Marshall County Arts and Culture Alliance
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We are passionate about making Marshalltown THE place to live, work, learn and play by
enhancing the quality of life and making it a place in which arts and culture thrive.

LOCAL ARTIST CHOSEN FOR ANIMAL RESCUE LEAGUE MURAL

6/22/2021

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The Arts & Culture Alliance is proud to partner with the Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown to create a mural by local artist, Julie Bousum of Quiet Cove Creations. The mural will be located in an internal space where visitors are invited to interact with adoptable pets. The mural will be used for taking pictures of adoptable pets to share with potential adopters.
 
“When the Animal Rescue League reached out to us about a mural we were thrilled to partner with another impactful local non-profit organization. We were even more excited when we heard they wanted it to be a Marshall County Artist. The Alliance is dedicated to supporting, engaging & amplifying our local artist community while providing opportunities to collaborate, network, learn and grow. ​We are enthusiastic about creating a sense of community to help artists succeed”, said Alliance Executive Director, Amber Danielson.
 
The Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown is a private animal shelter that opened its doors in 1948. Their facility takes in stray and unwanted animals in Marshall County and attempts to find as many as possible new, loving homes. Approximately, 150-200 domestic animals cross their threshold each month in need of shelter and care.
 
Animal Rescue League Volunteer Coordinator, Jessica Volcoord shared, "our shelter is so excited to have a bright mural showcased in our shelter by local artistic talent. Our dog visitation room will be the perfect spot to take a picture with a new furry family member, a bright beginning for all."
 
The mission of the Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown is to provide a safe haven for lost, homeless, and abused companion animals; to help reunite lost companion animals with their family; to find new homes for adoptable and abandoned animals; and to aid in strengthening the human to animal bond.
 
“I enjoy taking my grandchildren to volunteer at the Animal Rescue League. The staff there is accommodating to human visitors and so caring for their animal charges. It is a privilege to be chosen as the mural artist for this project”, said Julie Bousum of Quiet Cove Creations. Follow Julie on her Facebook Page @Quiet Cove Creations. For inquiries about her work, she can be reached at jkbousum@aol.com.
 
Follow along on the Alliance’s Facebook and Instagram to see Julie’s progress and the completed mural: Instagram: @arts_and_culture_alliance | Facebook: @ArtsandCultureAlliance

PDF Press Release 

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Julie Bousum has begun working on the mural at the ARL
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Annual Art Supply Fundraiser for Youth

6/1/2021

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In honor of the Arts & Culture Alliance’s 17th birthday on June 24th, we are partnering with Child Abuse and Prevention Services during the month of June to raise funds for art supplies to support the utilization of the arts in their programming and services. This effort began in 2020, first in partnership with YSS of Marshall County, with the goal to raise $300 and we far exceeded the goal by raising almost $900.
 
“The Alliance is continuing to seek ways to connect the community with arts and culture and we are thrilled for this opportunity to partner with an amazing local organization who makes an incredible impact on our youth through the services they provide in Marshall County,” said Executive Director of the Alliance, Amber Danielson.
 
During the last year, we have watched the power of the arts heal and transform the youth at YSS. We knew this would be an impactful effort but we couldn’t have anticipated the depth of healing and transformations we would witness. With such a huge success, we knew the importance and criticalness of continuing this effort and spreading the impact by partnering with a new youth focused organization in 2021, Child Abuse and Prevention Services.
 
“For the youth that we have had the opportunity to give art supplies as a way for them to express their feelings, abuse, dreams, fear, etc.; we have had a more accurate picture into how we can help them. We have given out many, many canvases and paint and what we have seen in return is a youth that is more open and able to discuss issues that are relevant. We have learned about family dynamics, goals for the future that can be used to stay focused, and those things that cause fear but cannot be so easily described in words,” shared Ryan Keller, lead Therapist at Youth and Shelter Services.
*See video recap from YSS 
 
Child Abuse and Prevention Services’ mission is to prevent child abuse in Marshall County and the surrounding area. They serve over 8,000 children and their families in Marshall, Hardin, and Tama Counties through our various programs. Child Abuse Prevention Services works with children and families to cultivate a home environment where children can grow and develop to their fullest potential. They want families to know that learning with their child can be fun. Making homemade toys and supplying arts and crafts activities that promote parent-child interaction are great ways to encourage children to be creative while gaining essential skills.
 
