Friends of Drake Arts
Friends of Drake Arts supports the rich tradition of fine arts experiences at Drake. We provide grants to fine arts students and faculty to cover the cost of travel and other expenses for competitions, conferences, and other professional opportunities.
How You Can Support Friends of Drake Arts
Your gift makes a direct impact on the lives of young, aspiring artists and helps provide an uninterrupted schedule of programs and performances to the Drake community. Gifts are tax deductible, and 100% of your contribution goes to Drake Fine Arts.
Make a Secure Gift Online
Give conveniently, quickly, and securely through Drake’s online portal with a debit or credit card. Designate “Friends of Drake Arts” when completing the giving information form.
Mail a Check
Mail a check payable to: Friends of Drake Arts Drake University 2507 University Ave Des Moines, IA 50311
Honor Roll of Donors
Hundreds of alumni, community members, and friends of the arts from across the country empower our initiatives. During the 2023–2024 school year, we invested over $150,000 in Drake’s fine arts programming, thanks to generous gifts from our donors.
Upcoming Events
Enjoy performances, exhibits, masterclasses, and more enriching events featuring Drake students, faculty, and visiting artists. We host more than 100 performances and exhibits throughout the year.
Event Highlights
Mexican-American composer Nathan Felix presented his new immersive opera, The Cadence of Life, alongside the exhibition Freehand: Drawings and Prints by Judy Pfaff at the Anderson Gallery on Drake University's campus on Thursday October 5th 2023.
Grammy-nominated vocal jazz artists Kate McGarry, Judy Carmichael, and Rosana Eckert shared their expertise in masterclasses alongside performances by Drake Vocal Jazz Singers.
A recital presented by saxophonist Nick May and pianist Alex Li elevated the works and experiences of LGBTQ+ composers to the Drake and wider community.
Jody Graves, concert pianist and professor at Eastern Washington University, hosted a workshop and performed solo and ensemble pieces with members of the Sapphire Trio.
The William S.E. Coleman Guest Artist Series brings professional actors, directors, and playwrights to the Drake Department of Theatre Arts to teach and inspire. 2025-26’s guest artist is Adam Gwon, a composer and lyricist with Broadway experience.
Contact Us
Friends of Drake Arts
Drake University
2507 University Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50311-4505
