You've probably seen American Express' ads promoting shopping locally one day a year. We think it's a brilliant marketing campaign, since so many people gladly bought in, starting spreading the word and using up that hashtag, but spiritually? We feel Small Business Saturday falls pretty flat.

Why promote just one day a year to shop locally? Why is that day after the majority of shoppers have spent a wad of cash on Black Friday? Isn't that exactly the same criticisms Black History Month receives?

What's more, American Express' campaign is so halfhearted as to be further insulting to our friends and neighbors who own and run shops where we live. Sure, AE's got a place to find local businesses on their site, but the list is not at all curated: not even enough to only include shopping destinations. Depending on where you focus your map over Des Moines, you get lauded recommendations such as QuickTrip and Best Western Restaurant.

We love advertising, design, and campaigns with heart. However, American Express' Small Business Saturday campaign is an example of the failure of many well-intentioned consumers to think critically. Don't buy into the hype, people. Support small businesses all year round, and not because American Express tugs at your heart strings.

Des Moines crafter Jen Geigley posted a collection of posters for indie craft fair Market Day. We really dig their posters for this event, designed by Dani Awesome.

I'm loving the Market Day Black Friday posters this season. Aren't they fantastic!? In case you haven't heard, this Friday is Market Day's Black Friday Indie Shopping Bash. Market Day is the very best place in Des Moines to find a huge variety of unique handmade, local and vintage gifts for everyone. And you won't get trampled by crazy shoppers or have to wait in line outside in the dark at 4 am. Swing by the Kirkwood building and support the local creative community. You can find us at 400 Walnut Street from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. (That's right ... 9 to 5!)

Head over to the Facebook invite to RSVP. See you Friday.

(I'll be knitting my tush off until then!)

We'll try to be there. It sounds better than the rest of the family's plans to hit up Target for doorbuster sales, that's for sure.

An all-video installation curated by Drake prof Lenore Metrick-Chen opens tonight. Head on down for hors d'oeuvres and new media art.

“Projecting Identity” opens with a reception on Friday, Nov. 9, from 5 to 7 p.m., and remains on view through Dec. 14. The reception is free and open to the public and will include a special screening of Microcosm, a digital 3D animation by Miao Xiaochun, an influential and controversial Chinese artist. Microcosm will be screened at 6 p.m. in the Turner Jazz Center after a short introduction by Metrick-Chen.

Via.