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The Arts & Culture Alliance is proud to share the City of Marshalltown’s award of the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Destination Iowa’s Creative Placemaking Grant in the amount of two million dollars for the Linn Creek District. This exciting effort was made possible through a collaboration between the City of Marshalltown, Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce, Arts & Culture Alliance and Marshalltown Arts & Civic Center.
Destination Iowa was a $100 million investment, available through the federal American Recue Plan Act, to bolster the quality of life in Iowa’s communities and attract visitors and new residents to the state. Specifically, the Creative Placemaking category is about creating attractive and memorable places for people to live and work by developing transformational projects that leverage local community assets to improve the experience for visitors and residents of the area. Executive Director of the Arts & Culture Alliance, Amber Danielson, shared “the projects this funding will support directly ties to the recently adopted Arts & Culture Master Plan. We know that cities that weave arts and culture into the fabric of daily life become a destination for visitors, drive economic prosperity and become regional focal points. But most importantly, they bloom into a springboard of imagination and a creative home for their own residents.” The development of the Linn Creek District has been on Marshalltown’s radar for decades. It is a continuously developing destination, centrally located in our community along the Linn Creek corridor, just south of our historic downtown. In 2007, community planning efforts resulted in Marshalltown’s vision plan, IMAGINE, which included the Linn Creek District as one of the seven big ideas. The vision for the district included transforming the Linn Creek banks into gathering places for events, sports and recreation opportunities, an interactive museum, and improvements to the playhouse. Since the development of the vision plan, many of these projects have come to fruition. Most recently, the district has seen new housing development, expanded park areas, reinvigorated entertainment businesses, reimagined cultural spaces and expanded commercial operations. The development in this district, with a focus on creative placemaking, will tie together cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities, while conveniently connecting our community to this centrally located asset. The exciting projects included in this funding opportunity is the development of the Iowa River’s Edge Trailhead and bridge connection, Water Plaza and renovations to the Martha-Ellen Tye Playhouse. President and CEO of the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce, John Hall, stated, “we couldn’t be more pleased of the support from IEDA and the Governor’s Office for our Destination Iowa Projects. Advancing these efforts will continue to support our efforts to recruit and retain folks in our community by providing the necessary quality of place amenities that so many families and others are looking for in a place to call home.” Locally, we can point to the 13th Street District as an example of successful creative placemaking. The 13th Street District showcases a grassroots effort to enhance a space with a creative approach to foster economic development, recreation opportunities and community pride. A creative approach on the development in this area has led to a thriving and unique experience in our community, filled with people and vibrancy on a daily basis. It is now home to Iowa’s Best Burger, Iowa’s first outdoor lit futsal courts, our community’s largest public art installation, a one-of-a-kind natural playscape, an outdoor event space and so much more. This is creative placemaking at its best and it is a successful model ready to be adopted in other spaces throughout our community. “It is exciting to see the hard work across multiple parties finally payoff as we look to receive the funds for the Destination Iowa grant at our upcoming council meeting. This speaks to the very reason we adopted the Arts & Culture Master plan and continue to partner with the community as we build out the Linn Creek Corridor. I look forward to positive level of engagement across the new Marshall County supervisors, Arts & Culture Alliance, Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce and others as we continue the great growth we’ve already started to experience”, shared City Council Member, Gabe Isom. The Arts & Culture Alliance invites the community to take join in on the recently launched Arts & Culture Master Plan. The plan is an invitation to imagine, build and create community together. A community that dreams together, grows together. All of us are the creative community – join in and take pART! Learn more about the Master Plan here!
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The Arts & Culture Alliance is thrilled to share the goal has been met of raising $1,000 for art supplies to match local grant funds. Our partnership with West Marshall High School’s Student Philanthropy group, L.U.C.C. (Leading Uplifting our Community with Charity), allowed us to match each dollar raised. With the help of the community, a total of $2,000 was raised for art supplies to support YSS of Marshall County’s programming and therapy services.
Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Marshall County, Julie Hitchins, shared, “the students from L.U.C.C. were excited to provide this matching gift opportunity. By offering this challenge to the community the students learned how their grant dollars could be doubled and even more services provided”. The art supply drive began in 2020 when YSS was experiencing a 75% increase in therapy cases due to an increase in anxiety, stress and fear from COVID-19. Originally, we anticipated this effort to be a one-time occurrence. However, the response and benefits we have seen transpire out of these art supplies has far exceeded our expectations. Director of YSS, David Hicks, said, “thank you to the Marshall County Arts and Culture Alliance and those who generously supported our collaboration once again. Art goes beyond being creative and showcasing talents – it can comfort, heal, and creates an opportunity to process feelings and reduce anxiety. Art provides the people we serve a safe outlet for an emotional release”. In 2022, from January to June, YSS has seen a 250% increase in clients coming in for medication management. Youth are especially vulnerable as they are often unable to naturally express how they feel verbally. However, therapists at YSS can connect with their feelings more effectively through creative means. Art provides an avenue to express how they feel through color and content. The value of art – written poetry, drawn pictures, etc., often says more than the spoken word, especially those with limited language. Executive Director of the Arts & Culture Alliance, Amber Danielson, shared “thank you to everyone who supported this important effort. We have numerous stories of youth creating artwork while they are on their healing journey and the outcomes are stunning. We are beyond grateful to be able to continue this effort and provide creative outlets for the youth of Marshall County,” shared. The mission of YSS is to provide prevention, education, treatment and residential services to children, youth and families; to advocate on their behalf; and to help them solve problems, grow and be self-sufficient, responsible, contributing members of society. The Arts & Culture Alliance, a non-profit organization, was created in 2004 to cultivate a community of arts and culture by supporting, promoting and enriching existing opportunities and by seeking new possibilities. Our mission allows us to focus on enhancing the quality of life in Marshalltown by making it a place in which arts and culture thrive and our community flourishes. For more information or questions, please us at (641) 752-ARTS or director@artsandculturealliance.org www.artsandculturealliance.org  The Arts & Culture Alliance is thrilled to launch, take pART Marshalltown. Take pART Marshalltown seeks to encourage engagement in arts and culture in the community through sharing unique experiences. It is a call to action for residents and visitors to take pART in the amazing events, activities and creative spaces we have in Marshalltown. The Alliance invites the community to enjoy a digital interactive arts and culture map highlighting arts and culture experiences, creative spaces, public art and murals. The map is split into three different Marshalltown experiences including Downtown, 13th Street and Linn Creek District. The map can be filtered and customized to each user depending on if they are seeking an experience or want to discover all of the murals. Marshalltown Tourism Director, Andrew Potter, shared, “we are excited for this takepART campaign as it will shed a light on the continued momentum of the celebration of arts in our community. Visiting groups are taking notice and area residents are taking pride in our growing public art inventory and all of the benefits it affords.” In addition to the website and interactive map, the Alliance is excited to attend local events and give out #takepARTmarshalltown merchandise including stickers, magnets, postcards and temporary tattoos. They will work to spread the merchandise and new digital map throughout the entire community. If you have an upcoming event or activity that you would like to have us join, please reach out to the Alliance. Arts & Culture Alliance Executive Director, Amber Danielson, said, “the creative environment in our community is thriving and we are beyond excited to amplify and promote all the unique experiences and spaces in Marshalltown.” Check out the interactive arts and culture map at takepartmarshalltown.org Don't forget to share your photos and use #takepARTmarshalltown when you take pART in our community. For more information or questions, please us at (641) 752-ARTS or director@artsandculturealliance.org www.artsandculturealliance.org takepartmarshalltown.org   In collaboration with Marshall County Arts & Culture Alliance, McFarland Clinic is conducting a photography contest to showcase our community and provide an inspiring and healing environment in the new facility. Area residents and photographers are encouraged to submit digital images which capture the beauty of Central Iowa.
