The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and local artist, Laura Palmer, have partnered together to create four custom postcards depicting Greater Des Moines cityscapes. Three colorful postcards with Palmer’s illustrations are available for purchase at the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau office (400 Locust Street, Suite 265, Des Moines) for $2 each. The fourth design, a black and white sketch, will be available at various festivals and events as a free coloring activity to encourage recipients to embrace art and color the city with their own creativity. The partnership further enhances the Catch Des Moines Culture initiative launched earlier this year, which defines one message to engage both locals and visitors in the esteemed arts and culture scene of Greater Des Moines. 

“Working with local businesses, including XO-LP, continues to elevate our region for visitors,” says Greg Edwards, president and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and Des Moines Area Sports Commission. “Both businesses and the community as a whole embrace and support arts and culture in Greater Des Moines, which is unique to other cities. We’re proud to be part of that.”

"Working with the CVB is an opportunity for me to show my love for Des Moines through my illustrations. The city is vibrant, full of chances for a young professional like me to showcase their skills through interesting collaborations,” says Laura Palmer, local artist and owner of XO-LP.

“With Palmer’s help, the Catch Des Moines Culture initiative continues to thrive,” adds Edwards.

Palmer will also create a custom commemorative poster for the AAU Junior Olympic Games, July 22 – August 2 in Greater Des Moines. The posters will be shared with 14,000 youth athletes competing in the Games.

For more information on the creativity behind the cityscape designs, catch Palmer’s blog at xo-lp.com/blog/cvb-and-me and at catchdesmoines.com/blog.

About Catch Des Moines Culture

Catch Des Moines Culture defines one message to meet a common goal: get more visitors and locals engaged with the esteemed arts and culture community throughout Greater Des Moines. The initiative satisfies a community-wide need in creating one central location for everything arts and culture in Greater Des Moines. The initiative includes a comprehensive community calendar, an Arts and Culture e-newsletter and local and regional ad campaigns. Catch Des Moines Culture at catchdesmoinesculture.com.

About XO-LP

Laura Palmer is the illustrator behind XO-LP. A lifelong Iowan who values a philanthropic spirit, the United States Postal Service and a thoughtfully handwritten note, Laura started XO-LP in 2009 producing little greetings made with highlighters, markers and wit.

By day she serves as the Resource Development Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa with a passion for mentoring and years of fundraising experience. Outside the office she is also the Director of Making Friends for Market Day, a co-founder of make\break's Community Supported Art Des Moines, serves on the Des Moines Arts Festival Board and was the 2012 Amy Jennings YP of the Year award winner.

Laura loves birthdays, road trip soundtracks, confetti cannons, bourbon, egg rolls, a community drenched in arts and culture and an unforgettable party. Laura's recent projects include "fire.house," a historical art piece permanently on display at the Des Moines Social Club, an adventure series of postcards called "Wild Hansen" and drawing the best bits of Des Moines for the Convention and Visitors Bureau.