From murals to movies, Cass County art scene thrives
Sep. 24—Logansport and Cass County exhibited continued growth and investment in the arts, whether it be a return to the stage or drab walls flowing with color.
In the spring of this year, the county saw two high school theater programs return their students to the stage after delays.
In the north, students from Pioneer Junior/Senior High School stepped on stage for the first time in two years to perform "Strange Boarders." To the south, Lewis Cass students also performed "When in Rome" after a similar delay.
Both arts programs laid dormant for those years due to COVID-19. The schools resumed this spring after pandemic restrictions at the schools were eased as cases dropped. Many of the students were happy to be back under the stage lights.
"Being back up [on stage] again makes me happy," said Pioneer student Dillon Odon in April as he prepared to perform. "It's an amazing experience, especially with all the new people. It's amazing to see new generations coming in and wanting to be a part of this."
In Logansport, the Civic Players brought to life once again the story of Ellie Greenwich and the songs she helped write. The organization was also among three county arts groups awarded grants from the Indiana Arts Commission for the Arts Project Support and Arts Organization Support grant programs.
The group received $4,082 and was joined by the Logansport Art Association, which received the same amount, and the Cass County Arts Alliance, which received $5,617.
"The projects and organizations that are receiving funding are improving the economic and educational climates of the state of Indiana," said Alberta Barker, Chair of the Indiana Arts Commission. "The Commission is delighted to support this investment in Hoosier communities. It is a privilege to uplift the impressive creative work being done around the state."
Such creative work continued on the walls of local businesses.
For example, the west side of the Gray Mill saw the creation of an Artist Avenue — modeled after Kokomo's Artist Alley — in the spring which features four spaces for art to be featured. The exhibit was brought to life by LOLA City Art, a nonprofit made up of artists working together with community leaders and partners to create public artwork throughout Logansport and Cass County.
In December, the group is looking to reset the exhibit with new works as well as expand to the exterior of Bonus Pints across the street.
"I really hope that people get out there and enjoy [Artist Avenue]," Werner said after the opening of the artist avenue. "I hope they take pictures and put it on social media. The more people share and inspire people to come to Logansport, that just helps our local economy and it really helps our local businesses. It keeps Logansport growing."
Werner also had a hand in creating other artworks across the city.
As part of her mural painting class that she's taught for seven years, students created three patriotic murals. One at VFW Post 3790, one at the American Legion and, finally, one inside the high school.
Werner's students contributed two new murals of musicians outside of the Bonus Pints, joining the three already on display.
Scenes of downtown Logansport were also brought to the screen with the help of Tony Walters and his production, " The Undesirables." The film, which takes influence from Quentin Tarantino's "Reservoir Dogs," centers around a group of thieves who work together to defeat a common enemy, but differing motives undermine trust amongst the group.
And from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 17, Art on the Avenue will return for another year of creativity and fun for families along Melbourne Avenue near Little Turtle Waterway.
The event, hosted by the Cass County Arts Alliance, historically features creative opportunities — such as last year's masquerade-type eye masks and fall-themed crafts — as well as booths for local businesses, music and more.
