Rogers Public Art Commissioners Excited About Public Art Possibilities

ROGERS -- Public art commissioners are beginning the organizational process, but have high expectations the program will be successful.

Roger Reithemeyer, who volunteered to serve as the first chairman of the commission, is an artist in his own right. He does water color landscapes, and said he loves art and artists.

At A Glance

Public Art Commission

The Public Art Commission is designed to solicit all forms of art from area artists to display on city property such as parks, trails or City Hall. Artists can donate or loan art to the commission. Commissioners are charged with reviewing the art and working with the Parks Department regarding where to display the art.

Source: Staff Report

"We are in the early stages of organization. At our next meeting in January we should have an application form to review," Reithemeyer said. Artists must fill out an application to donate or loan art to the city.

Reithemeyer's wife is Betsy Reithemeyer who serves on City Council.

Chris Griffin, city staff attorney, said Friday he has a couple of application forms from other art councils and will have the application ready for commissioners by the scheduled Jan. 15 meeting.

"I wanted to be part of the commission because I love art. Artists look at the world differently than most people, they see thing others don't see. It's interesting for me to see how an artist's mind works," Reithemeyer said.

"When we are ready to begin accepting applications, we will have the application form on the city website, and I will talk to local artists associations and art galleries to get the ball rolling," Reithemeyer said.

Bill Schopp, a commissioner and owner of Poor Richard's Art Gallery on the corner of First and Walnut streets, said he knows artists are interested in donating, or loaning, art to the city.

"I had two people tell me they want to donate art to the city. I had to tell them we aren't to that point yet. I think there will be quite a bit of interest from artists once we are up and running," Schopp said.

Jennifer Hatfield, vice chairwoman of the commission, said she's excited about displaying art in public spaces.

"I hope within six months we've had some donations and have installed art in a park, or other public space. I think this program is a great thing for the city," Hatfield said.

Ed McClure, a local attorney who is active with Rogers Little Theater, said he has high hopes for the public art program. McClure is an ex-officio member of the commission. He can advise and offer suggestion, but can't vote on which art is selected.

"My hope is the commission will be successful in finding and displaying art work in public spaces," McClure said.

"When we get artists to begin thinking about loaning or donating art for display it going to great. Artists have a way of getting you to think about something in way they haven't thought before. Art causes people to react whether the viewer likes or dislikes what he sees," McClure said.

NW News on 12/20/2014

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