Editor’s note: Jerry Lindsey submitted the photo of Grace Mayberry’s banner.
Morrison High School Art Instructor Tony Wright advises, “As you head down Main Street, make sure to look up. There [are] some new additions to the downtown, thanks to CAPA and the Morrison Schools Spring Art Show!”
He was describing 13 striking, black banners on lampposts, printed by Turnroth Sign Company, Inc., 1207 E. Rock Falls Road, Rock Falls, IL. Children’s Art Preservation Association (CAPA) funded the purchase.
On Thursday morning, September 13, 2018, he mounted eight of them in the 100 block of E. Main Street, Morrison, IL. On Friday, September 14, the remaining five will be installed, just in time for Paint the Town, on Saturday, September 15.
This endeavor was an inspired collaboration between the City of Morrison, Morrison Schools Art Department, and the not-for-profit support organization, CAPA.
Two and a half years ago, City Administrator Barry Dykhuizen approached Wright about new banners, based on student design. The latter shared the idea with CAPA and received their financial support. One of CAPA’s goals is to devote its resources to preserving and displaying the art of children in the Morrison Community.
Banner artwork was produced for the 2017 or 2018 Kindergarten-through-Grade 12, Morrison Schools Spring Art Shows. These are Best of Show winners; they were “People’s Choice” nominees, derived from public voting during the Art Shows. Art is exhibited in four grade level categories: K-2, 3-5, Junior High, and High School.
Students’ art creation, name, and grade level, when their art work was chosen, decorate their banners. They are
- Geneva Connelly-6
- Marissa Folkers-7
- Grace Mayberry-12
- Ally Noble-12
- Mackenzie Petkus-11
- Campbell Scott-2
- Quinn Sedig-11
- Quinn Sedig-12
- Hannah Still-12
- Sarah Stralow-5
- Elizabeth Vance-4
- Charley Williams-9
- Cael Wright-2.
Wright plans to leave the banners in place until the end of October, to initiate a tradition. Banners will change as some are cycled out, and new ones go on display. Each September installation will bring artistic vibrancy and a sense of community pride to Main Street, Morrison.