Orofino Chamber of Commerce
Moscow couple present Public Art information
By Ronda Nelson
Greg Smith and his wife Elaine Green representing the Idaho Commission on the Arts, North Central region, brought the Chamber a program on public art in Idaho on March 19. They both live in Moscow, where Green teaches art at the University of Idaho.
Two years ago the pair went from Riggins to Potlatch cataloguing public art. Public art is art that becomes associated with a particular place and is viewable by everyone. They now travel to various communities to explain the importance of public art and how it can be of value to a community.
During a video presentation, various artists and city officials spoke of the value of public art and the importance of funding it.
Public art gives artists the opportunity to turn something mundane into something extraordinary. Studies have proven that public art is sought by travelers as they explore communities.
Public art involves people from the planning stages, to the agencies involved, to the artists who render the art, and finally the public who enjoy the benefits.
Celebration of historic buildings, of local talent and the heritage of an area can all be expressed through public art. From professional artists to local school children, public art can come from many sources.
Smith encouraged the attendees to “not neglect art. Let’s not neglect the aesthetic effect on our communities.” Referring to the video, he noted that a number of communities are known for the art work on display there.
“If you’re making something useful, why not also make it beautiful,” he said, before showing examples such as enhanced guardrails, decorated bike racks and freeway sound barriers.
The couple provided the Chamber with a tool kit to walk any community through the process of developing public art projects.
Clearwater County boasts a number of public art displays, including Clearwater Crossing, the murals in downtown Orofino and Heritage Plaza. Weippe’s Discovery Center offers displays and the old Durant building has a mural. In Pierce a mural decorates the side of Pierce Hardware. The Pierce Information Kiosk displays a number of pieces by local artists. This is just a sampling of public art throughout the county.
Gem Committee
Gem Committee is sponsoring a Northwest Scenic Byways Viewshed project. A meeting will be held on April 21 at 6 p.m. According to Economic Specialist Chris Kuykendall, byways don’t typically come with a regulatory component, but through long term management of the Viewshed there could be development restrictions.
Economic Development
The county was recently awarded $25,000 as part of a leveraging project for various projects including a wave attenuator and additional moorage for boats over 30’ at Big Eddy. Other grants have been applied for. Updates will be available in May.
Events
Spring Round-up is April 12 at the Orofino City Park. Events include the Round-up at 1 p.m. and the Idaho State Championship Elk Calling Contest at 3 p.m.
There will be live entertainment, raffles, a campfire and games. The Rib-eye steak dinner begins at 5 p.m. with the auction to follow.
The proceeds from the Round-up will benefit I CARE, Cancer Assistance & Recovery Effort. ICARE, established in memory of Diana Latch, is funded solely by donations. It provides financial support for miscellaneous expenses such as travel, lodging, food and babysitters that are associated with major illness.
To contribute or make a need known contact Elizabeth Smith at 476-7148 or Dee Crane at 476-5971.
“Surf’s Up” is the theme for the annual Chamber of Commerce auction slated for May 2. Donations are coming in and plans are well underway for a fun filled evening.
April 2 meeting cancelled
The regularly scheduled chamber meeting for Wednesday, April 2 has been cancelled due to spring break. The next membership meeting will be held Wednesday, April 16.