Photo: Sally’s Ally in Jefferson
The Jefferson Matters: Main Street Tower View Team was presented with a special award from Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg this past Friday at the 2018 Iowa Arts Summit in Ankeny. The awards, administered by the Iowa Arts Council, recognize and honor individuals, communities and organizations that have had a significant impact on the vitality of the arts in Iowa. The Community Award was presented to the Tower View Team as they have made the Mahanay Memorial Carillion Tower in their downtown district a hub of public art. Not only does the observation deck provide breathtaking views of the landscape, but the community has now incorporated sculptures and art on the rooftops. In addition to the view, they have made a trip to the tower more memorable by incorporating other activities, such as public piano installations and Sally’s Alley art, which was featured on National Public Radio. “We appreciate that these projects in rural communities are being recognized,” says Main Street Director, Peg Raney. “… [it] empowers small communities who view art as economic development to move forward in their progress of drawing people into their community.” Gregg says these awards are representative of projects and initiatives that are “the cornerstones of cultural vitality and quality of life in Iowa.”