With the community behind us, we are aiming to exceed our goal from last year and raise $1,000 by the end of the month. Donations are being accepted via mail and online to the Marshall County Arts & Culture Alliance. CAPS’ Executive Director, Linda Havelka, said, “by supporting the Arts and Cultural Alliance’s Art Supply Fundraiser you will be providing families with materials that will help build nurturing relationships and lead to a lifetime of learning for the children of our community. We are so appreciative of your generosity.”

TO MAKE A DONATION:
Please make checks out to Marshall County Arts & Culture Alliance | PO BOX 386, Marshalltown, IA
Online Donations Accepted *select CAPS Art Supply Fundraiser
 
For more information or questions, please us at:
(641) 752-ARTS or director@artsandculturealliance.org
Arts & Culture Alliance: www.artsandculturealliance.org
Child Abuse and Prevention Services: www.capsonline.us
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Blank Canvases Coming to Life with Murals in Downtown

5/27/2021

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PictureArtist, Rebecca Wagner
The Arts & Culture Alliance’s Mural program seeks to strengthen the relationship between the people and places we share through investments in creativity. The program creates an opportunity for an increased focus on quality of life, community pride, beautification and creative placemaking. In 2020, our first mural projects launched at La Salud in Downtown Marshalltown and at several Marshalltown Schools for the sidewalk safety project. The added vibrancy has just begun and Marshalltown should be on the lookout for murals to continue popping up around town in 2021.
 
We are thrilled to share another mural is going up this week at the Edwards Jones Building on South 1st Ave in Downtown, East of the Court House. The mural will be located on the back east wall and is being painted this weekend by Des Moines artist, Rebecca Wagner. The mural is sponsored by a new business, The Studio Wahl, located on the top floor of the Edward Jones Building. The Studio Wahl, owned and operated by Anne Wahl, is the premier place to gather with friends in Marshalltown creating one of a kind trend setting pieces of art and decor. The Studio Wahl's Facebook
 
Building owners, Tom and Anne Wahl along with Zach Wahl, share "we are very excited to work with Rebecca and watch her attractive design come to life. We are committed to our community here in Marshalltown. A mural has the ability to create a visual impact across our region and drive real business. Our hope is to increase traffic, strengthen our community and showcase the beauty that is here.”
 
Rebecca is a graphic illustrator and digital designer based in Iowa. She is currently studying graphic design at the Kansas City Art Institute. Rebecca has been the recipient of several prestigious awards at her college and here in Iowa. She received first place as an adult artist at the Iowa State Fair Fine Arts exhibit 2020 in the drawing category for her depiction of Hassaleh and the sons of Hypnos. She was also the recipient of the 2021 Armin Hofmann Award for outstanding rigor diligent process and commitment to design. Her floral mural design will be filled with vibrant colors, providing an uplifting and cheerful energy to the area. The mural will be just steps away from the Gallery Garden off of 2nd Ave. Rebecca's Instagram
 
“We believe a vibrant arts and culture environment is critical to enhancing the quality of life and driving economic development while nurturing a positive view of the community among residents and visitors alike. The Arts & Culture Alliance is committed to cultivating a community of arts and culture and we believe a community enriched in arts and culture will attract, retain and engage residents and visitors,” stated Alliance Executive Director, Amber Danielson.
 
The Alliance is actively working on several mural projects at locations in the Downtown and 13th Street District. Including McGregor’s Furniture & Mattress, Tremont and Thompson True Value.
 
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 contact us at
(641) 752-ARTS (2787) or director@artsandculturealliance.org
Learn more at www.artsandculturealliance.org/marshalltown-murals

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Edwards Jones Building on South 1st Ave in Downtown, East of the Court House
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Back-East Wall where the mural is currently being painted
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RESTORATIVE AND RECOVERY CENTERED EVENT AT WEST END PARK

5/13/2021

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The Arts & Culture Alliance is thrilled to offer the community a restorative and recovery centered morning in the newly renovated West End Park in the 13th Street District. (RE) TRACING is both a three-part dance film series and a live event offered to the public which centers around the ideas of isolation, coming together, and recovery amidst a pandemic/post-pandemic world. The 3-part film series will be released late Summer and the live event will take place on Saturday, May 22nd at West End Park.
 
