Main image above: “Everyone Knows The Dance AKA Banana Split” by Pam Hibbs

AMES, Iowa — When Pam Hibbs’ daughter, Ella, died from leukemia in 2010, it was a turning point in Hibbs’ life. Six years later on her 50th birthday, Hibbs would mark the milestone by picking up her paintbrush — something she hadn’t done since graduating from Iowa State University decades ago. Painting again helped her cope with the loss of her daughter and reclaim her identity as an artist.

Pam Hibbs

Hibbs, of Des Moines, received her bachelor of fine arts in art and design from Iowa State in 1989. Until 2016, however, her only interaction with the arts was as a collector of others’ work.

“Returning to painting was therapeutic at first and rekindled my love for the medium,” Hibbs said. “It felt like I had never stopped painting, even though there was a gap of decades in my painting practice. I hope I can serve as a reminder to people that it’s never too late to change the direction of your life and career.” 

Hibbs’ pieces are influenced by abstract expressionists of the 1960s and street artists of the 1980s. She layers graffiti-inspired lettering over abstract paintings using acrylic markers and paint. 

This weekend, Hibbs will exhibit her work as an Emerging Artist at the Des Moines Arts Festival, one of the premiere arts festivals in the nation. She is one of six Iowa State alumni and a current graduate student who are among the 190 artists selected to participate in the prestigious outdoor festival this year.

“I’m really looking forward to showing my work to the public and hearing their feedback,” said Hibbs, whose booth (GS19) will be located on Grand Avenue South. “I have new pieces I’ve been working on for the past year, so getting those paintings to the festival is going to be exciting.”

2024 Des Moines Arts Festival 

The event will take place June 28–30 in downtown Des Moines’ Western Gateway Park. Hours are 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. 

Graphic design graduate student Mira Jung, pictured at last year’s Des Moines Arts Festival, returns in the professional artists category this year.

In addition to Hibbs, Iowa State-affiliated participants include:

  • Mary Christian, who received a BFA in graphic design in 2013, Booth GN11 
  • Mira Jung, graphic design graduate student, Booth GN45 
  • Lynn Krause, who received a BA in graphic design in 1984, Booth LN26 
  • Jen Lawler, who received a BFA in art and design in 1995, Booth LN36
  • Audrey Stirling, who received a BFA in integrated studio arts in 2023, Booth EIA 4
  • Chris Vance, who received a BFA in visual studies in 2000, Booth LS18C 

This will be Stirling’s second appearance as an Emerging Iowa Artist. She will give a jewelry demonstration at her booth at noon on Friday, June 28. Jung, who was awarded Best in Show in the Emerging Iowa Artists category last year, returns to exhibit her work in the professional artists category. 

Contacts

Pam Hibbs, 1989 Art and Design Graduate and Artist, pamhibbspaint@gmail.com
Lauren Johnson, College of Design Communications Specialist, laujohn2@iastate.edu

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