Local Artist Laura Palmer Exhibits New Art Installation at Outlets of Des Moines
Local Artist Laura Palmer Exhibits New Art Installation at Outlets of Des Moines
Des Moines, Iowa (October 31, 2018) – Outlets of Des Moines, an open-air lifestyle destination in Altoona, Iowa, is pleased to announce a collaboration between the center and local artist and illustrator, Laura Palmer. In honor of the center celebrating one year in business, Laura was commissioned to transform areas of the center using foam core, paint and sharpie markers. Together with Michelle Wiedman, visual merchandiser, the pair installed over 600 illustrations highlighting iconic Iowa landmarks alongside merchandise from Outlets of Des Moines retailers.
“We worked with Laura on a mural for our grand opening in 2017,” said TJ Just general manager Outlets of Des Moines. “When the time came to think about using art to interact with customers it was a natural fit to commission Laura for the project. We are thrilled to share this beautiful art installation with our customers that further expresses our pride in Iowa and our center.”
As an illustrator, Laura’s drawings are typically small in size, but for this particular art installation, she created larger pieces of artwork to amplify celebrated Iowa landmarks such as the Iowa State Capitol, Iowa State Fair, Pella tulips, Indianola Hot Air Balloon Festival, the picturesque landscape, and more. The landmarks were then paired with an array of apparel from 18 retailers at the center. The art installation provides an opportunity to engage with customers and enhance the overall shopping experience.
“I’m really proud that we were able to transform areas of the center into a living art piece, where people can enjoy and interact with every day,” said artist Laura Palmer.
About Laura Palmer
A lifelong Iowan who values the U.S. Postal Service and a thoughtfully handwritten note, Laura started XO-LP in 2009 producing illustrations made with highlighters, markers and wit. In 2014, she went from full-time fundraiser to full-time illustrator, a dream she's had since creating her first hand-made greeting card in 1988.
In the past few years, Laura worked on over 300 custom illustration projects including: baby announcements, watercolor paintings of 40 personal landmarks, illustrations that appeared in Midwest Living and Better Homes and Gardens Magazines, a Rogue jump box that Carrie Underwood owns, a 30-foot sharpie mural, her own wedding invitations, a photo backdrop Annette Bening called "beautiful" and more.
About Outlets of Des Moines
Real Brands. Unreal Savings. Save up to 70 percent off on America's most desired brands at Outlets of Des Moines, an open-air lifestyle destination developed by New England Development. Discover popular stores: Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Michael Kors, Nike Factory Store, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour, Vera Bradley, LOFT Outlet, Converse, Lucky Brand, Bath & Body Works, American Eagle, ASICS, Express Factory Outlet, SKECHERS and francesca’s.
Located at 801 Bass Pro Drive, NW in Altoona, Iowa, from I-80 west take exit 141 and from I-80 east take exit 142. It is also served by public transportation. DART’s Route 17 service to Altoona has been extended to Outlets of Des Moines. Visit www.RideDart.com for schedule details.
About New England Development
For over 40 years, New England Development has taken a creative, entrepreneurial approach to real estate development and management, delivering and sustaining successful projects across a wide range of property types across the country. New England Development’s growing portfolio of retail projects includes an exciting mix of outlet centers including Outlets of Des Moines in Altoona, Iowa; Asheville Outlets in Asheville, North Carolina; Clarksburg Premium Outlets in Clarksburg, Maryland; Outlets of Little Rock in Little Rock, Arkansas; and Palm Beach Outlets in West Palm Beach, Florida.