The event will feature restorative yoga, a performance of the material developed in the films as well as recovery-centered movement/dance classes for anyone who wants to participate. This special project and event was created by Toree Benson and Nicholas Cooper.  
 
DATE & TIME: Saturday, May 22nd from 8:30am to 12:30pm
LOCATION: 13th Street District West End Park, on the lawn in front of the new shelter by the futsal courts
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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
  • 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM – YOGA led by Heidi Draisey and Hilary Powell
  • 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM – Movement/Dance Classes and Performances, recovery-centered, including music by local musician, Austin Chadderdon.
 
Nicholas shared, "we are very excited to be partnering once again with the Alliance! This past year has been extremely difficult; with this project, we felt the need to address both the effects of isolation as well as the hope we have for the future. (RE) TRACING was created for the purpose of illuminating our communal experience of the pandemic and we hope you are able to take something away from it.”  
 
MORE DETAILS
  • There is no cost to participate; free will donations are graciously accepted and go towards support of the Marshall County Arts & Culture Alliance.
  • Open to ages 14 years+, ages 10-13 years can participate with a guardian.
  • Please bring a Yoga Mat (or towel); for the health and wellbeing of everyone that attends, NO mats will be provided. Please bring your own water and strap or block, if you wish.
  • For the health and wellbeing of everyone that attends, masks or facial coverings and social distancing is recommended.
  • In case of inclement weather, please call Amber Danielson at 641-751-1329.
 
“We are excited to gather together for the first time in the newly renovated West End Park. This event is focused on coming together and to provide restoration and recovery as we navigate the current times. It is our pleasure to partner again with the talented Nicholas Cooper and Toree Benson to offer the community this unique experience through movement, dance and live performances,” said Alliance Executive Director, Amber Danielson.
 
Established in 2004, the Alliance connects our community to arts and culture by supporting, promoting, and enriching existing opportunities, and by seeking new possibilities. The Alliance is focused 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 contact us at:
Marshall County Arts & Culture Alliance
director@artsandculturealliance.org or 641-752-ARTS (2787)
www.artsandculturealliance.org
 
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Marshalltown Mural Photo Contest

5/10/2021

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Des Moines artist, Jenna Brownlee
The Arts & Culture Alliance and Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce Tourism are excited to announce a Marshalltown Mural Photo Contest at the La Salud mural in Downtown Marshalltown. We are inviting the community to take a picture in front of the mural for a chance to win $100 in Chamber Bucks.
 
The Alliance’s mural program creates an opportunity for an increased focus on quality of life, community pride, beautification and creative placemaking. This mural project was funded by the Fauna Nord and Kelli Thurston Realty Team. “We are greatly appreciative of the generous donation of Fauna Nord and Kelli Thurston,” said Alliance Director Amber Danielson. “This contest is an opportunity for our community to come to our downtown and showcase this beautiful Marshalltown mural.”
 
The mural was painted on the North wall of La Salud in the alleyway off of North 1st Street in the Fall of 2020. It is next to the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, which just recently re-opened after being renovated from extensive tornado damage.
 
The contest will run from May 10 through May 22 and a winner will be randomly selected on May 24. Photos can be sent into Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce Tourism Director, Andrew Potter at apotter@marshalltown.org. In addition, we encourage the community to share their photos on social media using the #MarshalltownMoreThanEver hashtag. A video collage of the mural photos will be created and shared with the community after the contest ends.
 
Des Moines artist, Jenna Brownlee, is known for her beautiful floral work as an Iowa Muralist. Jenna’s interactive Marshalltown mural design incorporates flowers, monarch butterflies and the verbiage “sonar”, which means to dream. The flowers chosen are native to Latin America and the butterflies signify the migration monarchs make from Canada to Mexico each Fall. The mural celebrates and symbolizes the migration and journey many Latinos make to America, specifically to Marshalltown.  
 
