Winterset’s Latest Public Art!
The new artistic masterpiece gradually appearing in the East alley of the Winterset square, has been the talk of the town for the past few weeks. Artist James Navarro is in the process of completing a mural that will stretch over 100 feet along the side of the building that houses Turning Point Evaluation. Many of us have seen and admired the mural, and most of us are probably wondering, “why?” and “how?”
Well, the short answer from Jennifer Livingston, the clinical director at Turning Point, is “because we wanted to!” Of course, there’s a little more to the story and Jennifer was kind enough to share it with me so I could share it with you!
Helping humans with their health, welfare, and safety is the foundational premise behind the services offered at Turning Point. There are times when people of all ages have barriers in these basic fundamental needs that prevent them from thriving in their environment. Visual imagery is a commonality between memory making and moments of impact in a person’s life. Images can help to process underlying emotions.
Part of healing comes from finding ways to feel the joy in life, even when hurt lingers. Smiling changes the emotional part of the brain. This premise led to the idea of an interactive wall mural and how the mural could benefit others. Our hope is that community members, tourists, festivals/car show attendees, and so on will spend a little more time in Winterset. Creating memories while increasing time spent in the community and financially supporting local shops can only add another benefit for Winterset.
The mural isn’t even completed and already it seems to be increasing the allure of Winterset! Jennifer compiled a short list of some stories she’s already heard from community members and visitors:
- Tyler Ross ran from Muscatine to Omaha and ran the fastest known time across Iowa, breaking the old record by 15 minutes. He knows the muralists, Jimmy and Katie and took time to come to Winterset for a picture with the mural then shared about it on his Spotify and Buzzsprout.
- The flag painting has served as a backdrop for several people to photograph their “show cars.”
- Several photographers are also already taking advantage of the mural for senior and family photos.
- Community members and local business owners provided input for the lettering on the ‘postcard’ and other parts of the design.
- People have reported driving down to Winterset to, “see the progress” and “while we were here, we ate at Montross…”
- The muralists have interacted and engaged with community members, businesses, and have been the highlight for children who have had the joy of having their faces painted, with watercolor paint.
Jennifer reports that the idea for the mural began in the summer of 2019 and her first step was to make a call to city hall. Once she covered all her bases (checked city codes, consulted with an attorney, discussed the plan with city leaders), she received the go ahead. In the meantime, she was also searching for the right artist to bring her vision to life. James (Jimmy) Navarro turned out to be the perfect match! He comes with a great co-artist, Katie.
The mural begins with a more ‘traditional’ look at the street with the vintage Americana postcard and waving Old Glory, but it will get a little more whimsical as it progresses. Every scene has a different way to be interactive with the mural. For example, in panel three (the apple tree scene) you can pose as if you’re seated on the swing.
Subsequent scenes will feature ‘angel’ wings, a sword and shield to slay the fire-breathing dragon, bubble blowing, sitting on a toad stool at Alice’s feet in “Wonderland,” and becoming a character in Super Mario Bros. This video shows James’ conceptual drawings.
James is both a wonderful artist and a really fun guy to have a conversation with. I’m actually not sure how he gets any work done between all of the distractions from community members stopping to check the progress and have a little chat. What I do know, is that his work will be a bright spot on the Winterset town square for a long time and we’re grateful for his talent and Jennifer’s vision and commitment to creating this new town attraction!
This Weekend
The Musical of Musicals
Friday • 11/6 • 7:00pm
Saturday • 11/7 • 2:00 AND 7:00pm
Henry C. Miller Auditorium, Winterset High School
Husky Drama & Music students have been rehearsing this fall for weeks with some modifications for safety and this weekend they’ll be sharing the fruits of their labors on the big stage with the Musical of Musicals.
In this hilarious satire of musical theatre, one story becomes three delightful musicals, each written in the distinctive style of a different master of the form: Rodgers and Hammerstein (Oklahoma, The Sound of Music, South Pacific), Jerry Herman (Hello, Dolly!, Mame) and Kander & Ebb (Chicago, Cabaret).
The audience will also need to make some adjustments for safety:
• You will pay for your tickets at the door
• After completing the ticket registration form, you will be emailed with your assigned seats and your tickets will be held at Will Call
• The best available seats will be assigned while maintaining physical distancing from other groups and keeping capacity under 50%.
