The Loft on Main, 112 E. Main Street, Morrison, IL, hosted three exciting events in one June 2019 week. On Wednesday, June 19, Volunteers were treated to supper in appreciation of their support of the gallery. Window signs indicated that volunteerism is the work engine in any organization.
Volunteer Chair Sandra Crouse stated, “Since opening in December 2017, The Loft on Main has certainly seen its share of accomplishments. As Volunteers, you are our most important asset.
- “The Loft on Main has grown from eight artists to more than 60!
- Grants have been received through Walmart Distribution Center; Morrison Community Foundation; United Way of Whiteside County so that Woodlawn Arts Academy can offer classes in Morrison.
- We have had more than 100 people participate in art classes [here], fulfilling our goal of adding lifelong arts-based learning to our community.
- We achieved more than $25,000 in sales.
- We held our first showing affiliated with Morrison Schools [showcasing] 20-30 art pieces from students.
- We won a Governor’s Award for economic development!
“The Loft on Main Board of Directors, Morrison Area Development Corporation, Morrison Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Morrison thank you for sharing your time and choosing to give to us!”
Tables were arranged in small groups to encourage quiet conversation. Shown left-to-right are Ann and James Camp; Bud McWorthy (seated); Jan Kelly; Board member Rick Brant (in the background); Aaron Johnson; Crouse (hidden); Judy Johnson; Board Treasurer Sharon Boyles. Other attendees were Board Chair James Mertes and his Office Manager Kay Smith; Sarah Bull; Jan Bush; Nan Carlson; Jane Haan; Michael Hemmer; Carole Isenhart; Patricia McGarvey; Stephanie Vavra.
The menu included delicious Happy Joe’s items: Chicken Alfredo Pasta; tossed salad; Combo (meat and vegetable) Pasta; three types of pizza. A dessert buffet showcased some treasured family recipes. Sharon Boyles brought her mom’s Rhubarb Cobbler. Mike Hemmer baked his mother Pat’s Pecan Rum Bundt Cake with raspberries and whipped cream. He also baked a Flourless Bundt Cake, topped with chocolate chips and whipped cream, and a Strawberry Meringue Cake called “Mostachon.” Sandra Crouse brought a batch of family fudge. Kim Ewoldsen’s pretty store-bought cupcakes were a sell-out.
On Thursday, June 20, The Loft on Main became a venue for coffee, treats, and good conversation. This once-a-month coffee hour, called “Third Thursday,” is from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., ending right before the gallery opens. Homemade treats from gallery Volunteers included Blueberry Muffins, Rhubarb Cobbler, Snickerdoodle cookies, and fudge.
Morrison resident Mary Vos brought two house guests who live on the English Channel, in Lowestoft, Suffolk, England! Their visit is from Saturday, June 8, until Sunday, July 7. Vos has “known Jo [Watson] since 1980, when [I] visited England.” Watson is on her first trip to The United States. Laurie Vos Goldsmith is a Prophetstown, IL, native who has lived in England 42 years. She is Vos’s sister-in-law.
The Editor reminisced with Goldsmith about Centerville School south of Prophetstown. Vavra began her teaching career there, from 1969 to1971, and young Lauri Vos attended earlier. They laughed about hogs in a fenced area that abuted the playground, a tall slide, and swings that hung from very long chains.
Circled around the table left-to-right are Marianne Biagi and husband Bill; Sandra Crouse; Jo Watson; Patricia McGarvey; Mary Vos; Sharon Boyles; Laurie Goldsmith; Bud McWorthy.
The public is invited to start their third Thursday mornings with friends, visiting guests, or colleagues. Downtown employees can stop in for a coffee break. Thursday, July 18, is the next gathering. You never know who might stop by.
Also on Thursday, June 20, the public was invited to attend a Meet the Artists event starting at 6:30 p.m. Val Butcher creates glass works, from clocks to wine stoppers. Board member Rick Brant and Rick Prestley are photographers. Each discussed their artistic philosophy, processes, and products.