What a turnout for the Silent Rivers 25th Anniversary and dsm Magazine Unveiling Party!
The good energy created through art, culture, people and community at this celebration was a true testament to Silent Rivers values. The event’s creativity and inclusivity inspired a deeper connection to this little area of the planet we call home.
The former North Des Moines City Hall in the 6th Avenue Corridor was once again a happening place on October 29, 2018 — perhaps as it was back in 1888 — as several hundred people gathered for the Silent Rivers 25th Anniversary on a beautiful autumn evening. Here are photo highlights of the experience created through a culturally diverse mix of food, entertainment and art in a raw space ready to receive the love of community.
Celebrating connection
The courtyard of 1601 6th Avenue was full of people enjoying interaction with each other and the CultureALL Ambassadors. Select pieces of artwork hung against the building as a prelude to the art gallery found inside. Honoring the City’s late request to ensure construction site safety by limiting the number of people in the building, attendees lined up for small-group hard hat tours while continuing to mingle, sip wine and listen to the music.
Once inside this now-gutted historic building, an amazing exhibit by local artists was experienced against the backdrop of lathe walls and unfinished space. 6th Avenue Corridor Executive Director Breann Bye shared the building’s significant history along with architectural drawings showing the building’s potential to become a gathering space, gallery, venue or other type of live/work space.
The courtyard stage featured delightfully mellow Peruvian and Mexican music by Cucho Madero and RJ Hernandez before being revved up by hip-hop poet Emmett Phillips. Then the microphone was turned over to Kris Maggard, publisher of dsm Magazine, who eloquently thanked Silent Rivers for creating such a meaningful Unveiling Party and congratulated us on our 25 years in business. She then introduced Chaden Halfhill who, with heartfelt passion, shared the vision of Silent Rivers and the importance of “connection” that enables us to be a remodeling and construction company that uses our art to inspire a higher understanding of self in relation to home, community and planet.
RJ Hernandez and Cucho Madero
Emmett Phillips
Chaden Halfhill
Then it was the moment of the big unveiling of the November/December dsm Magazine cover! Editor Christine Riccelli, cover photographer Paige Peterson and cover model Samiya Abu-Youm — who is actually a student and athlete rather than a career model — gave the cue. The giant “Connection” tapestry was lifted by rope and pulley to reveal the stunning cover. You could hear the unified awe expressed by the crowd! It was a perfect cover at an unveiling party celebrating cultural diversity in our community. Everyone loved that connection, which wasn’t even planned between Silent Rivers and dsm. We all took that as a beautiful sign.
Paige Peterson, Samiya Abu-Youm and Christine Riccelli
The unveiling of the stunning cover for the November/December issue
Creating connection through art and culture
In addition to the 12 CultureALL Ambassadors sharing traditions from 10 different countries around our planet, artwork filled the building’s second floor with a beautiful energy accented by the music of Dartanyan. Because of the small group tours, the experience was intimate and the conversations about art, immigration, healing and social justice were meaningful.
CultureALL Ambassadors Sonal Mistry (left) and Pragnya Yogesh (right) pose with CultureALL Community Engagement Director Paula Hutton McKinley (middle)
Erika Macias shows the mehendi design created on her hand by CultureALL Ambassador Sonal Mistry
The inspiring Dartanyan Brown, Iowa Jazz, Blues and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, filled the space with his legendary blend of jazz and blues.
Among the artists were those who hail from this neighborhood, first-generation Americans and those who migrated to Des Moines from much larger American cities, finding a similar blend of culture in this area of town. Some of the exhibiting artists have experienced significant healing in their lives. A few others have taken part in the ASAP Arts program, and we were thrilled to have on display student work from ASAP Arts – Moulton Elementary which is just a few blocks from our event venue.
The inspiring color mastery of Kelly Boon brought its own special light into this unique venue as she shared the significance of her PEARL Project which she defines 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.”
The delightful Jill Wells and her beautifully expressive artwork.
Illustrator and collage artist Amy Putney Koenig not only displayed a variety of her work, she also coordinated the display of student work from ASAP Arts – Moulton Elementary where she has spent the last several weeks inspiring children to explore their inner artist.
Look at the creativity inspired through Amy’s work with ASAP Arts students at neighborhood school Moulton Elementary!
“How has migration transformed you?” was the question inspired by mandala artist Paula Egan and her Migration Monarch, done in her signature style of Zentangle Inspired Art.
First-generation American Gary Usovsky had an incredible exhibit of both large and small works.
Robert Moore, an abstract artist of mixed-heritage descent including Cherokee ancestry, delighted the room with his highly textural art.
Iven Jones, who recently created a mural along 6th Avenue, exhibited several of his graffiti-inspired paintings.
Sandra Gustafson exhibited art from her latest body of work consisting of ethereal and abstract imagery.
An installation by artist and photographer Karla Conrad called “MELANCHOLIA: A Fortunate Rebirth” celebrated her healing from a past trauma.
The beloved Karla Conrad
Deshara Bohanna of Design Fetish decorated the historic building’s gutted interior with her beautiful floral arrangements and wreaths.
Custom furniture designed and built by Silent Rivers woodshop artisans was also on display, showing the fine craftsmanship, attention to detail and deep understanding of materials we are known for.
Culturally inspired food and beverages
People raved about the three different kinds of tacos and lamb stew by Tacos La Familia, the beloved Mexican restaurant directly across the street from the event. And who doesn’t love The Wine Wagen?! Darren and Dena Fife served a variety of wine from their adorable mobile wine bar — a 1969 Volkswagen Bus. Meanwhile in the art gallery space inside the building, BLK & Bold fair-trade coffee was being served alongside Brazilian truffles!
The Wine Wagen mobile wine bus was a delight in the courtyard.
Tacos La Familia was one busy team the whole night!
Their tacos of Asada, Alpastor, Pollo, and Chorizo were a huge hit along with their delicious Consomé lamb stew.
We love Pernell’s smile and everything his company stands for! BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages, an incredible company that donates 5% of their profits to assisting urban youth in overcoming obstacles in their pursuit of living their best lives, served fair-trade coffees.
Samba Cakes & More provided two types of delectable Brazilian desserts: Brigadeiro truffles and Beihinho coconut kisses.
The connections that made this event possible
So many people, organizations and sponsors came together to create this amazing, inclusive event. When we come together, we collaborate and create. Because of these connections, Silent Rivers is able to connect to those we serve. Together we create a better place, a better home, a better city. With abundant gratitude, we thank the following supporters for joining us on this journey.
6th Avenue Corridor | AAA Roofing Company | Barnum Floors | Des Moines Arts Festival | Dress for Success | Edward J. Shannon Architect/AIA | Factory Direct Appliance | Ferguson | GMT Granite Marble & Tile Solutions | Good Vibes Yoga | Indigo Dawn Development | Panache | Rubber Roofing Systems | Spectrum Lighting & Interiors | The Dana Company | The Great Frame Up | Vision Electric | White Oak Realty
With heartfelt gratitude…
When people connect to people, transformation is possible. Transformation of self, home, businesses, neighborhoods and our planet. Our connection with you is an important part of our company’s success and longevity, and we honor that connection!
We are grateful for all the connections Silent Rivers has been fortunate to create in this wonderful community during our 25 years of business. Here’s to inspiration and connection in our next 25 years!
Connect with us when you’re looking to create inspiration in your home »
Photos by Dan Welk, Click! Photography
(Thank you, Dan, we adore you!)
See more photos of the event by Duane Tinkey of dsm Magazine »
And the party continued on in the 6th Avenue Corridor long after the official ending time of 7:00pm…
