Lions, PO Box 27, Indianola, IA 50125

There is no additional charge for members to participate, however the group is limited by size and industry. Membership to the group is annual and members must commit to coming to 90% of the meetings, which are held every month from 11:30-1:00 pm in the RODAN Board Room at the Chamber office, located at 2830 100th Street, Ste #110., Urbandale..

Reservations to participate monthly are required.

Please contact Tiffany Menke (tmenke@urbandalechamber.com) if you are interested in participating in this group.  Cost is $50 per year.

Overview
Some meetings – and some meeting participants – are really tough! Gain and practice proven techniques to protect the productivity of the meeting and keep things moving forward well, even in the face of resistance, hostility, apathy, attempted domination, and other unprofessional behaviors. In this full-day workshop, we’ll weave stories of disruptive behavior into techniques of how to manage them with grace. Keeping in mind the essentials of any effective meeting and supplementing those critical foundations with advanced techniques to use when the meeting is at a standstill.

Objectives

By attending this course, participants will…

• Practice anticipating and preparing for the challenges that will most likely occur in your meeting environment
• Gain proven techniques as a facilitator to keep your cool under fire
• Practice regaining control in a safe environment, so you can be ready when the next meeting turns unpleasant
• Gain tools you can use to help others manage better meetings

Putt Putt & Pints 2025 is a one-of-a-kind mini-golf experience that brings teams together for an afternoon of friendly competition, local brews, and community fun. Hosted by Indianola Young Professionals, this annual event turns Indianola’s favorite bars into a unique mini-golf course, where teams of four compete for prizes, including awards for the best overall scores and the most creative team outfits.

Participants can register a team for $140, with a chance to secure an exclusive event T-shirt by signing up before March 10.

Beyond the competition, Putt Putt & Pints offers businesses an opportunity to get involved through sponsorship, providing valuable visibility while supporting the growth of young professionals in the community. Sponsors receive the following

• Branding on event T-shirts
• Recognition across social media
• Recognition on Indianola Young Professionals Webpage on Indianola Chamber's Website
• Indianola Chamber newsletter
• Complimentary team entry.

With great drinks, exciting prizes, and a lively atmosphere, Putt Putt & Pints is the perfect way to connect with others while giving back to local initiatives. Must be 21+ to participate.
 

Proudly Presented By:

Thank you to our sponsors!