Voice of the Mid-Columbia | Kennewick, Pasco and Richland, Wash. |
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closeThe front-page report of Connell's art project should not go unnoticed. Pretty cool wheat, I think! Whimsical sculptures at key locations in town. Functional art as picnic tables and benches. In Connell!
Two things to consider: 1) Funds for this project are from the state's percent-for-the-arts law. Thousands of art projects have been funded across the country through such funding programs. Because of the state-constructed prison facility in Connell, money for art was available to the community.
Richland needs to join the rest of the similarly sized cities across the country and pass a percent-for-the-arts ordinance. Some government agencies set aside as much as 2 percent for the arts. Imagine! Two!
We have sat on the sidelines recently as the Port of Benton, the city of Kennewick and now Connell (!) have unveiled public art projects. Even Connell, repeat, even Connell has public art. And Richland?
To quote from a Connell resident involved with the project: "There is something deep and rich about living in a town filled with art. I am excited that my children will be exposed to art as they grow up in a small town. Sometimes jewels are hidden away in small places like Connell." And Richland?
RICHARD REUTHER, Richland
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