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ABOUT AMENDA TATE

Artist Biography

Tate is an artist with a diverse background spanning metalsmithing, engineering, performance art, digital design, and visual art. She holds the distinction of being recognized as an Iowa Arts Council Fellow. Her creative practice is characterized by its interdisciplinary nature, rooted in engaging audiences through participation.

Tate is particularly known for her innovative work that employs custom robotics to transform dance into captivating abstract paintings, alongside her ventures into digital interactive systems and filmmaking. Her art explores a range of themes, including authorship, gender, legacy, and the evolving role of technology in our sociocultural landscape.

Her artistic journey has included experiences as an Artist-In-Residence at the New York Mills Cultural Center and Ballet Des Moines. Her works have gained recognition in respected publications such as The New York Times, the Denver Post, the Des Moines Register, Better Homes & Gardens, and Popular Science. She has works in the permanent collections of Arrow Electronics, The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, and Banker’s Trust.

Tate's dedication to her craft has been celebrated with honors, including two Editor’s Choice Awards at the New York International Maker Faire, as well as a special recognition award in the 2017 International RobotArt competition. Her commitment to pushing the boundaries of art has been further supported by grants, notably a project grant in 2020 and a 2021 Iowa Arts & Culture Resilience Grant, both awarded by the Iowa Arts Council in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.

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Artist Statement

I am an Interdisciplinary Artist using both scientific and aesthetic processes. I create work that explores movement, our relationship to technology, and the understanding of what it means to be human including the ways in which "humanness" can be denied. I use custom-designed technology, traditional mediums, and social interactions to foster connection. My work encourages audiences to think critically about their relationship to one another in a vast and ubiquitous digital world.

My work explores how participatory art can cross societal divides, break down barriers and increase empathy through tangible and embodied interactions. Through imagination, curiosity, and courage, we can increase our self-awareness to grow introspectively and consciously thereby enabling us to better understand the experiences of others. I conduct happenings/events that encourage public participation in the performative and improvisational creation of collaborative artwork as a means to explore social structures and confirm connections to being emotionally intelligent humans.

About: Quote

AMENDA TATE

creative, innovator, art + technology

EDUCATION

current PhD - Iowa State University

Ames, IA Human-Computer Interaction

2023 MFA - Iowa State University, Graduate Research Excellence Award

Ames, IA Integrated Visual Arts

Thesis: Situated Identities: This & Something Else

2002 BFA – Metropolitan State University of Denver, Magna Cum Laude

Denver, CO Jewelry/Metalsmithing

2000-01 Bench Jeweler/Apprentice, Todd Reed, Metal Artist

Boulder, CO Jewelry fabrication, repair, soldering, metal forming

1994-98 Iowa State University (ISU)

Ames, IA Mechanical Engineering, Jewelry/Metalsmithing

EXPERIENCE

2023-Present Docent & Tours Program Manager

Des Moines Art Center, Des Moines, IA

· Lead training sessions to empower docents.

· Communicate with docents via weekly emails.

· Set and manage the program budget.

· Manage and assess 70 volunteers, providing feedback and support.

· Develop and implement strategies to enhance visitor experiences through tours.

2002-Present Interdisciplinary Artist

Amenda Tate LLC., Des Moines, IA

Iowa Arts Council Fellow 2019-2020, merging art and science.
Develop participatory and collaborative cultural experiences.
Manage entrepreneurial tasks: film production, grant writing, budgeting, marketing, website, and press.
Engage in public speaking to promote artistic projects.

2021-2023 Instructor of Record

College of Design, Iowa State University, Ames, IA

· Prepare instructional materials and projects for undergraduate courses.

· Teach Design Studio Core (DSNS 102) and Studio Fundamentals: Digital Media (ARTIS 212) in the College of Design.

· Lead critiques, providing constructive feedback to students.

· Assess student work and performance, ensuring alignment with course objectives.

· Develop curricula that integrate various art disciplines.

2021-2023 Research Assistant

Digital Accessibility Lab, Iowa State University, Ames, IA

· Craft digital accessibility training materials in line with ADA standards and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

· Develop a thorough understanding of digital best practices and accessibility requirements.

· Produce, script, and edit videos demonstrating the use of digital assistive devices.

· Teaching assistant for the graduate-level course Digital Accessibility (HCI 590X), providing support and instruction to students.

