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"Choose Hope" theme for art competition

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The Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinic's patriotic display won first prize in the 2020 Umbrella Arts Summer Sculpture Contest. (Photo submitted)

By Caroline Rosacker

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead.

In 2014, on a cold January evening, an exploratory meeting was held at the home of Russell and Juanita Loven, of Guttenberg. The mission of the organization was proposed to be an "umbrella" collaborative, cooperative, supportive arts organization to include the broader spectrum of the arts, not in competition with already established organizations and events, but to complement, support and expand on the arts in our community. 

Umbrella Arts (UA) was formed and has been a key element in bringing art in all its various forms to our community. Through the group's dedication, determination and generosity, several art programs have taken root in Guttenberg. Most notable are the River of Music series, Summer Sculpture Contest, and the Historic Limestone Planter project. 

"Choose Hope"

The eighth annual Summer Sculpture Contest theme, voted on by UA members, is "Choose Hope." The contest is open to individuals of all ages, businesses, organizations, and families within the Clayton Ridge School District. Juanita Loven, spokesperson for the group, said, "Certain art pieces that come from outside Guttenberg will need to be displayed somewhere in the city from June - September. Our theme – "Choose Hope" — follows a very stressful 2020. We encourage people to start working on their art submission that symbolizes hope now, while the coronavirus is still keeping us away from normal activities." Umbrella Arts has set aside up to $600 in cash prizes for winners in the following categories.

Literary/written word/song

"Some examples would be an original poem, story, one-act play, music, game, rap, dance, etc. Winners should expect that their entry would be publicized, acted, or performed. Creations/entries in this category are great for this time of year. So get to work and submit as soon as possible," encouraged Loven.    

Artist expression - art piece, sculpture

"Submissions in this category can be made out of any material. Artists can use wood, metal, glass, fabric, paper, vehicle, cement, rock, dough, horseshoes, plastic, wire – the list goes on and on," said Loven.  

Submissions of paintings, photographic collage, jewelry, flags, banners, signs, quilts, handiwork, T-shirts, and culinary art, naming only a few, are potential acceptable entries. "We encourage artists to think outside the box. Some entries might lend themselves to being part of the Stars & Stripes parade or German Fest celebration," added Loven

Community event

"We are offering a special invitation for an individual or organization to plan a community event celebrating our theme.  This could include an event to possibly share and enjoy the above art entries (not limited to winners)," she commented. Interested participants can submit a proposal to Umbrella Arts, P. O. Box 610, Guttenberg IA 52052.

Deadline for the competition is June 30. Participants should include their name, location, a photo and brief explanation or description of their project to lovenrj@alpinecom.net. For additional information contact Juanita Loven at 563-880-7662.

Past contests

In 2014, Umbrella Arts held its first sculpture contest. The theme was "Recycled Bicycle" to coincide with Guttenberg hosting the final day of RAGBRAI.    

2015 - "Chairs" inviting residents and businesses to create inviting chairs, encouraging people to sit and rest awhile.

2016 -  "Fire hydrants" were painted to add creativity and fun.

2017- "Cows" to celebrate the origin of Ingleside Park which was turned from pasture to park by the Ingleside Club in 1902.

2018 – "Fish" welcoming our new Walleye Fish Sculpture to the community.

2019 – "Flowers" to coincide with the new historic limestone planters in Guttenberg’s historic district.       2020 – "Patriotic" to coincide with the dedication of the Clayton County Freedom Rock, and the Patriotic summer flags UA purchased for the city to be displayed in the historic district.

The arts group meets on the third Tuesday of most months. Meetings are held in voluntary rotation at group members' homes. Loven shared, "If you find yourself getting excited and want to get involved, please don't hesitate to contact an Umbrella Arts member." Current UA board members are: President - M.J. Smith; Vice President - Sherry Oliver; Treasurer - Matt Esser and Secretary - Juanita Loven. 

For upcoming events check out Umbrella Arts Facebook page.

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