Artist and Iowa State graduate student Cameron Gray meandered in and out of the Des Moines Social Club’s courtyard and Viaduct Gallery on Saturday, discussing life and his artwork with a steady flow of friends and visitors at the “Gentrified Experiences” exhibit in Des Moines.

“I thought it was incredible,” Gray said about the turnout. “It brought my work to people who would have never seen it otherwise. I am extremely happy and thrilled.”

In his artist’s statement, Gray explained how the exhibition was “for the people directly affected by the power of gentrification.”

Katrina Tippett, who works as an Athletic Equipment Coordinator at Iowa State, thought the show was something she would like to come out to.

“I think it’s brilliant,” Tippett said. “Cameron’s got that vision. He’s articulating some of what people are feeling right now.”

Other visitors thought the exhibit showed a side of America that isn’t talked about.

“There’s a lot of things wrong with America that people don’t really want to admit or say it’s an issue because they kind of stay in their own little world,” said Latoja Schaben, another visitor, in reference Gray’s work in the gallery. “It’s nice to have someone go and put their heart and soul out there.”

Visitor Jessica Bixler felt emotionally moved by one of Gray’s prints – a tarot card featuring a 1963 photo of a police dog attacking a black demonstrator in Gray’s hometown of Birmingham, Alabama.

“It’s what we’ve done in the past, and it’s interesting to see, because it’s what we’re doing right now,” Bixler said. “I mean I know about it, and I know these neighborhoods are getting gentrified, but to see it, it’s pretty pointed. It brought tears to my eyes.”

Some of Gray’s family, including his grandmother, aunt, cousin and parents, traveled from Birmingham to support Cameron and the reception.

“I think looking at not-so-favorable experiences of the black community – but putting it out there, depicting it for what it is and allowing others to engage – I think this is the perfect way to do it,” said Vanessa Gray, Cameron’s mother, about the show. “To see him, though, in his element, to see you guys, the city of Des Moines, the city of Ames so accepting of it, I’m so excited. I cannot tell you what this does for me.”

Just as much a part of the exhibition as the gallery, the courtyard was a lively scene filled with music, laughter and a little dancing. Children could be seen jumping in the inflatable bouncy house, and local Des Moines catering business Artis T’s served fried fish and french fries.

Local DJ Kelix Williams, whom Cameron reached out to through a mutual friend, played a mix of modernized soul, disco, and funk.

“If you think about the communities, this is how it is,” said Catherine Reinhart, the manager of the gallery at Design on Main where Cameron has his studio. “Life happens. Get-togethers happen, parties happen at the same time these awful things are happening. Why wouldn’t they go together?”

Myra, who was in town visiting family, came out to the show in support of Gray.

“I think it’s good to make the kids aware of our background – of everybody’s background,” she said as she watched her children hop around the bouncy house. “Especially since my kids are biracial. I think it’s good to make them aware of what went on in the world and what still goes on in the world, unfortunately.”

Gray talked about how he hopes his art can move others.

“When I can impact one person, I believe I have done my job,” Gray said about the effect he thought his show had on the community. “I take myself as an example. If it wasn’t for the artist that impacted me, I would not be where I am today. You never know what that one impact could do, not only in their lives but in the lives of others.”