SELECTED SOLO & TWO-PERSON EXHIBITIONS

2023 Embodied Algorithms: The Humanness of Dancing With Robots, University of Iowa Hospitals, Iowa City, IA
2023 Situated Identities: This & Something Else, Gallery 181, Ames, IA
2022 Ability in Motion, Mainframe Gallery, Des Moines, IA
2021 Amenda Tate: Manibus, Firetrucker, Ankeny, IA
2021 Vestiges and (E)Motion, Octagon Arts, Ames, IA2021 Upcoming Solo Exhibition, The Octagon Art Center, Ames, IA
2020 Amenda Tate, CSPS Hall, Cedar Rapids, IA
2020 Memento, OL Guild, West Des Moines, IA
2020 Art at the Museum, State Historical Building, Des Moines, IA
2019 Iowa Women’s Art Exhibition, Governor’s Office, Iowa Capitol
2019 Tracing Time, Artistry MN, Bloomington, MN
2018 Larry Mendenhall & Amenda Tate, Urbandale Library Gallery, Urbandale, IA
2018 Abstract Energy & Kinectic Verve, St John’s Gallery, Des Moines, IA
2018 Manibus: Vestiges of Movement, Iowa State Memorial Union, Ames, IA
2018 Emotional Traces, Oskaloosa Art Center, Oksaloosa, IA
2017 Manibus:Ballet, Innovation, Fine Art, Mars Cafe, Des Moines, IA
2017 Artist-In-Residence Showcase, Des Moines Civic Center, Des Moines, IA
2017 Ballet DM Residency Exhibition, Moxie, Des Moines, IA

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2025 Iowa Artist/Mothers, PS1 Gallery, Iowa City, IA
2025 Iowa Artsit/Mothers, The Octagon, Ames, IA
2023 RECODE, online conference PCD.23, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
2023 Iowa Artists Collection, World Food Hall, Des Moines, IA
2023 Co-Create, Stay Home Gallery, Paris, TN
2023 Personal Collections, Oskaloosa Art Center, Oskaloosa, IA
2022 Time Paper Sound, Mainframe Studios Gallery, Des Moines, IA
2021 Pandemic Self Portraits, CSPS Hall, Cedar Rapids, IA
2020 Limited Space,Traveling: Des Moines, Ames, Iowa City, IA2020 F/Stop, Polk County Heritage Gallery
2020 A Century of Robots from Capek to Now, National Czech Museum, Cedar Rapids, IA
2020 “Untitled” (Fortune Cookie Corner) by Felix Gonzalez-Torres, site: West Des Moines, IA
2020 Art Week Film Festival, Catherine Rinehart Studio, Ames, IA
2020 Faculty Exhibition, Des Moines Art Center, Des Moines, IA
2019 Candid Shots, Midwest Center for Photography, Wichita, KS
2019 6th Annual Abstract Catalyst, Verum Ultimum, Portland, OR
2019 Iowa Exhibited XXXIV, Polk County Heritage Gallery, Des Moines, IA
2019 Artist Designed Mini Golf, Des Moines Social Club, Des Moines, IA
2019 Index to a Place, Design on Main, Ames, IA
2018 Iowa Artists, Dickinson Law, Des Moines, IA
2017 Visible/Invisible, Oskaloosa Art Center, Oskaloosa, IA
2017 Arrow Five Years Out, Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Denver, CO
2017 Iowa Exhibited XXXII, Polk County Heritage Gallery, Des Moines, IA
2017 Departure Theory, H Gallery, Ventura, CA
2017 DUMA Biennial, Dubuque Museum of Art, Dubuque IA

SELECTED PRESENTATIONS & INVITED LECTURES

2024 Drake University,Best Practices for Art Exhibition Tours

2024 Iowa Arts Summit, Iowa Arts Council

2023 Iowa State University, Student Innovation Center

2020 Meet the Artists, Virtual, Iowa Arts Council
2019 Witching Hour Festival, Iowa City with StaxPresents
2019 Central Campus, Tech Journey Lecture
2019 Drake University, Visiting Artist lecture
2018 Iowa State University, Visiting Artist workshop, Industrial Design
2018 Science Center of Iowa, Lecture and demo for SCI Girls Tech
2018 Science Center of Iowa, Featured Maker Lecture at Maker Faire

