News

The Marshalltown Performing Arts Center Foundation and the Marshalltown Community School District/High School, in partnership with the Arts & Culture Alliance, is excited to share the three finalists for a work of art for permanent installation at the Marshalltown Performing Arts Center, formerly the Community/MHS Auditorium. ​Finalists include Harold Linke of Oregon, Stephen T. Johnson of Kansas and Cecilia Lueza of Florida (see their proposals below). 

Fundraising efforts for the project began in 2020 and the selection committee was formed in early 2021. Selection Committee members represent the Marshalltown Community School District staff and school board, Marshalltown Performing Arts Center foundation, Marshalltown Public Art Committee, students and community at large. On March 1st, the call to artist was released and a few weeks later the committee received almost 50 applications from all over the United States.

“We were blown away by the quantity and quality of the applications we received from artists all over the country. This has been a passion project for everyone on the selection committee. It has been so exciting to witness the enthusiasm and talent from artists interested in having their work in Marshalltown,” said Amber Danielson, Alliance Executive Director.

PROJECT GOALS

• Celebrate, ignite and amplify the arts
• Provide a ‘wow factor’ which invites people to enter the facility
• Pay tribute to the long-standing history and talented artists who have performed in the facility
• Balance and exemplify the support for the arts alongside the existing support of athletics on the Marshalltown High School Campus

The Marshalltown Performing Arts Center is utilized by our students and entire community. Student performances regularly include the Marshalltown High School Show Choir, Orchestra, Chorus, Band, Jazz Band and more. It hosts many of our local dance studios’ annual performances and is a pride point for showcasing and amplifying the arts in Marshalltown. In addition, it is used by several community organizations such as, Live on Stage, which hosts world-class performing artists from all over the world. Bonnie Lowry, School Board Member and Foundation representative, shared, “this magnificent auditorium has provided endless opportunities to showcase student and international artists. The Community of Marshalltown has once again come together in a collaborative effort to support and visually celebrate the performing arts through placing a piece of public art outside the Marshalltown Performing Arts Center.”

The next step in the process, which is very important, is community engagement. Over the next 2-weeks the committee will be attending events throughout Marshalltown seeking input and feedback from all community members. In addition to in-person events, the community is invited to provide input online. Upon receiving community input, the selection committee will make its final decision by Friday, July 9th and has hopes of the artwork being installed before the end of the year (weather dependent).

Artwork Name: ENER-JOY
Artwork Size: figures 8’ tall                                        

Artwork Material: carbon fiber composite
The three-part EnerJoy placed in the arrival circle of the Performing Arts Center depicts the flow of Energy from performer to audience and back again. The theme of Energy combines joy, passion, pride and excitement with a big visual footprint to draw attention to what fine art can be. The three figures stand alone yet move together as you move about. The sculptures represent the Opening Rush, the Performance Euphoria and the Closing Gratitude.
Harold’s Full Proposal

Artwork Name: Scherzo
Artwork Size: 15’ tall x 18’ wide                          

Artwork Material: painted/powder coated steel
Colorful abstract forms based on musical notations such as the bass clef, the forte f and musical notes, plus three kinetic mouth-shaped forms at the top, celebrate the rhythms, sounds and ideas generated within this outstanding performing arts venue. The title Scherzo refers to a short orchestral piece of music, especially in the second or third movement of a symphony or sonata. Scherzos are vigorously composed and are typically light and playful in character with intensely interesting, fresh and familiar themes.
Stephen’s Full Proposal

Artwork Name: Rapture
Artwork Size: 15’ tall x 4’ 4” wide                            

Artwork Material: aircraft grade aluminum
For Marshalltown’s Performing Arts Center we propose a signature, freestanding sculpture inspired by the sky, the flow of water and air and of the different elements of the human form. It symbolizes a state or experience of breathtakingly being carried away by an overwhelming emotion. The artwork evokes a feeling of movement and freedom like those expressed in the performing arts.
Cecilia’s Full Proposal