Perry from the point of view of fifth graders will help inform a public community conversation to be held Thursday, Nov. 17 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Perry Elementary School commons. The conversation is sponsored by the city of Perry and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
“Community members are encouraged to bring their ideas on ways to strengthen Perry,” said ISU Extension Community Arts Specialist Jennifer Drinkwater, who will help facilitate the conversation. She said strengthening Perry could come through increasing economic development opportunities, broadening community and preserving Perry’s rural heritage.
A light dinner will be provided.
This conversation follows a collaborative photography exhibition between 175 students representing the Perry Elementary School’s fifth grade and the middle school of St. Patrick’s Catholic School.
Through Iowa State Extension and Outreach funding, students were provided disposable cameras and asked to photograph what they loved about their community.
“These 1,500 photos wonderfully illustrate the cultural richness of Perry as seen through the eyes of its youth, and may encourage meaningful conversation on strengthening Perry,” said ISU Extension and Outreach Community Arts Specialist Jennifer Drinkwater.
All photos will be displayed on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the storefront on 1124 2nd Street during Art on the Prairie.
Drinkwater thanked a number of school and city volunteers, including Megan Maylum, Ned Menke, Eddie Diaz, Sven Peterson, Allyson Gast, Jennifer Molitor, Corey Myers, Kaye Adair, Cynthia Miner, Dawn Higgins, storefront owner Emily Leslie and Art on the Prairie co-chairs, Mary Rose Nichols and Jenny Eklund.
