The Heart Behind the Art

We all know that art takes time, but Jess Lane might know that more than most. 

Each year, Jess surrounds herself with a group of talented creators here at GiGi’s Playhouse. She conceptualizes beautiful works of art that these artists – veteran and aspiring – bring to life, just in time for the annual GiGi’s Playhouse Gala Live Auction.

Jess is perfect for this role because she knows her stuff. She works at the Des Moines Art Center and is, herself an artist. And, more than that, she knows the Down syndrome community. Before she took her position at the Art Center, she was the Site Director at GiGi’s Playhouse for more than ten years.

Yes, that’s Jess with GiGi! A photo taken “a few years ago”

For the last several years, Jess has overseen a series of evening Art Explosion classes to work with her favorite creators to make art that is beautiful, meaningful, and one-of-a-kind. Paintings, fused and stained glass, fiber works, furniture, ceramics, wood creations… she works patiently with our participants over the course of months because she knows that great art takes time.

The art that our participants create is more than beautiful. It reflects the talent, emotions, love and pride that each participant pours into each swipe of paint on a blank canvas, each small piece of glass fused into a mosaic of color, or each chunk of pine that will become an object of function and decoration.  True works of art.

We are so thankful that Jess gives her time so that our participants can share their talent with us. And we can’t wait for the March 7 GiGi’s Gala when, in a banquet hall filled with enthusiastic and supporting friends, the auctioneer introduces each item with, “…and now up for bid…”

Will you be among those enthusiastic and supporting friends?  We hope so.