Salon 25 will cross boundaries and draw artists to xBk Annex
By Fred Love
It’s a new spin on an old European tradition.
Activists and artists of various persuasions will gather at the xBk Annex on Thursday, Nov. 20, for Salon 25, where poets and artists will showcase their work and connect with other creatives and thinkers.
The event draws inspiration from similar gatherings held throughout Europe, perhaps most notably in Paris, during the 1600s. Those salons brought together revolutionary figures from the arts, humanities and philosophy for freewheeling, boundary-crossing conversations — and perhaps a little partying — all in the name of connection and intellectual growth. Parisian salons became famed cornerstones of the Enlightenment, helping to spread new ideas and challenge the social and political norms of the time.
“These events are uplifting and fun, where everybody can just relax and make connections face-to-face,” said Valerie Van Horne, who founded Salonniere DSM, the organization behind the event.
Van Horne began hosting salon events in the Des Moines area in 2019 after a long career in hospitality and event management. Van Horne held her first salon at xBk on March 11, 2020. The pandemic paused her live gatherings, but she returned with a hybrid virtual salon at xBk in 2021. When xBk Live opened The Annex — a more intimate space in a converted fire station next door to the main club — last spring, Van Horne knew it would be an ideal location for another salon.
Its living-room feel, small stage, and projector make it the perfect fit, she said.
“This is it. This is right,” she said of her first visit to The Annex. “It feels like home — the right spot, the right feel, everything.”
Thursday’s Salon 25 will feature poetry by Dallas Whitefield, an art advocacy presentation from Arabia Parkey, a community outreach segment by Menna Abou O’llow, and a creative showcase spotlighting Des Moines singer-songwriter Dang Felton. Ryan Kelly and Mallory Leonetti will display their original visual art. The Annex bar will offer special salon-themed beverages, and food will be available from Graze Craze.
Van Horne said food and drink play an essential role at every salon event, bringing attendees together in a spirit of connection and collaboration.
The gatherings give artists across disciplines a chance to reach new audiences, gain experience in the spotlight, and network with other creatives, she said. Every salon seems to spark unexpected and delightful outcomes — featured artists have received work offers, and attendees have formed collaborative partnerships across genres.
The event is free to attend and begins at 6:30 p.m., with the first half-hour devoted to networking. The program will then feature presentations on art advocacy and activism before concluding with a musical performance.
“By the end of the night, really great things happen that make me want to do it all again,” Van Horne said.
Salon 25
Wednesday, Nov. 19
@ The Annex
6:30 p.m.