Salonnière DSM Salon Series

02/21/2026

You Had To Be There

At Salon 26, ideas were shared. Stories unfolded. The room leaned in.

We won’t be posting what was said.
We never do.

Because Salonnière DSM | Salon Series isn’t about watching from the outside — it’s about being in the room.

On February 14, 2026, Salon 26 filled xBk Annex with poetry, art advocacy, community leadership, visual art, and creative storytelling. LOVE was the theme — but connection was the outcome.

Since January 26, 2017, twenty-six salons have created space in Des Moines for Iowa creatives to take risks, share their work, and build meaningful connections. The event is free to attend and self-funded by the Founder.

That’s where you come in.

Your donation helps cover venue rental, artist stipends, photography, and production costs — so the next Salon can happen.

June is next.

If you’ve attended, you understand.
If you’ve been curious… this is your sign.

Help keep the room open.

Promoting and Supporting Iowa Creatives Salonnière DSM Salon Series … Valerie Van Horne needs your support for Support Iowa’s Salonniere DSM: Salon Series

02/17/2026

You Had To Be There

Some moments aren’t meant to be recapped.

At Salon 26, ideas were shared. Stories unfolded. The room leaned in.

We won’t be posting what was said.
We never do.

Because Salon isn’t about watching from the outside —
it’s about being in the room.

June is next.
If you’ve been curious… this is your sign.

02/17/2026

Salonniere DSM | Salon Series - Salon 26
Sat 14 Feb 2026 | xBk Annex

Here are a few more images of Saturday night's Salon 26 at xBk Annex. LOVE was all around for this themed Valentine's Day event that included Kelsey Bigelow - Poetry, Poets & Writers, Sonia Ashe, Art Advocacy, Katie Stephanie, Community Outreach, Molly True, Creative Showcase, and Shea Hartmann Art, Visual Art.

Hosted by Founder, Valerie Van Horne Art and supported by Bill Rogers, xBk Live, Madison Ray, Salon's Master of Ceremonies.

Thank you to all who attended the 26th Salon and to all of those who have since January 26th, 2017.

Event Photographer: Vince Valdez

02/16/2026

02/16/2026

EARLY RELEASE EVENT PHOTOS - MORE TO FOLLOW

Salonniere DSM | Salon Series - Salon 26
Sat 14 Feb 2026 | xBk Annex

Event Photographer: Vince Valdez

Here are just a few images of last night's Salon 26 at xBk Annex. LOVE was all around for this themed event that included Kelsey Bigelow - Poetry Poets & Writers, Sonia Ashe, Art Advocacy, Katie Stephanie, Community Outreach, Molly True, Creative Showcase, and Shea Hartmann Art, Visual Art.

Hosted by Founder, Valerie Van Horne and supported by Bill Rogers, xBk Live, Madison Ray, Salon's Master of Ceremonies, and all of those who atteneded the 26th Salon held in Des Moines, Iowa since January 26th, 2017.

02/15/2026

Salonnière DSM | Salon 26

L O V E

Doors: 6:30 PM
Program: 7:00-9:00 PM

Kelsey Bigelow, Poets and Writers

02/15/2026

Salonnière DSM | Salon 26

xBk Annex
Valentine's Day 2026

Doors: 6:30 PM
Program: 7:00-9:00

02/14/2026

SALONNIERE DSM

Salon 26 - L O V E
Sat 14 Feb 2025

xBk Annex

Doors: 6:30 PM
Program: 7:00 PM

Cash Bar: Wine, Beer, and Themed Cocktail.
Non Alcoholic Beverages Available

Love lingers in small things—
a softened glance,
a sweetness shared,
a table set with intention.

Whether near or afar,
may love find you
exactly where you are

02/13/2026

02/11/2026

Salonnière DSM

Salon 26 : L O V E

Doors: 6:30 PM

Poets & Writers: Kelsey Bigelow
Art Advocacy: Sonia Ashe
Community Outreach: Katie Gazzo
Creative Showcase: Molly True
Visual Art: Shea Hartmann

MC: Madison Ray

02/06/2026

Gathering for Conversation, Connection, and Indulgence

The French Salons attracted a mix of aristocrats, high-society members, and intellectuals, including philosophers, writers, artists, and musicians who gathered to exchange ideas on literature, politics, and science, fostering Enlightenment thought. They learned from experts about history, philosophy, music, and art, and discussed contemporary ideas and events. Each salon developed its own unique personality and focus.

Food often accompanied these gatherings, ranging from light snacks to full meals. Desserts were elaborate and sugary, brought into the salon de compagnie (sitting room) rather than a dedicated dining room. Drinks included wine and, for Impressionists in later years, absinthe.

Philibert-Louis Debucourt (1755–1832)
"The Grand Salon of the Cafe Frascati"
Circa 1807
Color Lithograph
11.8” x 8.7”