Established in 2004, the Alliance connects our community to arts and culture by supporting, promoting, and enriching existing opportunities, and by seeking new possibilities. The Alliance is focused 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 contact us at:
Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce Tourism
apotter@marshalltown.org or 641-753-6645 | www.marshalltown.org
 
Marshall County Arts & Culture Alliance
director@artsandculturealliance.org or 641-752-ARTS (2787) | www.artsandculturealliance.org

Full Press Release PDF 
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Fundraiser for Schools Sidewalk Safety Murals

4/26/2021

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In an effort to increase the safety for students in Marshalltown, the Arts & Culture Alliance has partnered with the City of Marshalltown and the Marshalltown Community School District to create vibrant sidewalk murals at each of the schools in Marshalltown. In May of 2019, our community tragically lost 8-year-old, Christian Maxon, after being struck by a car while crossing the street after school. We believe the arts provide hope, healing and are a creative way to address and solve community challenges. It is our priority to honor and pay tribute to Christian and his family by increasing safety, awareness, education, beautification and engagement in the arts through this project.
 
“We believe this is a critical and significant opportunity to address the challenge of street safety in our school zones, while engaging students in a creative and educational way. We are honored to lead this project to pay tribute to Christian and his family,” said Arts & Culture Alliance Executive Director Amber Danielson.
 
Last fall the project kicked off with the first mural painted at Franklin Elementary School, the school Christian attended and where the accident took place. Franklin’s mural has a special dedication to Christian including a lightning bolt, representing Flash his favorite super hero, and his favorite color, blue.
Quickly following Franklin, murals were painted at Woodbury and Rogers Elementary before winter struck. There are 11 schools in Marshalltown, including the 9 schools in the Marshalltown Community School District, St. Francis Catholic School and Marshalltown Christian School. Now that spring is upon us, we are working with the remaining 8 schools in Marshalltown.
 
Ames artist, Lauren Gifford, has graciously granted us copyright of the mural design giving us the opportunity to spread the message throughout the community beyond just the sidewalk murals. We are working with Sign Creations to put the mural design on durable yard signs that will be placed at each of the schools’ busy intersections and crosswalks to share the message to drivers traveling through school zones. The mural design has been translated into Spanish allowing the street signs to appear in both English and Spanish. Thanks to the City’s Street Department, we know there are 90 school zone cross walks throughout Marshalltown.
 
We are asking for the community to help us support the final stretch of this project. Approximately $6,500 is still needed to complete 4 of the 11 school murals and support the yard signs at each of the school zone crossings. Over $12,000 has already been raised to support this project. We are grateful to partner with Diamond Vogel Paint-Marshalltown, who has donated over 30 gallons of paint for the project. Any additional funds raised beyond the $6,500 needed, will be allocated to the maintenance program which consists of a small team of local artists who have come together to help us do an annual touch up of each sidewalk mural to ensure they stay vibrant and fresh for the students and community.

MCSD Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte said the project serves as a powerful way to honor Christian’s life and as a critical safety reminder. "MCSD is very excited to partner with the Marshall County Arts & Culture Alliance on the Sidewalk Mural Project in honor and remembrance of former Franklin Elementary student Christian Maxon. It is a step in the right direction of providing more education, support and attention to the critical importance of safe practices for motorists and pedestrians within our community,” Dr. Schutte said.
 
The mural design and verbiage “Look Both Ways” was selected for many important reasons:
  • It is vibrant and bold – our hope is it literally stops people in their tracks to remember street safety.
  • The phrase is universal to everyone – people of all ages, from children to senior citizens, and people of all ethnicities and abilities.
  • The phrase is applicable to everyone – walkers and drivers, allowing the messaging to be spread community wide.
 
“I’m hoping this campaign will remind all people to be hyper-vigilant and careful any time they are driving or crossing the street because even if you have the right of way and follow proper safety precautions, there is no guarantee that everyone else will,” said Christian’s mom, Brittany Maxon. “We want to bring awareness to everyone - children, adults, drivers, and pedestrians - anything to prevent another family from suffering our heartbreak. Christian would want that. He loved everyone and would want his loss to help bring awareness and keep others safe.”
 
To make a tax-deductible donation toward the School Sidewalk Safety Mural Project:
Please make checks out to Arts & Culture Alliance – send to PO BOX 386, Marshalltown, IA, 50158

Online Donations Accepted
at www.artsandculturealliance.org/support
*click the donate button and select sidewalk mural project
 
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For more information or questions, please contact us at (641) 752-ARTS (2787) or director@artsandculturealliance.org
Learn more about the project at www.artsandculturealliance.org/marshalltown-murals


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Art in Public Places - Spring Call to Artists

3/23/2021

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Local artists from Marshall County are invited to apply for the Arts & Culture Alliance’s rotating art program, Art in Public Places. The program launched in 2019 as a pilot program in partnership with the Marshalltown Municipal Airport, and we are excited for its continued growth to include 3 additional businesses, West End Perk, Wayward Social and Sub City. The program was created to partner with local businesses to support, amplify and showcase our talented local artists, while enhancing the interior of our local spaces with original artwork.
 
“We jumped at the opportunity to showcase local talent at Wayward Social, the artwork elevates our space and we look forward to continuing this partnership with the Alliance”, shared Michele Buzbee, owner of Wayward Social.
 
Due to the closings of many businesses in 2020, artwork of Marshalltown Artist, Kim Hanken, will remain on display at Wayward Social. The spring call to artists includes the Marshalltown Municipal Airport, West End Perk in the 13th Street District and Sub City in Downtown Marshalltown.
 
Marshalltown artist, Seema Suthar, who currently has artwork on display at Sub City said, “the Alliance has helped me both as an artist and as a resident of Marshalltown. They have provided opportunities to display my artwork and they have also connected me to other artists within the community.”
 
Together with each business, the Alliance will select an artist for each participating location to have
their artwork on display through the summer months. All artwork on display at each location will be for sale and open to the public for viewing during the business’s operating hours. Artist applications are due by Sunday, April 19th to the Alliance – email to director@artsandculturealliance.org.
 
Executive Director of the Alliance, Amber Danielson, stated “this program is a great opportunity for artists to get exposure and sell their work. We are dedicated to supporting, engaging and amplifying our local artists community while providing opportunities to collaborate, network and grow.” 
 
For more information about artist applications, please visit

www.artsandculturealliance.org/art-in-public-places

Press Release Document 
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Wade Judge at West End Perk
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Seema Suthar at Sub City
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Interactive Mural installed at La Salud in Downtown Marshalltown

11/4/2020

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The Arts & Culture Alliance is thrilled to announce that an interactive mural is coming to downtown Marshalltown this week at La Salud Grocery Store and Restaurant. The mural has an engaging element, inviting residents and visitors to take pictures in front of the mural and celebrate the heart of our community.  
 
The Alliance’s mural program creates an opportunity for an increased focus on quality of life, community pride, beautification and creative placemaking. The program was recently launched with the Marshalltown Schools Sidewalk Safety Mural project. This mural project is funded and sponsored by the Fauna Nord and Kelli Thurston Realty Team. “We are greatly appreciative of the generous donation of Fauna Nord and Kelli Thurston,” said Alliance Director Amber Danielson. “This project wouldn’t be possible without their support and belief in the arts in Marshalltown.”
 
The mural will be painted on the North wall of La Salud in the alleyway off of North 1st Street, in between West Main Street and West State Street. It will be next to the parking lot of the iconic downtown building, the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, which is currently being remodeled from tornado damage and is slated to open this Winter. Gabriela Vargas, owner of La Salud, shared “we are excited about the opportunity for a mural on our building. It is an honor to work with the Alliance and to be a part of the Marshalltown Mural program.”
 
The selected artist, Jenna Brownlee of Des Moines, is known for her beautiful floral work as an Iowa Muralist. With a mission to make people happy through art, her work is often inspired by collages of organic shapes found in nature with themes of bright colors, flowers and typography that encourage others to stop and smell the roses. Jenna’s interactive Marshalltown mural design incorporates flowers, monarch butterflies and the word Soñar, which means to dream. The flowers chosen are native to Latin America and the butterflies signify the migration monarchs make from Canada to Mexico each Fall. The mural will celebrate and symbolize the migration and journey many Latinos make to America, specifically to our community.
 
