As we celebrate our 25th anniversary by hosting Monday evening’s dsm Magazine Unveiling Party, you know the event is going to have the unforgettable flair and depth of purpose Silent Rivers is known for. Get ready for an event like no other!
Here’s the scoop on food, beverages, art and entertainment that our visionary founder Chaden Halfhill has curated (with help from many!) for an incredible evening celebrating the power of inspiration and connection.
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The significance of the venue at 1601 6th Avenue
See it before its revitalization: A sneak peek at 1601 6th Ave.
At the corner of 6th and College Ave, in one of our city’s most culturally diverse neighborhoods, is an 1888 building with historical significance in our community. As the former North Des Moines City Hall, townspeople congregated here at 1601 6th Ave for important discussions on annexations and the expansion of Des Moines. Recently gutted in preparation for neighborhood revitalization being led by the non-profit organization 6th Avenue Corridor, this beautifully raw space will be transformed for an inspiring event celebrating the power of connection within our community.
The creative engine of Silent Rivers is partnering with several area vendors, artists, sponsors and organizations to give life to this event. Art exhibits on the upper floor, a beautiful bar and stage on the main floor, and an amazing menu under the tents in the courtyard alongside the entertainment stage are poised for a memorable evening.
Because this is an indoor/outdoor event in an unfinished space, comfortable clothing and shoes are suggested. Valet parking and self parking are available.
Food & beverages with cultural flair
Perhaps you’re already a fan of the beloved Mexican restaurant in this neighborhood. If not, you will be after Monday night! Tacos La Familia is serving some of their most famous dishes, including four different kinds of tacos: Asada, Alpastor, Pollo, and Chorizo. Their delicious Consomé lamb stew is also on the menu!
Desserts by Samba Cakes & More include Brigadiers, also known as Brazilian truffles, as well as Beihinho, which are little coconut kisses that people rave about.
The amazing BLK & Bold beverage company is serving fair-trade coffee and premium organic teas. Definitely check out Pernell and Rod’s incredible mission to offer quality beverages and support community with their focus on assisting urban youth in defying odds in their pursuit of living their best lives. What an incredible organization!
And, The Wine Wagen will be present in their Volkswagen bus to do the pouring for the evening! We love what they do and the good vibe they create.
Art exhibits with empowering messages
You know any event that includes both dsm Magazine and Silent Rivers will have incredible art! Here is a sampling of artists who will be exhibiting in the upper floor. Notice a theme of powerfully subtle social justice and self-connection undertones.
Kelly Boon will be exhibiting large, colorful work from her moving PEARL Project.
Kelly Boon, artist with the PEARL Project, which stands for People Engaging in the Arts Rejoicing in Life, will exhibit her giant, colorful abstracts and portraits symbolizing women rising above challenges to become empowered. Kelly describes the PEARL Project as “the prophecy of all faiths and religions to unite humanity in love as we co-create a vibrant world for the 7th generation and beyond.” To see how her work was inspired, see this YouTube video.
Karla Conrad will be exhibiting an incredible collection of her photos.
A sneak peek at the symbolic butterfly wings Zentangle artist Paula Egan is creating.
Karla Conrad, well-known local photographer, will exhibit MELANCHOLIA: A Fortunate Rebirth. This is a collection of photography created while Karla healed in mind, body, and spirit from past traumas. Described by the artist as “A visual study of the awakening process. With a conscious focus on the symbols Mother Earth provides along the path.”
Mandala artist Paula Egan is creating 5’x3′ butterfly wings in her signature style of Zentanlge Inspired Art that attendees can photograph themselves in front of as a symbol of migration and cultural diversity that inspires us to consider our ancestry.
Stay tuned in the next few days for details on more artists, including Robert Moore, Deshara, Iven Jones, Sandra Gustafson, Amy Putney Koenig and ASAP Arts – Moulton Elementary, who are also joining this incredible event!
The upper floor art gallery will feature work by many artists, including (clockwise from upper left) Iven Jones, Gary Usovsky, Robert Moore, Jill Wells, Sandra Gustafson and Amy Putney Koenig (center).
Entertainment representing 10 different countries!
The courtyard at 1601 6th Ave is being prepared for an incredible mix of talent! CultureALL, the premier resource for cultural programming in central Iowa, is bringing together 12 cultural ambassadors representing 10 different countries, including the amazing Emmett Phillips!
Hip Hop poet Emmett Phillips teaching in our community, Bollywood dancer Pragnya Yogesh, and Peruvian pan flute artist Cucho Madero.
Emmett Phillips is a dynamic multi-disciplinary performance artist with a passion for spoken word poetry, theater, and Hip Hop. When he isn’t performing in poetry slams, Hip Hop concerts, or local plays, Emmett shares his time and talent with organizations like Oakridge Neighborhood, CultureALL, and Movement 515 as a youth educator and teaching artist.
CultureALL Ambassadors provide interactive experiences for schools, businesses, and community organizations that celebrate diversity, stimulate dialogue, and create connections that strengthen our community. Could there be any better fit for our 25th anniversary celebration?!
In addition to Emmett Phillips, Monday night’s ambassadors include Mohammad Ghnem (Jordan), Blanca Guerrero (Mexico), RJ Hernandez (Mexico), Phoebe Liang D’Alessandro (China), Cucho Madero (Peru), Sonal Mistry (India), Vinh Nguyen (Vietnam), Ana Rodriguez (Mexico), Josie Shaw (Kenya), Clemen Wilcox (Colombia) and Pragnya Yogesh (India).
And if that weren’t enough, you’ll also catch the creative music of Dartanyan!
Part art and part entertainment is the actual unveiling of the next dsm magazine. A giant cover of the new issue will be veiled with an art installation until the moment of the dramatic reveal. Leave with your copy of the magazine and a memento of the inspiration you’ll experience this Monday evening.
