Each year, community artists of all ages and skill levels create 80+ 2′ x 2′ paintings following a theme that connects to the prairie. All the artwork is then mounted in the 9-acre restored Iowa prairie at the Wallace Farm. Walk along the grassy prairie paths, around the farm pond and next to the orchard during this self-guided tour from May 31 to October 1. Admission is free and the exhibit is open dawn to dusk. (Buildings and restrooms are open M-F 9 to 3.)

A great time to see the display is during our Friday night Pizza on the Prairie event, May 31 to September 26. Seating is limited so reservations are required for this event.

Thanks to the Knock Family Charitable Fund for support of this exhibit.

The 2025 theme: “Prairie Faces”.

Starting March 25, we provide a primed board to anyone in the community (while supplies last) with pick up at the Wallace House in Des Moines or the Wallace Farm near Orient. You create your work and return it to either location by Friday, May 16. Each board costs $10 and you can claim your artwork after the exhibit is over in October.

This year, you can have your art board turned into a one-of-a-kind birdhouse at the end of the season for an additional $25. Birdhouses will be available for pickup after December 15 and we will email you when yours is ready.

This one-page handout provides all the guidelines you need to know before creating your masterpiece: 2025 artist instructions

Under Upcoming Events, click on “Reserve Your Board(s)” to place your order, choose your pick up location and pay online.