Downtown Marshalltown has been steadily rebuilding since the July 2018 tornado and derecho this past August. The goal of this mural is to assist in the continuation of rebuilding and revitalizing the Downtown District. Our hope is that this mural creates another must-see attraction in our community, while increasing community pride, celebrating Latin American culture and ultimately drawing foot traffic to our downtown. Marshalltown Central Business District Executive Director, Deb Milizer, said “we couldn’t be happier about the addition of a mural in the downtown. We are looking forward to a continued partnership with the Ars & Culture Alliance and the Marshalltown Mural program as we incorporate additional murals in downtown.”  
 
The mural is being painted this Thursday and Friday, in hopes to be completed by the weekend. We welcome the community to stop by and watch the artist work, however, for the health and wellbeing of everyone, masks or facial coverings and social distancing are recommended.
 
We believe a vibrant arts and culture environment is critical to enhancing the quality of life and driving economic development while nurturing a positive view of the community among residents and visitors alike. The mission of the Arts & Culture Alliance is to cultivate a community of arts and culture and we believe a community enriched in arts and culture will attract, retain and engage residents. The Marshalltown Mural program provides an avenue for our community to continue to make Marshalltown THE place to live, work, learn and play, as well as an opportunity to enhance quality of life and support economic development. 
 
For more information or questions, please contact us at
(641) 752-ARTS (2787) or director@artsandculturealliance.org
Learn more about the project at www.artsandculturealliance.org/marshalltown-murals
Learn more about the artist at jennabrownlee.com/about
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Artist, Jenna Brownlee of Des Moines
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FALLing into The Holidays: Performing Artists in Downtown Marshalltown

11/2/2020

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Join us in downtown Marshalltown as we Fall into the Holidays. You are invited to experience live performing artists two consecutive Friday evenings; Friday, November 6th and 13th from 6-7pm. Enjoy a Fall evening in downtown Marshalltown while listening to live performances and finish your evening by visiting our downtown shops and restaurants.
 
The performers will be located inside of the display windows at 119 E Main Street, previously Remix Dance Studio. The community is invited to experience the live performers by viewing from the sidewalk, ensuring safety for all.
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Marshalltown Central Business District Executive Director, Deb Milizer, shared, “in a time where we face many challenges, it’s extraordinary to be able to safely enjoy performing arts in our downtown.”
 
Friday, November 6th
Marshalltown High School Music – enjoy an hour of cheery music from Marshalltown High School Music students, including the choir, band and orchestra.
 
Friday, November 13th
Nicholas Cooper, MHS Graduate – enjoy an hour of feel good music including jazz tunes and golden age Broadway.
 
“The Arts & Culture Alliance is a proud partner of the Marshalltown Central Business District to bring arts and culture to the heart of our community on a regular basis, says Executive Director, Amber Danielson. “We are dedicated to connecting the community with arts and culture on a regular basis in unique and unexpected ways. This is a way to showcase our talented local performing artists and musicians, while also bringing people into our downtown.”
 
For the health and wellbeing of everyone that attends, masks or facial coverings and social distancing is recommended.
 
The Arts & Culture Alliance, is 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. 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.
 
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For more information or questions, please us at:
(641) 752-ARTS or director@artsandculturealliance.org
Facebook & Instagram – @ArtsandCultureAlliance
www.artsandculturealliance.org
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Marshalltown Schools Sidewalk Safety Murals

10/27/2020

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In an effort to increase the safety for students in Marshalltown, the Arts & Culture Alliance is partnering with the City of Marshalltown and the Marshalltown Community School District to create vibrant sidewalk murals at each of the schools in Marshalltown. In May of 2019, our community tragically lost an 8-year-old boy, Christian Maxon, after being struck by a car while crossing the street after school. We believe the arts provide hope, healing and are a creative way to address and solve community challenges. It is our priority to honor and pay tribute to Christian and his family by increasing safety, awareness, education, beautification and engagement in the arts through this project.
 
