The Jefferson Matters: Main Street’s Tower View Team was the recipient of one of four Governor’s Arts Award. The awards were presented at the 2018 Iowa Arts Summit in Ankeny last Friday.
Administered by the Iowa Arts Council, the awards recognize and honor individuals, communities and organizations in Iowa that have had a significant impact on the vitality of the arts in Iowa.
A press release from the Governor’s office notes the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower is the focal point for new public art and creative placemaking projects, and that what can be seen from the top of the tower has been a driving point for developing new ideas.
“A team of volunteers and artists installed public sculptures, organized the city’s fourth public piano installation and developed Jefferson’s first art alley in “Sally’s Alley,” which was featured on National Public Radio. The team also installed art on the rooftops of three downtown buildings,” the press release states.
It quotes Jefferson Matters director Peg Raney: “We appreciate that these projects in rural communities are being recognized. It empowers small communities who view art as economic development to move forward in their progress of drawing people to their community.”
Other recipients were Karen Hoyt, a retired art teacher from Marion who volunteers on a long list of cultural arts and creative placemaking projects; Community Support Advocates of Des Moines, that promotes art programs for under-served populations such as those with disabilities, brain injuries and mental health issues; and FACE of Mahaska County, which recently opened a new gallery, shop, studio space, classrooms and performance space in Oskaloosa.
Approximately 250 state and national arts professionals, community leaders and advocates attended the arts summit to network, learn and celebrate the arts in Iowa. The summit was presented by the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs.
