Hundreds of Home State Bank customers and others attended an open house Dec. 4 celebrating the completion of the bank’s 1,500-square-foot addition. They were treated to refreshments, music, and a look at art that makes a visit to the bank more than just a financial chore.
Along with decorative art are about a dozen large art photos by Sue Durlam of Jefferson, who has worked at the bank for 13 years. Durlam has taken photos for many years, and about five years ago she “got serious” about her hobby. She took classes in photographic art and techniques and purchased professional equipment.
Durlam photos on display include stunning pictures of local sites such as the Highway 4 overpass and the dome of the county courthouse, captured with an artist’s eye. Durlam uses a Canon camera and artistic effects are captured “in camera” by adjusting shutter speed, ISO settings and more.
Along with the photography is a portion of the west wall that will be a changing gallery, with art to be updated monthly. The wall currently displays art from the Whiterock Conservancy series by Nancy Thompson of Ames. She is a native of Coon Rapids.
Also, the bank is host of the Pioneers of the Prairie traveling exhibition from the archives of the Iowa State Historical Society.
