By Kaitlyn Kuehl-Berns
Guttenberg residents and visitors will soon see colorful beacons of kindness and hope throughout the community thanks to Umbrella Arts’ recent Peace Pole Project, where participants painted decorative outdoor poles to display in their yards.
Umbrella Arts partnered with the Guttenberg Creativity Center to host the project on June 24, using the center’s courtyard for the event. Umbrella Arts members and volunteers were on site to help participants throughout the two sessions.
During a break between sessions, Umbrella Arts member Diane Schilling noted, “We have a beautiful setting and got lucky with perfect weather.”
Julie Rastetter, who first brought the idea to the group after seeing it done in another community, explained the goal of the project. “I thought it would be a great activity to promote kindness, creativity and community involvement. Participants could leave with something beautiful for their yard that they and the community will enjoy.”
Traditionally, the group hosts some type of community art competition, but this year the Peace Pole Project took its place. Members said the change removed the pressure and intimidation that can sometimes accompany entering an art contest while creating an opportunity for people to gather, spend time together and make art as a community.
Other Umbrella Arts members on the Peace Pole committee included Gloria Britten, Laura Manson, Carolyn McArthur, Diane Schilling, Cindy Olson and Misty Wells.
Manson added, “It morphed into a way to say ‘thank you’ and give back to the community who has supported our previous projects by making it a free event.”
The group said the decision to have a scheduled time, with all of the supplies provided, was intentional so participants could simply “come and be creative.” They did not have to purchase materials or be experienced artists to participate.
Member Misty Wells said, “It has been fun to hear everyone’s ideas and witness their ‘a-ha’ moments when they weren’t sure which direction they wanted to go to start.”
One particularly meaningful pole, completed by Norma Theise, featured the handprints of her grandchildren. She brought paper cutouts of their hands, traced them onto the pole and painted them to represent each one.
Donna Hinzman’s Peace Pole featured bright colors and positive and uplifting quotes.
Patriotic spirit was also on display as many participants incorporated red, white and blue and other American symbols into their designs to celebrate the holiday and the nation’s semiquincentennial.
The project will even extend across the Atlantic, as two young girls visiting their grandparents from Naples, Italy, planned to ship their Peace Poles home.
More than 30 Peace Poles have been completed so far. Umbrella Arts members painted 10 during a practice session that helped them determine the time, supplies and finishing process needed before opening registration to the public.
After painting, each Peace Pole received two coats of sealer as well as mounting bars and caps installed by volunteer Thor Rastetter before the poles were ready for display. The event was promoted through Facebook and word of mouth, and all 24 available participant spots filled. It was so well received that a second session has already been planned.
Umbrella Arts has approximately 30 members and meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Members gather for an optional meal at 5 p.m., followed by their meeting at 6 p.m. A different member hosts each month—those attending the meal contribute $10, which helps fund the group’s projects.
At the beginning of each year, members come together to brainstorm projects that enhance the community and encourage creative involvement. Through various committees, members organize projects including the Highway 52 beautification effort, limestone planters, musical instruments, Alluring Waters and scholarships that help local theater students attend camps.
Anyone interested in becoming involved with Umbrella Arts can contact the group through its Facebook page or speak with any current member for more information.
Wells hopes the Peace Pole project will inspire more people to become involved with Umbrella Arts. “We may even get a new member out of the deal,” she said. “You don’t have to be the most creative, just have a desire to get involved.”
