|
.jpg)
The Power of The People
Installation of Public Art Puts Lima’s History in
Perspective
By Vickie A. Shurelds
The Truth Contributor
History is the story of a
people. Historic events are often named after places or
concepts - but history is about the people who caused others
in their world to see everyday occurrences through a new
lens.
Last Thursday marked a new
vision for Lima’s Toast of the City and, consequently,
Square Fair – two annual events that had lost the focus of
the reason for their inception.
Originally, it was about
turning a sharp eye to what is good about the community
while highlighting the artistry, creativity and
resourcefulness of the residents. It was marked as a time to
celebrate all that made us different and how much we are in
our very deepest parts – so much the same.
The problem was the event
was so successful that it made money. LOTS of money and over
the years it became more about “how much can we make this
year” rather than “you know what would be really fun to do
this year?”
And, over time, it became
a weekend to go downtown and get food you usually have to
drive all over town to get and “I think there’s a band down
there”…and, as the interest dwindled, so did the profits.
How do you prevent a ship
from heading full speed into an iceberg? You bring in a
champion project consultant: Diane Rogers, And you stand
back and watch her build a team, sell them on a dream,
develop the concept, bring in the investors with a buy-in,
know where the heart of the city lies, add class, integrity,
transparency, elegance, and then sit back and wait for the
results during the shock and awe.
The idea of placing public
art in the heart of a community that has lost its sense of
value is at once brilliant and nurturing. Encouraging those
residents to think about the people in their lives who have
had the most influence in bringing the city to its most
productive benchmarks reminds everyone involved that there
once walked down this street people with great vision,
determination, and a willingness to keep the city strong.
A local artist was chosen
to produce the murals. An artist full of emotion, with a
love of people, and with a talent for reaching into the core
of a family and creating the family member through their
lens; colored by their love, admiration, and greatest
memories.
As the loved ones of the
honorees entered the regress of the Civic Center, they were
overwhelmed at the finished work. Life-sized images of their
mothers, fathers, grandparents, mentors, favorite bosses or
golfing buddies … looking back at them just as they
remembered … powerful moments.
Surging memories and then
came the wave of pride and the realization that they seemed
to be looking back at them as if to say, “I did my part …
now, what’s YOUR role?”
Bill and Peg Ahl began a
legacy when Bill Ahl Buick cared more about the people to
whom he sold cars, than selling the next car. He passed the
work and business ethic on to his children, who continue to
run a business of people who care for their customers and
support the community continuously.
William Jackson was the
first African American to serve on the police force in Lima
in 1891. He is regarded as a man whose “Character confirmed
his worth.” He served until 1909.
Cleo “Chico” Vaughn was
the first African American to take the baseball field and
basketball court at The Ohio State University. Others were
on the team, but he was the first to actually play. This
past February, he was honored by a commemorative bust, and
his basketball jersey was retired.
Dr. J.C. Bradfield served
on the first committee organized to promote recreation for
African Americans in Lima. Following his death in 1936
Bradfield Center was dedicated to honoring this man who gave
his life in unselfish and untiring service to the people of
the community.
Alberta Shurelds was a
teacher, historian and political activist. She wanted
justice to prevail and believed that all good things could
be achieved by hard work, telling the truth and standing by
your word.
John Galvin helped found
the Ohio Steam Shovel Company which he sold to the Lima
Locomotive Works in 1927. He then founded Superior Coach
Corporation. In 1965, he donated $250,000 to purchase the
campus site of The Ohio State University – at Lima.
These pioneers and 23
others can now be seen at the Don Jenkins building near the
corner of West Market and Elizabeth Streets in Lima.
Visitors to the city will
view this as a beautiful piece of art; a powerful way to
tell the story of a people.
Lima residents will feel
the challenge issued by 29 of the city’s most impressive
catalysts for change. A constant reminder the true greatness
of any city lies within the people who call it “home.”
|