“In 2019, the Alliance launched our newest program, Marshalltown Murals. From the beginning, it was our priority to expand the program by partnering with the Marshalltown Schools to incorporate murals within the community,” said Arts & Culture Alliance Executive Director Amber Danielson. “We believe this is a critical and significant opportunity to address the challenge of street safety in the school zones, while engaging students in a creative and educational way. We are honored to lead this project to pay tribute to Christian and his family.”
 
The project’s fall kick-off is possible thanks to a gracious donation by Jason and Jenny Matteson, who are sponsoring the mural at Franklin Elementary School. Jason and Jenny said the Sidewalk Safety Murals project “was extremely important to us – to promote safety awareness, as well as an offering of love and hope for Christian’s family,”
 
Murals will first be placed at three of the 11 schools this fall - Franklin, Rogers and Woodbury elementary schools. The remaining MCSD schools, as well as St. Francis Catholic School and Marshalltown Christian School, will be completed in the spring/summer of 2021. Franklin Elementary, the school Christian attended and where the accident took place, will receive the first mural. Each mural will measure approximately 10’ x 10’.

“I’m hoping this campaign will remind all people to be hyper-vigilant and careful any time they are driving or crossing the street because even if you have the right of way and follow proper safety precautions, there is no guarantee that everyone else will,” said Christian’s mom, Brittany Maxon. “We want to bring awareness to everyone - children, adults, drivers, and pedestrians - anything to prevent another family from suffering our heartbreak. Christian would want that. He loved everyone and would want his loss to help bring awareness and keep others safe.”

MCSD Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte said the project serves as a powerful way to honor Christian’s life and as a critical safety reminder.
 
"MCSD is very excited to partner with the Marshall County Arts & Culture Alliance on the Sidewalk Mural Project in honor and remembrance of former Franklin Elementary student Christian Maxon. It is a step in the right direction of providing more education, support and attention to the critical importance of safe practices for motorists and pedestrians within our community,” Dr. Schutte said.
 
The Alliance’s Mural Selection Committee, which includes a local artist, an Alliance Board Member and a Marshalltown Public Art Committee Member, is working hard to finalize the mural design with the hand-selected artist, Lauren Gifford of Des Moines. The artist has granted us copyright of the mural, so we will be able to spread the message throughout the community. Our intention is to put the mural on signs to be placed at each of the schools’ busy intersections and crosswalks to share the message to drivers traveling through school zones. The signs will be translated into Spanish. 
 
The mural design and verbiage “Look Both Ways” was selected for many important reasons:
  • It is vibrant and bold – our hope is it literally stops people in their tracks to remember street safety.
  • The phrase is universal to everyone – people of all ages, from children to senior citizens, and people of all ethnicities and abilities.
  • The phrase is applicable to everyone – walkers and drivers, allowing the messaging to be spread community wide.
Franklin’s mural will have a special dedication to Christian including a lightning bolt, representing Flash his favorite super hero, and his favorite color, blue.
 
The painting will begin over the next couple of weeks, with the goal to have the first three murals completed by the end of October. The Alliance will concentrate on fundraising over the winter months for the remaining schools. Each mural is $1,500 and we still need another $12,000 to complete this project at the remaining schools

“Christian was the most caring child I have known. I am blessed to be his grandmother. It is a great honor to have his memory kept alive with this project that will remind drivers to be extra cautious in school zones and remind the students to be careful when crossing the streets,” said Christian’s grandmother, Denise Balot.
 
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 tax-deductible donation toward the Sidewalk Safety Mural Project:
Please make checks out to Arts & Culture Alliance – send to PO BOX 386, Marshalltown, IA, 50158
Online Donations Accepted at www.artsandculturealliance.org/marshalltown-murals
*click the donate button and select sidewalk mural project


For more information or questions, please contact us at (641) 752-ARTS (2787) or director@artsandculturealliance.org
Learn more about the project at www.artsandculturealliance.org/marshalltown-murals

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In The News: 
Full Press Release PDF  ​
KCCI Des Moines Channel 8
​We Are Iowa - Local 5 News 
Times Republican
Marshalltown Community School District
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Marshalltown Schools Mural
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Franklin Mural
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Marshalltown Schools Mural Signs - Spanish
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