Rhonda Scott, Promotions and Outreach:
Before 2018, the alley behind the Octagon was often littered with debris and broken cast offs. It was the space for illegally parked cars, rusty bikes, and dumpsters – definitely not a place to spend time.
We had an idea. What if the alley could be reclaimed as an outdoor gathering space? You might be wondering…Why was this project important? Isn’t it just an alley?
It can be challenging to build community and to overcome stereotypes about art as frivolous, unnecessary, or only for pretentious people. We believe art is for everyone. It can help us imagine, question, and discover. It can reach deep places that don’t have words. It can heal and empower. Art can bring us together. An informal, imperfect space like this might break down some stereotypes. It could help us welcome new folks. It could lend itself to different types of events and different kinds of artists (like musicians). Plus, the idea of an urban garden and revitalizing a throwaway space was too good to pass up.
In the Fall of 2018, we were contacted by ISU’s Women in Science Engineering Program (WiSE). They were looking for an organization to work with a team of students on a service project. We happily agreed! Among other things, they helped us take the first steps in the Patio Project. They cleaned and painted and learned more about the Octagon. When it was time for their final presentation at Iowa State, it was an honor to cheer them on.
Rock star volunteers, Gary Kline, Rex Heer, and Terry Brigman continued the work. They endured some very hot days while they engineered a fence, tables, and benches from free pallets. Country Landscapes donated plants and Cutting Edge Painting provided some financial support. Interns began to work on promotional materials. Mekenlie created a logo and posters, Jesse made videos, and Maddie put her photography skills to work.
“Party on the Patio” was born in June 2019, nearly a year in the making. This first event series was a monthly gathering for ages 21+ which featured live music from local musicians.
Today, the patio is more important than we could have imagined a few years ago. We couldn’t have guessed that a pandemic world would make an outdoor classroom and gathering space so valuable. It is allowing us to feel better about bringing back in-person classes and camps. Also, Patio Parties will return. It has even helped us develop new partnerships. This summer, we are so pleased to work with The Community Academy, whose mission is to “engage young people in authentic educational experiences that enrich our community and promote a sense of place in nature.” And we’ve got some other patio ideas brewing, so stay tuned.
We couldn’t be happier that this place (once just a dirty alley) is bringing so many people together. All this wouldn’t be possible without the WiSE women, the volunteers, the interns, the sponsors, and the community partners. Absolutely #BetterTogether.
See how the Octagon Patio began here and here.