McFarland Clinic is currently constructing a 66,000 square foot state-of-the art facility at 421 East Merle Hibbs Blvd in Marshalltown. The $20 million facility will allow for more comfortable and efficient use of space to provide patient care. With the help of the local community, the artwork planned for the facility will celebrate the natural beauty of Central Iowa found in nature's colors, wildlife, landscape and iconic images of our area. McFarland Clinic’s Executive Director, Deb Wollam, shared "we are excited for the opportunity to provide a beautiful and uplifting environment for patients in the new facility with a combination of natural lighting and photos of scenic landscapes, nature, wildlife, plants and iconic places from Central Iowa." The contest is seeking photos taken of Central Iowa in three different categories: Scenic Landscapes & Nature, Native Wildlife & Plants and Iconic places. A total of 25 photos will be selected by the McFarland Clinic Facilities Committee for permanent photographic art installations in the new facility. A $100 stipend per image will be awarded to the photographers of the selected photos. Executive Director, Amber Danielson, shared, “we are thrilled about our partnership with McFarland Clinic and their support of local arts in their new facility. This is an outstanding opportunity for regional photographers to be showcased for years to come.” Artist applications are due on Sunday, August 7th and final selections will be decided by mid-September. The facility is currently planning for an early 2023 opening. More details about the application requirements can be found at artsandculturealliance.org/artist-opportunities The Arts & Culture Alliance, a non-profit organization, was created in 2004 to cultivate a community of arts and culture by supporting, promoting and enriching existing opportunities and by seeking new possibilities. Our mission allows us to focus on enhancing the quality of life in Marshalltown by making it a place in which arts and culture thrive and our community flourishes. ### For more information or questions, please us at (641) 752-ARTS or director@artsandculturealliance.org www.artsandculturealliance.org  The Arts & Culture Alliance is thrilled to be kicking off our third annual art supply drive in partnership with an amazing local organization, YSS of Marshall County. However, this year we have a special challenge for the community. West Marshall High School’s Student Philanthropy program, L.U.C.C. (Leading Uplifting our Community with Charity), has granted us $1,000 for and we are asking the community to match those dollars. Each dollar donated up to $1,000 will be matched to help us raise more than double what has been raised in the past few years. The art supply drive began in 2020 when YSS was experiencing a 75% increase in therapy cases due to an increase in anxiety, stress and fear from COVID-19. Originally, we anticipated this effort to be a one-time occurrence. However, the response and benefits we have seen transpire out of these art supplies has far exceeded our expectations. “We have countless stories of youth creating artwork while they are on their healing journey and the outcomes are stunning. You can visit YSS’s office in Downtown Marshalltown and find their walls decorated with artwork from their youth. Many of which who were previously struggling to attend therapy and programming, are now thrilled to participate due to the pride they feel from seeing their artwork on display,” shared Amber Danielson, Executive Director of the Arts & Culture Alliance. In 2022, from January to June, YSS has seen a 250% increase in clients coming in for medication management. Youth are especially vulnerable as they are often unable to naturally express how they feel verbally. However, therapists at YSS can connect with their feelings more effectively through creative means. Art provides an avenue to express how they feel through color and content. The value of art – written poetry, drawn pictures, etc., often says more than the spoken word, especially those with limited language. Executive Director of YSS, David Hicks, said, “by supporting the Arts and Cultural Alliance’s art supply drive, you are providing a tool to which some of the most vulnerable will be able to safely communicate their worries and fears. Our young people will build hope and understanding through creativity. What’s often difficult to discuss, can be more easily relatable through art”. The mission of YSS is to provide prevention, education, treatment and residential services to children, youth and families; to advocate on their behalf; and to help them solve problems, grow and be self-sufficient, responsible, contributing members of society. The Arts & Culture Alliance, a non-profit organization, was created in 2004 to cultivate a community of arts and culture by supporting, promoting and enriching existing opportunities and by seeking new possibilities. Our mission allows us to focus on enhancing the quality of life in Marshalltown by making it a place in which arts and culture thrive and our community flourishes. To make a donation towards art supplies for YSS of Marshall County: Please make checks out to Arts & Culture Alliance and send to PO BOX 386, Marshalltown, IA 50158 Online Donations Accepted at www.artsandculturealliance.org/support (select Art Supply Drive) For more information or questions, please us at (641) 752-ARTS or director@artsandculturealliance.org www.artsandculturealliance.org
The Marshalltown Auditorium Foundation Partnership Fund and the Marshalltown Community School District/High School, in partnership with the Arts & Culture Alliance, are excited to announce the installation of new artwork at the Marshalltown Performing Arts Center. The artwork, titled ‘Scherzo’, of Kansas artist Stephen T. Johnson will arrive next week. ‘Scherzo’ will consist of colorful abstract forms based on musical notations such as the bass clef, the forte f and musical notes, plus three kinetic mouth-shaped forms at the top that celebrate the rhythms, sounds and ideas generated within this outstanding performing arts venue. The title ‘Scherzo’ refers to a short orchestral piece of music, especially in the second or third movement of a symphony or sonata. Scherzos are vigorously composed and are typically light and playful in character with intensely interesting, fresh, and familiar themes. More information about the project can be found here! Stephen T. Johnson’s rich body of work forges connections between words, objects, and ideas. His art spans a broad range of concepts and contexts and can be seen in site-specific public art commissions, gallery and museum exhibitions, and original award-winning children’s books such as Alphabet City, a Caldecott Honor, and a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year. Artist, Stephen T. Johnson, said "Riggs Fabrication is doing a superlative job translating my designs into glorious steel. It’s hard to convey the sheer scale with a few photos that truly capture all the nuances and parallaxes that occur while viewing it from 360 degrees. Every step reveals new juxtapositions of form and hopefully quickens musical associations. The final phase is to add the color then we are very much looking forward to coming to Marshalltown next week to install the sculpture. I’m so grateful for the community support and enthusiasm during the course of this exciting, creative journey.” Among Johnson’s public art is a 70-foot mosaic mural at the DeKalb Avenue Subway Station in Brooklyn, New York, a 60-foot mosaic mural at the Universal City Metro Station in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, and 33 glass panels for the Dallas Love Field Airport in Dallas, Texas. His latest commission was three large glass mosaic murals for the Lenexa City Center Library in metropolitan Kansas City. MHS Director of Vocal Music and Auditorium Foundation Board member, Amy Ose shared, “I have been anxiously awaiting the realization of this dream since 2016 when the Roundhouse addition was being designed. With drastic changes planned for the North side of the MHS campus, I was eager for us to find a way to create a visual impact at the entrance to the Performing Arts Center that would welcome people into our amazing facility, while also representing the importance of Fine Arts within our school and community. The installation of ‘Scherzo’ will be the realization of that dream.” Upcoming Events with the Artist:
Help us celebrate the arrival of ‘Scherzo’ with a Reveal Celebration on Thursday, June 30th from 5-7pm at the Marshalltown Performing Arts Center. The evening will kick off with a Chamber ribbon cutting, followed by opening performances of MHS Students and ending with the Marshalltown Municipal Band at 6pm. Bring your lawn chairs! More details on the Facebook Event. “We have long awaited the arrival of ‘Scherzo’ and are thrilled about the continued growth of artwork in Marshalltown, especially on the Marshalltown High School Campus. This piece will be an amazing addition to showcase this outstanding performing arts facility and all of the talented artist who perform for our community,” said Amber Danielson, Executive Director of the Arts & Culture Alliance.   The VFW Post 839 of Marshalltown, in partnership with the Marshall County Arts & Culture Alliance, will be installing a patriotic mural this Spring at the main entrance to their building located off Meadow Lane in Marshalltown. The mural project will be a visual way of welcoming and honoring veterans in the city of Marshalltown and its surrounding communities. Local artist, Missy Sharer-Pieters, was hand selected for this project because of her amazing portfolio of patriotic work around the community. Missy shared, “I am honored and excited to be a part of the VFW mural project. The importance of using patriotic symbols and icons to honor our military personnel, both past and present, will be key to what we create. It is definitely a subject matter that I am familiar with and truly enjoy painting. I hope the community will share my enthusiasm for this mural project and support the VFW in raising funds.” The fundraising goal for the mural is $1,500, with hopes of surpassing the goal to allow for an even larger mural than planned. The VFW Post 839 of Marshalltown will be having its first of many fundraisers for their mural project on January 24th. The veterans of the post will be working with Culver's of Marshalltown on Monday, January 24th from 5 to 8 pm where donations will be accepted. Please dine in (16 Iowa Ave West) or take out and support your local veterans and this exciting mural project. Executive Director of the Arts & Culture Alliance, Amber Danielson, said, “we are thrilled to continue to partner with so many amazing local organizations and artists to create a vibrant community and celebrate our local veterans.” The Alliance, a non-profit organization, created in 2004 to cultivate a community of arts and culture by supporting, promoting, and enriching existing opportunities and by seeking new possibilities. The VFW, a non-profit organization, relies on donations from people of all walks of life to accomplish our goals and to meet the needs of local veterans. Robert Sheppard, commander for the VFW Post 839 relayed, “When I see a mural that depicts the great military of The United State of America, I feel excited and honored to be a veteran. It makes me proud and gives me hope for the future of our country.” To contribute to the VFW Post 839 Mural Project: Donations can be dropped off at VFW Post 839, located at 107 E Meadow Lane or Sent via mail to P.O. Box 1204, Marshalltown, IA 50158  
The Marshall County Arts & Culture Alliance has officially wrapped up its mural season with the completion of Marshalltown’s Postcard Mural at Thompson True Value and The Starry Night of Marshalltown at Great Western Bank. The Marshalltown Mural program completed a very successful 2021 season installing 16 murals around the community. Amber Danielson, Executive Director of the Arts & Culture Alliance shared, “we couldn’t be more thrilled with the success of the mural program’s second year. It has been exciting to see the vibrancy added throughout our community and to expand our mural portfolio with such a wide-variety of styles from talented local, regional and national artists.” This week, Des Moines artist Jimmy Navarro completed Marshalltown’s Postcard Mural on the south wall of Thompson True Value. This project was sponsored by the Marshalltown Development Foundation (MDF). MDF hand selected this location as it is the first building to welcome visitors into our downtown. The welcoming mural incorporates landmarks and icons from around the community within the letters of Marshalltown, including the water tower, MHS Roundhouse, Iowa Veterans Home and many more! Dave Thompson of Thompson True Value shared, “our family has owned our business in downtown Marshalltown for 36 years. Building our new store in the downtown has shown an unwavering commitment and belief in Marshalltown and the downtown. We are very excited to have this beautiful mural painted on our new store as a welcoming entrance to the downtown. The Arts & Culture Alliance took our requests and the artist envisioned them into the mural. The artist, Jimmy, has hit this out of the park and has become a part of the True Value family! We recognize the need for additional art in the downtown and are happy to contribute $5,000 towards sculptures in the downtown.” Community members and visitors alike will enjoy the Postcard Mural upon entering the historic Marshalltown Central Business District – the heart of where MDF originated 21 years ago – a nod to the true MDF mission that was dedicated to creating, promoting, and funding projects that enhance the appearance and attitude of Marshalltown. Artists Jimmy Navarro and Katie Jensen shared, “it’s been a great experience for us creating this mural for the City of Marshalltown. Over the last few weeks, we have been treated like family and we are especially proud of this mural. We hope it brings joy, showing the City’s great pride and its history.” Additionally, local artists Landaca, Katie and Danielle Czerniewski and Melynda McCord completed their first large-scale mural at Great Western Bank. It has been named The Starry Night of Marshalltown which was inspired by Vinvent Van Gogh's The Starry Night. Marshalltown details were incorporated into the piece including the Marshall County Courthouse, Orpheum, Marshalltown M's and more. In addition, a wing selfie wall was added on the south corner, inviting people to take their picture with the piece. 
 Melynda McCord and Landaca Czerniewski The Arts & Culture Alliance is kicking off National Arts & Humanities Month with the addition of three more murals in Marshalltown. We are thrilled to welcome muralists Kim Carlino of Massachusetts and Jimmy Navarro of Des Moines to our community next week, while local artist, Melynda McCord and Landaca Czerniewski, will be painting at Great Western Bank in Downtown Marshalltown. Amber Danielson, Executive Director of the Arts & Culture Alliance shared, “these final three mural projects will officially wrap up our 2021 mural season and help us celebrate Arts & Humanities month in a big way. It has been a busy year for the Marshalltown Mural program and we couldn’t be happier about the succuss we have had in the first two years of launching this program in our community.” In the spring, the Marshalltown Mural program began with completing the Schools Sidewalk Safety project (Lauren Gifford of Ames), included eight sidewalk murals at the remaining schools in Marshalltown. To kick-off the summer, we partnered with McGregors Furniture & Mattress (Jordyn Brennan of Minneapolis), the Animal Rescue League (Julie Bousum of Marshalltown) and The Studio Wahl (Rebecca Wagner of Des Moines). Heading into fall, we welcomed Baltimore artist, Nether410 to complete Marshalltown’s largest mural to date at the Tremont Building. As we wrap up the mural season this fall, another three murals will be added to our community. Rotary Club of Marshalltown – 13th Street District: Kim Carlino of Massachusetts was selected for the mural being placed on the north wall of the Chop Shop in the 13th Street District. This project is being sponsored by the Rotary Club of Marshalltown. The mural will be an energetic and vibrant background for the District. “Rotary is thrilled to partner with the 13th Street District and the Arts and Culture Alliance on this mural. Not only is the design unique and vibrant, it perfectly symbolizes the energy that surrounds this developing area with unique businesses and events that bring our community together,” said Rotary Board member, Amanda Accola. Learn more about Kim: kimcarlinoart.com Postcard Mural - Marshalltown Development Foundation: Jimmy Navarro of Des Moines was selected for the mural being placed on the south wall of Thompson True Value. This project is being sponsored by the Marshalltown Development Foundation (MDF). MDF hand selected this location as it is the first building to welcome visitors into Downtown. The mural will be Marshalltown’s post card mural – showcasing all that makes our community a great place. Heidi Draisey, MDF Board President shared, “we are thrilled this is a mural community members and guests alike will see and enjoy upon entering the historic Marshalltown Central Business District – the heart of where MDF originated 21 years ago – a nod to the true MDF mission that was dedicated to creating, promoting, and funding projects that enhance the appearance and attitude of Marshalltown.” Learn more about Jimmy: www.navarrofineart.com Great Western Bank: “We were heartbroken when we saw Melynda and Landaca’s piece at the Skatepark get ruined just days after they had completed it. We immediately called them to see if they would be interested in a more permanent and much larger canvas,” shared Alliance Executive Director, Amber Danielson. “The intention for this wall was for it to rotate so we connected with Great Western Bank and they were thrilled to learn of the new artwork coming to their space.” Melynda and Landaca painted their interpretation of Van Gogh’s Starry Night at the Skatepark but for this wall, they will be painting Marshalltown’s Starry Night.
 Downtown Marshalltown is the heart of our community. Over the past 3-years, downtown has suffered greatly from the tornado, derecho and pandemic. So many people, organizations and businesses are putting the maximum effort into revitalizing the Downtown District and we believe it is worth a celebration. In partnership with the Marshalltown Central Business District, the Arts & Culture Alliance invites you to join us in the newly renovated parking lot behind the Tremont Building to Celebrate Downtown.
Enjoy live music by local musicians, Austin Chadderdon and Bon Jecci, and enjoy the new mural from Baltimore muralist, Nether410, on the south wall of the Tremont Building. We hope to celebrate the continued beautification efforts, drive foot traffic into the downtown and ignite a passion for future events in our downtown, specifically in this newly revitalized beautiful space. Marshalltown Central Business Executive Director, Deb Milizer, shared, “the captivating mural, and newly upgraded parking lot are noteworthy symbols of how this community has chosen to move forward beyond the trifecta of disasters that plagued downtown Marshalltown over these past 3 years. I highly encourage the public to come downtown and celebrate the progress that continues to be made.” WHEN: Thursday, September 30th from 4:30 – 7PM Please bring your lawn chairs! LOCATION: Downtown Parking Lot off of West Church Street and South 1st Street, behind the Tremont Building TIMING OF EVENTS: Chamber Ribbon Cutting - 4:30PM / Austin Chadderdon - 5PM / Bon Jecci - 6PM We invite you to extend your stay in Downtown by shopping, dining and supporting our downtown businesses and restaurants before or after the event. Thank you to the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce Tourism for sponsoring this event. Per city ordinance, pets are not allowed at events in Marshalltown. For the health and wellbeing of everyone that attends, masks or facial coverings and social distancing are recommended. For questions, please contact Amber Danielson at director@artsandculturealliance.org or 641-752-2787. |
