Public Art in West Des Moines

In the fourth episode of West Side Stories, Allison speaks with the chair of the West Des Moines Public Arts Advisory Commission and the Director of Parks and Recreation. They discuss how public art in West Des Moines came to be, where they see it heading, and what citizens can do to become involved.

Guest Bios

Ryan Crane - Public Arts Advisory Commission Chair

Ryan is from Council Bluffs, Iowa and attended the University of Northern Iowa where he double majored in Communications Studies and Spanish. Ryan is Director of Charitable Giving with the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation. Ryan joined the Public Arts Advisory Commission in 2015, served as Vice Chair in 2017 and became Chair in 2018. Ryan lives in West Des Moines..

Sally Ortgies - Director of Parks and Recreation

Sally began her career in the parks and recreation field in 1989 when she first interned with the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. She then advanced through the department, becoming a Landscape Designer, Landscape Architect, and Superintendent of Parks. She now serves as the Director of Parks and Recreation. Sally earned Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and Bachelor of Science-Horticulture degrees from Iowa State University. Sally lives in West Des Moines with her husband, daughter, and MinPin dog.