• Cash or Check are accepted at the door
• Ticket prices: $7/adults, $5/students
• Masks are mandatory while in the building and seated for the performance. Please bring your own for all members of your party.
Scent of a Woman
Saturday • 11/6 • 7:00pm
At the Iowa Theater
Remember, seating at The Iowa is limited. Purchase your tickets ONLINE and/or arrive early to ensure your seat. Doors open at 6:30.
The Iowa is moving to a winter schedule and will be showing movies only on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 7:00pm
Frank is a retired Lt. Col. in the US army. He’s blind and impossible to get along with. Charlie is at school and is looking forward to going to college. To help pay for a trip home for Christmas, he agrees to look after Frank over Thanksgiving. Frank’s niece says this will be easy money, but she didn’t reckon on Frank spending his Thanksgiving in New York. Rated R, 2 hr, 36 min.
Here’s the full November lineup at The Iowa.
Coming Soon
Auditions: Holiday Radio Show
Tuesday • 11/10 • 6:00pm
Thursday • 11/12 • 6:00pm
The Winterset Stage (at the Iowa Theater)
In their continued quest to find ways to make live theater in our COVID-present world, the Winterset Stage has announced their next project; a Christmas-themed radio show.
Auditions will take place Tuesday, November 10th, and Thursday, November 12th, at 6:00pm at the Iowa Theater. There are roles for all ages—children through seniors, and anyone interested in auditioning is encouraged to attend. “Radio shows are great for actors who don’t want the pressure of having to memorize lines.” says Scott Smith, president of The Winterset Stage. “We love welcoming new cast members to shows and hope we can do so again for this production.”
Smith is writing an adaptation of a family-friendly children’s story entitled, The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree, for the radio show which will be pre-recorded to air on a local radio station in early December. Teddi Yeager will direct the production
You do not need to have anything prepared in advance but please wear a mask or face covering and expect to be physically distanced during auditions and rehearsals. Rehearsals will start the week of November 16th and the production will be recorded to air on local radio in early December so this is a 2-3 week commitment.
Youth Basketball Registration
Now through November 20th
Winterset Parks & Recreation Department
Winterset Parks & Recreation has announced a change to the winter basketball league that will begin in December for boys and girls in grades 2 through 6. A new partnership with Adel Parks and Recreation, Van Meter Parks and Recreation, and Perry Parks & Recreation Department means that games will be played in all participating cities instead of just Winterset.
This program is designed to teach proper basketball fundamentals while allowing young athletes to have fun with friends. Parent volunteer coaches will guide the teams at practices and a six-week game schedule. Practice sessions will be held on Saturdays December 5, 12, 19, and evening practices on Tuesday or Thursday evenings in January and February. Game sessions are held on Saturdays, January 9, 16, 23 & 30 and February 6 & 13. Registration ends November 20th and the fee is $20.00.
Register your child online today!
Bazaar Third Thursday
Thursday • 11/19 • 4:30 – 7:00pm
Downtown Winterset
The Winterset Merchants’ Group invites you to join them for some evening shopping, strolling, and fun! “Bazaar Third Thursdays” will be from 4:30-7:00 pm on the 3rd Thursday of each month through the end of the year. Shop the small businesses on the courthouse square and also find crafters, music, food, and fun! Small businesses are the backbone of Madison County and need our support now more than ever!
Festival of Lights REVERSE Parade
Friday • 11/27 • 6:00 – 7:30pm
Winterset City Park Campground
I can’t count the number of times my mom has said to me, “necessity is the mother of invention.” That phrase has held a lot of truth this year, and so many of our local organizations have creatively invented solutions so that we can still enjoy some of our favorite traditions.
One of our community gem events is the Festival of Lights which takes place the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, the Madison County Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with Winterset Parks and Recreation to create a REVERSE parade in lieu of our typical parade around the square.
Enjoy lighted displays, floats, and holiday fun in a DRIVE THROUGH format! All clubs, businesses, churches, groups, and organizations are welcome to bring floats and entries. Space limited to first 40 entries. The parade float theme is “Holiday Jingles” so choose your favorite Christmas song and display it on your float!
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