Many a curious soul has wondered what will become of the old Stewart Library building now that a new library has been built along 5th Avenue. If you were one of the curious, don’t fret. The town’s charming building will be put to good use by offering Grinnell Area Arts Council a new home.
The Arts Council, which currently resides in an office in the Merchants’ Bank, was founded in 1979 to provide Grinnell’s community with programs and events that promote art appreciation. Throughout the years, the council has put forth effort to bring musical talents to town and has created numerous programs to foster the artistic development of Grinnell’s youngsters. The Grinnell Community Theater, Thursdays’ Music in the Park, Studio 6 and the Grinnell Summer Arts Camp are all brainchildren of the council and its members.
Now, with the relocation to the old library, the council is looking to develop new programs and expand its existing ones, particularly its foreign language classes and its artist residency program. The artist residency program offers artists the opportunity to reside in Grinnell for a few weeks and present their art in a final show. With this expansion, however, comes a need for outside help. “Being a non-profit organization, we don’t have the funds and so we appreciate our volunteers so much,” Judy Arendt, the Art Director, said.
In the past, Grinnell students have helped to form a portion of the volunteer body. Aniko Drlik-Muehleck ’11 spent this past summer hard at work with the council, instructing dance and Spanish and assisting Arendt.
Drlik-Muehleck spoke highly of her experience. “I think it’s a really great way to get to know the community and to build a stronger relationship between the college and the town, to bridge the gap in the disconnect.”
Drlik-Muehleck’s involvement has opened up discussion about creating more space for students and possibly an internship position. In addition to positions within the Arts Council, there are other ways for students to get involved. Its members highly encourage ideas for new, sustainable programs to enrich the community.
“We have a very active working board that is full of energy and passion, and it’s so fun to work with them. I enjoy channeling the same sort of energy and passion from the college students. It brings fresh eyes and a broader perspective,” Arendt said. “We’re very willing to hear new ideas.”
For those interested in becoming involved, contact Judy@grinnellarts.org. And for those interested in participating in the Arts Council events, keep your schedule open the 14th of November—the council and the college are collectively working to bring the Double D Wranglers to campus to hold a master yodeling class.