DesMoines Register

The Des Moines Art Center was awarded $1 million Tuesday by an independent foundation for its efforts to bring more people into the world of art.

The center received an Excellence Award from the Wallace Foundation, a philanthropic organization started by the creators of Readers Digest.

"I think it's a wonderful recognition and affirmation of our efforts to be an active part of this community and to involve diverse segments of the community in our activities," said the Art Center's acting director, Jeff Fleming.

The center is expected to match the award dollar for dollar during the next two years. The money will help the museum's capital campaign, adding to its $20 million endowment. The Wallace foundation money will be earmarked specifically for outreach, including education and public events.

Rory MacPherson, senior program officer for the foundation, came from New York to make the announcement.

As markers of the Art Center's excellence in efforts to benefit the larger community, MacPherson pointed to "The Day of the Dead," or "Dias de los Muertos," which has attracted up to 1,800 people; "Dig Downtown," a Friday after-work event for young professionals; and the Art Center's programs with at-risk children through Orchard Place and PACE.

Other awards went to Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena, Calif.; the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, N.J.; the University Musical Society in Ann Arbor, Mich.; the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C..; and Real Art Ways in Hartford, Conn.

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