Skywalks reimagined
Joy Walk
- For DSM Visitors and Residents
- Location One: Skywalk section on Fifth Street an Keosauqua Way near the Iowa Events Center
- Location Two: Skywalk at Fourth Street and Grand Avenue in the Historic Court District
- Collaborators: Downtown DSM, Inc., Operation Downtown, the City of Des Moines, Bravo Greater Des Moines, local creative agency Project7 Design and Slingshot Architecture
The theme of this art is “Joy Walk,” intended to add to the user experience as they navigate the Skywalk. Local business, Project7 Design, is responsible for the creation of the designs.
A section along Fifth Street and Keosauqua Way near the Iowa Events Center features a multicolored design including paint, artful window applications, and lighting to encourage visitors to explore the different moods created by immersing themselves in each color, culminating in a colorful vinyl mural.
A section of Skywalk at Fourth Street and Grand Avenue in the Historic Court District is being transformed to give visitors the feeling that they are elevated high above the city as they walk through the clouds. This is achieved by using multiple techniques including an ombre painted wall, ceiling clouds and artful window graphics that creates colorful dancing shadows as the sun moves through the sky.
Ashley Mary Mural
- For DSM Visitors and Residents
- Interior skywalk between Insurance Exchange and Brown Garage
- Collaborators: Operation Downtown in partnership with the Greater Des Moines Partnership and in consultation with Liz Lidgett Gallery and Design; Graham Group, property owner
Originally selected in 2019 from over 30 proposals from across the nation, artist Ashley Mary was commissioned to create a mural in the Skywalk as part of the early stages of revitalizing the Skywalk system.
In 2025, Ashley returned to expand on her original work, further energizing the corridor with even more of her signature bold, abstract shapes. The updated mural creates a seamless connection to the Joy Walk installations to the north and south, amplifying the immersive and playful atmosphere of the surrounding space.
Ashley's artistic focus centers on themes of youth, playfulness, and curiosity. Her work incorporates thick textures, vibrant color palettes and organic, familiar forms – drawing inspiration from her background in graphic design, her collage practice and vintage ephemera.
Joy Walk Phase 2
- For DSM Visitors and Residents
- Location One: Skywalk section at Eighth Street and Grand Avenue near the 701 Grand Parking Garage
- Location Two: Skywalk section at Fifth Avenue and Grand Avenue connected to the ARAG Building
- Location Three: Skywalk entrance at Seventh Street and Walnut Street, leading into the EMC Downtown Park
- Collaborators: Downtown DSM, Inc., Prairie Meadows, local creative agency Project 7 Design and Slingshot Architecture
A section of the skywalk at Eighth Street and Grand Avenue near the 701 Grand Parking Garage features bright, bold colors that highlight the corridor’s architectural features. Patterned window vinyl reflects existing shapes and plays with natural light, adding movement and dimension as visitors pass through.
At Fifth Avenue and Grand Avenue, the skywalk connected to the ARAG Building showcases a rhythmic, color-driven installation with energetic, three-dimensional wall hangings that bring a sense of motion and creativity to the space.
A skywalk entrance at Seventh Street and Walnut Street, leading into EMC Downtown Park, includes a kinetic, ceiling-suspended sculpture that flows overhead. The experience is enhanced with a colorful mural and stair details that span both the ground floor and skywalk level of the EMC entrance.
