On Friday, December 4th, the City of Flagstaff opened its doors to the public for this exhibition during First Friday Art Walk. The Exhibition at City Hall continues through January 11th. The event is held in partnership with the City and Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, celebrating Frances Short Pond. The proceeds from the sale of the art will serve as a fundraiser for Willow Bend’s educational programs.
“The Pond is a treasured community resource providing opportunities for wildlife watching, recreation, fishing, and outdoor education” said David McKee, with the City of Flagstaff’s Stormwater Management Department. McKee serves as a project manager for the Frances Short Pond Improvement Project and Long-Term Maintenance Plan and was one of the main organizers of the Pond Exhibition.
“It’s so wonderful and such a unique experience to visit City Hall and see art everywhere” said Moran Henn, Willow Bend’s Executive Director. “We should make having an art exhibition at City Hall an annual event” added Jack Welch, local walking advocate and a Willow Bend supporter.
Over fifty professional, amateur and youth artist submitted art pieces and over a hundred visitors attended the reception Friday night.
Many teachers, whose students submitted art work and some of the professional artists, expressed their delight in seeing such creativity as well as strong community engagement and enthusiasm about the Pond.
“What a great honor to have our art hanging at City Hall and to bring attention to Frances Short Pond” said a local photographer and retired hydrologist, Collis Lovely, who submitted two beautiful photographs to the exhibition.
Josh Copley, City Manager, and Kimberly Ott, City’s Communication Manager, were amongst many City staff employees present at the reception. “We are very happy with the turnout, and the art is so beautiful and unique” said Ott. “We hope to have many more visitors come and view the art in the months to come” concluded Ott.
The art exhibition will be up at City Hall until January 11th. The City invites the public to visit during regular business hours, Monday-Friday between 8-5pm, enjoy the exhibition, and consider purchasing art. Proceeds from commission fees go directly to support pond focused educational programs administered by Willow Bend Environmental Education Center. For art purchases and to learn more about the Pond Project contact Moran Henn at Willow Bend, 9928) 779 1745, moran@willowbendcenter.org
Children’s Pond art displayed at City Hall
Jim David purchases Joan McKee’s painting of the trees he planted with his students over 30 years ago.
City Hall transformed into an art gallery