I felt bad that in Wednesday’s paper we seemed to give short shrift to the drawings local artist Tom Ellis presented to Allen County commissioners as a means to make the east entrance to town a landmark of sorts.
Words don’t do them justice.
Not only would the sculptures create a soft glowing plaza but in daylight they would appear as larger-than-life art.
This is not necessarily an endorsement that the county pay for such a feature at Iola’s entrance, and if they did it would only seem fair that similar displays be erected for other towns in the county. I will say, however, that when on the road I take special note of attractive bridges, murals and sculptures and appreciate the fact that art is being used in such ways.
The lights would also provide a safety feature. On a moonless night highway exits can be tricky.
Another idea that Ellis proposed at a town forum earlier this year deserves merit and that is to create a public art gallery in a vacant storefront on the Iola square.
Ellis envisions a gallery to display the work of area artists. I’d add those from across the state. A store that sells pottery, hand-crafted jewelry, photos, prints and paintings right along U.S. 54 would be sure to attract passersby.
Kelly Sigg of Audacious Boutique and Jan Knewtson of Sophisticated Rose credit their locations on U.S. 54 as crucial to their success.
No offense to the art gallery in the lower level of the Bowlus Fine Arts Center, but you have to be intentional to see an exhibit there.
A RECENT edition of the Ottawa Herald told of civic leaders taking the initiative to create a downtown plaza where people can gather for outdoor events and entertainment.
The plaza would encompass half of a downtown block and eventually include a covered pavilion to provide shade for events and their weekly farmer’s markets. They also plan to add public restrooms.
Proponents are hoping donations will fund the bulk of the Downtown River Plaza project.
Much like Iola’s brainstorming session last spring, citizens engaged with Onward Ottawa have taken leadership in seeing ideas become action.
IF ENOUGH people like Tom Ellis keep throwing up imaginative ways to make our towns more engaging, maybe some will take root. But they’ll need support to grow.
