Frida the Dog is located outside of Snookies Malt Shop (1810 Beaver Ave)
The Rooster can be found outside of Campbell's Nutrition (4040 University Ave)
Four mosaic murals fitting four themes (bikes, chickens, trees, and dogs) were installed at four locations in the Franklin Area Neighborhood. Themes were developed to fit the neighborhood and avoid problems with Des Moines policies: the artwork cannot appear to constitute an advertisement or sign.
Franklin Area Neighborhood Mosaics
In June of 2021, Franklin Avenue Neighbors unveiled public art installations by Des Moines artist and educator Nicole K. James at Campbell’s Nutrition in the Uptown Shopping Center. The project was a collaboration lasting for several months between four Franklin Area businesses and neighbors. The project is funded by Invest DSM and AARP Iowa.
The Bicycle is located outside of Taste! To Go Catering and Events (4700 University Ave)
Neighbors have worked hard to offer public artwork they agree will help identify their community with distinction and energy. The four art pieces are glass mosaics that are upwards of 10 feet in length each, consisting of thousands of pieces of stained glass.
The mosaics have found permanent homes!
Perkins Elementary Mosaic - Des Moines Art Week 2022
As part of Des Moines Art Week 2022, artist Nicole K. James worked with 5th-grade students at Perkins Elementary to create a “legacy” piece - an installed work of art that current students contribute to for future students to enjoy.
Students created individual elements and tiles with Nicole at Perkins Elementary that were all assembled into the larger piece.
Students and the community were then engaged to create the final composition and install it at Perkins Elementary.
Additional Mosaics in the Franklin Area
The Tree is located outside of Midwest Financial Consultants (1903 46th Street)
The Rooster can be found outside of Campbell's Nutrition (4040 University Ave)
