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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 “Joy Walk” is designed to enhance the experience of moving through the Skywalk, creating moments of color, light and discovery along the way. The installations were created by Project7 Design.

At Fifth Street and Keosaqua Way near the Iowa Events Center, a multicolored installation incorporates paint, window vinyl, and lighting to create an immersive environment. Visitors are invited to move through shifting colors and moods, culminating in a vibrant vinyl mural.

 At Fourth Street and Grand Avenue in the Historic Court District, the Skywalk is transformed to give users the experience of walking through the clouds. Ombre-painted walls, sculptural ceiling clouds and layered window graphics interact with natural light to cast colorful shadows throughout the space.

Four photos in a collage. The first two show brightly colored walls and colored vinyl on the windows. The last two show a hallway with clouds on the ceiling and vinyl on the window.

Read the Press Release

Ashley Mary Mural

    • For DSM Visitors and Residents
    • Skywalk at Fifth Avenue and Grand Avenue in the Insurance Exchange Building
    • 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.

    Four photos in a collage. The first is doors with bright vinyl,. The second, third and fourth photos are of a hallway covered in painted shapes from different angles.

    Joy Walk Phase 2

    • For DSM Visitors and Residents
    • Location One: Skywalk at Eighth Street and Grand Avenue at the 701 Grand Parking Garage
    • Location Two: Skywalk at Fifth Avenue and Grand Avenue in the ARAG Building
    • Location Skywalk at Seventh Street and Walnut Street at the EMC Downtown Park
    • Collaborators: Downtown DSM, Inc., Prairie Meadows, local creative agency Project 7 Design and property owners.

    Building on the success of earlier Joy Walk installations, additional Skywalk locations were transformed to further enhance the experience of moving through Downtown DSM with color, light and movement.

    At Eighth Street and Grand Avenue at the 701 Grand Parking Garage, a section of the Skywalk features bright, bold colors that highlight the corridor’s architectural features. Patterned window vinyl interacts with natural light, adding dimension and interest as visitors pass through.

    At Fifth Avenue and Grand Avenue, the Skywalk in the ARAG Building showcases a rhythmic, color-driven installation with energetic, three-dimensional wall elements that bring a sense of motion and creativity to the space.

    At Seventh Street and Walnut Street, the Skywalk entrance leading into the EMC Downtown Park features a kinetic, ceiling-suspended sculpture that shifts overhead. The experience is further enhanced by a colorful mural and stair elements that connect both the ground level and Skywalk

    A collage of four photos. The first shows a ceiling suspended sculpture. The second shows three dimensional wall hangings. The third shows painted walls. The fourth shows a set of stairs colored with geometric shapes and bright colors.

    Read the Press Release