The Octagon Center for the Arts is extending beyond its gallery doors to bring recognition to local artists by combining forces with banks and community centers throughout the area.

Beginning over four years ago, the Octagon, 427 Douglas Ave., collaborated with Randall Story State Bank in Story City to allow local artists to display their work in the bank’s lobby.

“It’s really nice because the case allows us to display two- and three-dimensional exhibits,” said Letitia Hansen, coordinator of the project for the Octagon.

Every other month, the Octagon selects an Ames artist to display his or her work in the Randall Story State Bank.

When an Ames artist is not exhibiting, the bank selects a Story City artist. Hansen said that both established and professional artists display their work, as well as artists just starting out.

“The artwork is in a place most people normally wouldn’t see art,” Hansen said. “People don’t have to make a special trip to a gallery or exhibit, they are just going to the bank and can see art.”

The Octagon also has similar programs with Northcrest Retirement Community, 1801 20th St., and Firstar Bank, 405 Main St. The program at Firstar allows artists to exhibit for two months and the Octagon plans the schedule for the entire year.

“This is a great thing for us to have in the lobby,” said Sara Lehman, a coordinator for the program at Firstar. “The display changes every two months so our customers have something new to look at.”

The programs at Firstar and Northcrest have been running for the past two years, with no intention of ending any time soon.

“We are possibly looking to expand, but it is a time commitment for our staff to coordinate the artists and set the displays,” Hansen said. “We don’t want to exhaust our staff but this is a great program.”

The programs benefit not only the artists by providing local recognition, but the Octagon benefits by expanding its support of local arts. It also allows the banks to promote culture, Hansen said.

Ames artist Chris Cowan will be exhibiting pastels, paintings and photography at Randall Story State Bank through September in coordination with the Octagon.