SELECTED PERFORMANCES & COLLABORATIONS

2024 Are You Real? with LD Kidd & Akwi Nji, Iowa Arts Summit, Ankeny, IA

2022 Ability in Motion, Momentum Studios & Community Support Advocates, Des Moines, IA

2022 Manifesto, Iowa Choreography Festival, Des Moines, IA

2022 Educator Workshop, Wake Innovation and Learning Center, Waukee, IA

2022 Valley Moves, Valley Hight School, West Des Moines, IA

2022 The Body Electric, Film Scene, Science on Screen, Iowa City, IA

2021 Longing, TEDx, Des Moines, IA

2021 Sapient 2.021, Video Art Performance, Performing Art Center, Des Moines, IA
2020 Sapient, National Czech Museum, Cedar Rapids, IA
2019 Screaming Silence Live, GDM Partnership Annual Dinner, Des Moines, IA
2019 Manibus Participatory Happening, Iowa Culture Gala, Des Moines, IA
2019 Weather Report Live with Ed Wilson, WHO-TV Channel 13 News, IA
2019 Des Moines Mini Maker Faire, Science Center of Iowa, Des Moines, IA
2019 Blast! Live Dance-Painting, Science Center of Iowa, Des Moines, IA
2019 Manibus Participatory Happening, Art Week Fitch Studios, Des Moines, IA
2019 Festival of Personal Geographies, Design on Main, Ames, IA
2019 Participatory Dance-Painting, Des Moines Art Center, Des Moines, IA
2018 Paul Simon Farewell Tour Party, New York Hall of Science, Queens, NY
2018 World Maker Faire, New York Hall of Science, Queens, NY
2018 Manibus Happening Event, Iowa State Pioneer Room, Ames, IA

SELECTED AWARDS

2024 Field Funds Grant, A Blade of Grass

2023 Graduate Research Excellence Award, Iowa State University

2021 Artist Project Grant, Iowa Arts Council & National Endowment for the Arts

2020 Resiliency Grant, Iowa Arts Council & National Endowment for the Arts

2019 Iowa Arts Council Fellowship
2018 Two Editor’s Choice Awards, World Maker Faire
2017 Special Recognition Award – International RobotArt Competition
2017 City Sounds Public Piano Project Artist
2017 Arrow Art Challenge Five Years Out Finalist, CherryArts.org

ARTIST RESIDENCIES

2019 Art Beacon Digital, Des Moines, IA
2018 New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, New York Mills, MN
2017 Area 515 Makerspace, Des Moines, IA
2017 Ballet Des Moines, Des Moines, IA

COLLECTIONS

Arrow Electronics Innovation Collection, Centennial, CO

Banker's Trust, Des Moines, IA

The Community Foundation, Des Moines, IA

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

“Duplicity,” Emergency INDEX Vol10+, An annual document of performance practice in pandemic times, Ugly Duckling Presse, 2023. 768-769.
Amenda Tate, “Situational Identities: This & something else,” Proquest, 2023. online
Jackie Wilson, “Iowa Artists Amenda Tate: Robots dancers mix to create artwork,” Cityview,September 2021. 78.
Victoria Burnett, “A Homecoming of Good Fortune for an Artist’s Pile of Cookies,” The New York Times, June 12, 2020. online
Sophie Bushwick, “Maker Faire 2018 Preview: Eight Amazing Displays to Check Out,” Popular Science, Sept 17, 2018. online
Alexander Gray, “Amenda Tate and her Dance-Painting Robot,” Iowa State Daily, August 31, 2018. 1&12.
Shelly Ragen, “Corso Exhibit Merges Art and Science,” The Oskaloosa Herald, Oskaloosa, IA,Mar 6, 2018.1&3A.
E.E. Jacks, “Awaken,” Apero Catalogue: Fine Art Collection, May 8, 2018.
“Modern Makers: Meet Amenda Tate Corso,” Better Homes & Gardens Magazine, Video Feature, Aug 4, 2017. online
Brianne Sanchez, “To Boldly Go: Artists Push Themselves and Their Work in New Directions,” dsm Magazine, Des Moines, IA, Mar/Apr 2018. 115-123.
Courtney Crowder, “Tiny Robot Ballerina Glides into Des Moines,” The Des Moines Register, Des Moines, IA. 1&5A

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