Art has room
to happen here.

CASA is a shared studio, classroom and creative community in Ames, Iowa.

A group of artists creating together around tables in the CASA studio — Open studio at CASA, Ames, Iowa

Panoramic view of CASA artwork displayed at the Mainframe Studios anniversary exhibition — CASA 25th Anniversary Exhibition at Mainframe Studios

CASA artist Jennifer Quimby smiling while working at a pottery wheel — CASA artist Jennifer Quimby working at the wheel

Wide view of a CASA studio room with artwork and shared work tables — Shared making space at CASA

Close view of black and cream carved ceramic vessels with concentric circular patterns — Detail from the CASA 25th Anniversary Exhibition

View of the clay studios at CASA with work at the wheel in progress — CASA - Clay Studios

Our story

For more than 25 years, CASA has made space for artists at every stage—supporting affordable studio access, approachable classes and opportunities to show and connect.

What began as a small group of artists with a shared vision has grown into a vital creative community in Ames. Follow CASA’s story through the years.

We’re artists, teachers, makers, students, neighbors and friends. We show up, we share and we keep making.

Connect with CASA

Major supporters

Made possible together.

Supported in part through local option tax funds provided by the City of Ames through the Commission on the Arts.

Beyond the studio

Explore more CASA work

Exhibitions, publications and collections that extend CASA’s story beyond this website.

Panoramic view of CASA artwork displayed at the 25th Anniversary Exhibition at Mainframe Studios

CASA 25th Anniversary Exhibition

A celebration of twenty-five years of artists, classes and community, featuring work from generations of CASA artists.

View the photobook

Colorful Hanji-covered and ceramic boxes by CASA artist Lucky Kim

Lucky Kim’s Hanji Gongye and Ceramics

A photobook documenting CASA artist Lucky Kim’s exhibition of intricate Hanji Gongye and ceramic work.