Letter to the Editor:
We often hear the saying, “Let’s look at the big picture.” And, that is exactly what I would like every reader to do.
There have been posters, pictures, and articles advertising The Loft on Main’s gala fundraiser, “Building the Big Picture. But what does that mean?
We live in the small community of Morrison, IL. This little burg has quite a history that begins over 170 years ago. As with all history, things must change or die. Nothing remains the same. The trains no longer stop here as they travel through, even though that is why Morrison is located where it is. Our main street is made up of many buildings that are 100 years+ old. These buildings no longer are used for the purpose for which they were originally built: feed store, dry goods store, shoe store, hardware store, grocery store, etc. However, they have been adapted and revitalized for new purposes. That is not only the beauty of change, but it is also a part of “building and/or rebuilding the big picture.”
The Morrison Area Development Corporation’s mission is to promote economic growth, with its ultimate goal being to maintain and enhance the quality of life in Morrison. Through [MADC]’s work, a building which began life as a dry goods store in 1892 is now home to works of 50 local artists, renamed The Loft on Main. Why is this important?
That 125-year-old building has a new lease on life. But more importantly, art and beauty are being valued. Our community is being enhanced.
There is much discussion about the revitalization of Main Street in this big picture. All things must change, adapt or die. Main Street is no different. I am grateful that a beautiful old building with a rich history has been repurposed and revitalized for the arts. What better way to see the “Big Picture” than through the eyes of creativity and imagination!
Hopefully, our community will continue to grow and enhance the lives of us all.
Support the arts and The Loft on Main. Join us in Building the Big Picture.
Anne Frame