Des Moines’s Western Gateway Park was swarming with people this weekend at the 10th annual Des Moines Arts Festival.

With more than 200,000 expected to have visited the festival, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

The Emerging Iowa Artists section of the festival was made up of just a handful of students representing Iowa State University, Grand View College and the University of Northern Iowa. Twelve of the 24 EIAs were from Iowa State.

Those Emerging Artists representing Iowa State said they were more than glad to be a part of the popular festival

Their work varied from wood furniture to jewelry to paintings.

“I feel very accomplished and honored to be here alongside the other fine artists,” said Lisa Ly, ISU alumna.

Ben Ryan, ISU alumnus, said, “It is a huge opportunity. I’m not used to getting to showcase more than one piece at a time.

“I really appreciate just getting in.”

Ryan was also one of the artists who designed and built some of the Morrill Hall benches from the trees that were downed by a tornado 2 years ago.

At the festival, he had several furniture pieces, from benches to compartments.

Anastasia Kral, senior in art and design, said, “I think it’s a great experience for me just in furthering and getting experience with art festivals and selling artwork.”

Kral said the feedback from the many festivalgoers was very helpful in deciding what was the most appealing of her works.

Each of the Emerging Iowa Artists gave a demonstration of their artistry at some point during the festival.

Lee Rainboth, ISU alumnus, gave a demonstration of his painting talent to the festival attendees Saturday afternoon.

“[The festival] makes you realize that people really do care about what you’re doing and think that it’s important and significant,” he said.

Matthew Obbink, ISU alumnus who made woodworks and furniture, said the experience and the ability to get his name out was a great opportunity. He also said he has gotten some new ideas from hearing various comments about his work.

Rainboth said there are talented artists in Iowa and Iowans really do care about art.

“I think it’s wonderful to bring art to Iowa. It’s something that you don’t see everywhere, and just the fact that this many people are interested in art and the crowd keeps growing every year is a great thing to see,” Obbink said.