Umbrella Arts Alluring Waters fundraiser
Umbrella Arts and "Alluring Waters" committee member Sherry Oliver (center) goes over project plans with city council and other UA members at the project site on Schiller St. and Highway 52. (Photo submitted)
By Caroline Rosacker
Umbrella Arts (UA), in partnership with the City of Guttenberg and Iowa artist Tim Adams, are pleased to announce project plans for Schiller Street and Highway 52. The "Alluring Waters" project is designed to encourage travelers off Highway 52 to see the Mississippi River, Guttenberg's natural treasure, and explore the historic downtown.
Council seeks input
The Guttenberg city council requested project design and management assistance in January from the non-profit art group, comprised of community members who have a passion for art in all its many forms. Since that time, UA volunteer members Julie Rastetter, Chair; Sherry Oliver, Vicki Rodenberg, Patty Schwarz, M.J. Smith and Diane Thiese have spent 75 hours discussing project plans, which include:
1.) Distinguish and embellish the existing limestone pillars on the northeast and southeast corners of the Schiller and Highway 52 intersection with art that reflects our natural assets while celebrating the Mississippi River.
2.) Remove non-operational digital signage on the northwest corner. Install a town sign, Guttenberg, which complements the pillars and is visible from north and south.
3.) Create and execute a plan to address competing signage and messaging at the gateway intersection, thereby focusing attention to Alluring Waters.
Artist Tim Adams
Iowa artist Tim Adams, who completed the design for the project after months of research and fact gathering, is a professional landscape architect and nursery professional. He enjoys creating sculptures inspired by nature and the world around him for public art walks, private and community gardens, entry features, parks, and private clients.
Project budget
A fundraising effort has begun to cover project costs, which include:
• Tim Adams, artist $52K
• Masonry by Marc Kuempel $14K
Additional funding will be raised through:
• Grants $13K
• Individual gifts $18K
• Business donations $5K
• City of Guttenberg up to $30K
• In-kind support Umbrella Arts $4K and City $6K
"We invite you to consider a gift for this project," encouraged committee chair Julie Rastetter.
If you would like to make a contribution please write checks to: City of Guttenberg Alluring Waters Project P.O. Box 751, Guttenberg, IA 52052. All gifts are tax deductible. A gift receipt will be mailed to all donors who will also be recognized in a published thank you.
