Gallery Night has grown into a popular community event. It is one of the largest merchant events in Historic Valley Junction and a terrific opportunity to rediscover this eclectic shopping district. The galleries of Historic Valley Junction offer original artwork, custom jewelry, ceramics, glass, furniture, folk art, and fine art reproductions, as well as many other one-of-a-kind objects. Gallery Night supports many locally owned businesses and showcases the community of Historic Valley Junction.

In addition to the galleries, many other Valley Junction shops and restaurants will be open for business.

MAP

THE GALLERIES

THE RAAZ | 201 5th

“Nuestra Familia” The Mexican American Legacy of the Historic Valley Junction Community, Vince Valdez, Curator and Historian

“The Raaz” is named in honor of Herman and Anna Craig Raaz, the founders of West Bank in 1893. “Nuestra Familia” is the initial presentation of exhibits and events envisioned for this historic building, the original West Bank and the oldest brick building in Historic Valley Junction.

This stunning collection of black-and-white photographs features the Mexican American families who came to “the Junction in the Valley” in the late 1800s, building a community and making it their home.
Just as the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers intertwine, these early families came
together, looking for opportunity as the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad was built. Progress followed, and in 1893 Valley Junction was incorporated.

2AU LIMITED | 200 5th

Ann Au, owner of 2AU Limited, offers her clients the ultimate personal experience in creating gorgeous jewelry featuring unique precious and semi-precious gemstones. Valley Junction has been home to 2AU since 1993, but Au has been in the jewelry business for 42 years. From exquisite pearls, diamonds, and precious gemstones to one-of-a-kind semi-precious gems, Ann Au has a passion for selecting the finest quality stones with which to design.

THE SPICE & TEA EXCHANGE | 218 5th

Bree Daggett is a ceramic artist based out of West Des Moines, IA. Her work centers on functional pottery characterized by simple forms and intentional design. With a background in printmaking, Bree expanded her interests to pottery 8 years ago. She has been teaching pottery classes at Kunzler Studios for 3 years.

OLSON-LARSEN GALLERIES | 542 5th

Established in 1979, Olson-Larsen Galleries is a contemporary gallery representing over 60 professional Midwestern artists. We are a full-service gallery providing everything from initial assessment, proposals, and selection of art to conservation framing, delivery and installation, documentation, and appraisals on artwork sold. All services are rendered by an excellent in-house staff, educated and experienced in the arts.

KUNZLER STUDIOS & GALLERY | 324 5th

Kunzler Studios, in collaboration with The Least of These Foundation, is proud to present “My Voice”; an art show five years in the making featuring work by seven artists with diverse abilities. Kunzler Studios is a ceramics studio and art gallery that features local artwork and ceramics from the members of the Des Moines Pottery Collective. We offer pottery, painting and drawing classes, as well as various art workshops.

KAVANAUGH ART GALLERY | 228 5th

A family owned and operated fine art gallery and frame shop.

AOK ANTIQUES/ATOMIC BLONDE MID CENTURY MODERN GALLERY | 124 5th

Two floors full and a sculpture garden filled with a curated collection of period antiques, country store advertising, toys, neon, jewelry, fine art, sculptures, & Mid-Century Modern home furnishings