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There was (is) a two fold purpose in this project. The first was to address the very common issue of a waiting room. Especially one connected with medical procedures; even for something as simple as an inoculation which for some people can be somewhat stressful. In the Polk County Health Department, the waiting room is large and tall. Small pictures just don't work as well since they are harder to see and seem overly small in comparision. In my experience, most of the waiting rooms that I've been in have been decorated, but not always in a way that is engagingly entertaining or interesting. A picture might be mildly interesting, but often generic, or, more of a useful decorative and colorful touch. Anyway, waiting presents an opportunity for artistic expression and inspiration. One of the goals of this artistic inspiration is about physical activity. An invitation to anyone and everyone to enjoy life by moving about. This is a challenging project in that the idea is to invite, inspire, and motivate people to move by using pictures that are by there nature static. So in one very important sense this Art Initiative is intended as positive propaganda. As the artist, my satisfaction is in the play of the imagery and in the discovery by myself and others of notions and meanings that emerge through observation over time. If I were to define the "art" in the art, it would be in these moments of discovery, some of which are intentional and others which are not. My favorite works of art unfold in this way with an inviting depth and richness. That's my objective, and hopefully that is what people will experience.
Many thanks to these donors!
UnitedHealthCare Community Plan
Marilyn J. Kittleson
Lynette and Larry Sherer
Jason D. MeyerThe Pocock FamilyThe Clawson FamilyThe Bartlett FamilyThe Baughman Family
Raymond LaytonScott T. Slater
Peoria United Methodist ChurchLowen Visual Imaging
Ankeny Budget Truck RentalCorporate ImageBecky and Jim Mile-PolkaAnonymousThe Schoelemer Family
Scheels All Sports-Scheels HardwareIchi Bike
If you'd like to make a donation, I'd greatly appreciate it. Sorry, though, donations are no longer tax deductible. Checks can be mailed to: Dick Shook Polk County Art Initiative 408 Linn St. Slater, Iowa 50244 Or, donate online via paypal: