OLIVIA

VALENTINE

Last year marked the first collaboration between Ballet Des Moines and the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation, with the announcement of Olivia Valentine as the inaugural Artist-in-Residence. Valentine, a visual artist working in textile construction, drawing, photography, and installation, created a work that became part of Eric Trope’s Shadow Dances, featured in the ballet’s world premiere as part of BDM’s winter performance Nothing Holds Still.

Ballet Des Moines artist-in-residence Olivia Valentine
READ VALENTINE'S FULL BIO

spilled shadows

Valentine’s installation, Spilled Shadows, was created in collaboration with BDM Company Dancer Megan Boyette, producing a series of spilled paint drawings that became the source material for the large weaving featured on stage. This handwoven, digital jacquard tapestry was produced by Valentine at Praxis Fiber Workshop in Cleveland, Ohio.

BDM Artistic Director Eric Trope's Memory Dances, featuring Olivia Valentine's Spilled Shadows. Photo by Ryan Morrison.
BDM Artistic Director Eric Trope's Memory Dances, featuring Olivia Valentine's Spilled Shadows. Photo by Ryan Morrison.
BDM Artistic Director Eric Trope's Memory Dances, featuring Olivia Valentine's Spilled Shadows. Photo by Ryan Morrison.
BDM Artistic Director Eric Trope's Memory Dances, featuring Olivia Valentine's Spilled Shadows. Photo by Ryan Morrison.
BDM Artistic Director Eric Trope's Memory Dances, featuring Olivia Valentine's Spilled Shadows. Photo by Ryan Morrison.
BDM Artistic Director Eric Trope's Memory Dances, featuring Olivia Valentine's Spilled Shadows. Photo by Ryan Morrison.
BDM Artistic Director Eric Trope's Memory Dances, featuring Olivia Valentine's Spilled Shadows. Photo by Ryan Morrison.

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE /
FINDLEY ELEMENTARY

Included in the residency, was a collaboration with By Degrees Foundation and the students of Findley Elementary. The in-school engagement included two visits by Valentine to work with the students, including an all-school assemble as well as hands-on activities in the six grade art classroom.

Ballet Des Moines Artist-in-Residence Olivia Valentine engages with students at Findley Elementary, based on a BDM collaboration with By Degrees Foundation.
Ballet Des Moines Artist-in-Residence Olivia Valentine engages with students at Findley Elementary, based on a BDM collaboration with By Degrees Foundation.
Ballet Des Moines Artist-in-Residence Olivia Valentine engages with students at Findley Elementary, based on a BDM collaboration with By Degrees Foundation.
Ballet Des Moines Artist-in-Residence Olivia Valentine engages with students at Findley Elementary, based on a BDM collaboration with By Degrees Foundation.
Ballet Des Moines Artist-in-Residence Olivia Valentine and BDM company dancer Megan Boyette, in class with students at Findley Elementary, based on a BDM collaboration with By Degrees Foundation.
Ballet Des Moines Artist-in-Residence Olivia Valentine and BDM company dancer Megan Boyette, in class with students at Findley Elementary, based on a BDM collaboration with By Degrees Foundation.
Ballet Des Moines Artist-in-Residence Olivia Valentine and BDM company dancer Megan Boyette, in class with students at Findley Elementary, based on a BDM collaboration with By Degrees Foundation.
Ballet Des Moines Artist-in-Residence Olivia Valentine and BDM company dancer Megan Boyette, in class with students at Findley Elementary, based on a BDM collaboration with By Degrees Foundation.

The 9-month residency welcomes a mid-career Des Moines-area visual artist into the Ballet Des Moines studio to create new visual artwork inspired by movement and dance. Applications will be accepted beginning July 7, 2026 through Friday, August 14.

APPLY TO THE 26/27 ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM.

LEARN MORE AND APPLY