To the editor:
There is courage in all of us. For most, the only thing missing is someone, something or some event to draw it out. Your Gateway Arts Council of Shelby County is drawing out the courage of Shelby County’s finest by helping them transfer a vision onto a blank canvas. The ‘Bad Art by Good People’ fundraiser enlists local business and community leaders who are willing to be challenged into creating works of art which are then used to draw votes from the community. Money generated though voting and an art auction, raises funds for the Gateway and a local nonprofit.
Recently the ‘Bad Art by Good People’ program has partnered with Veterans Hospice, Shelby County Animal Rescue Foundation (SCARF), and the Junior Fair Improvement Committee.
This year is special. Gateway has partnered with ‘New Choices Inc.’ New Choices is dedicated to serving the unique needs of victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse. Advocates work tirelessly to help men, women, teens and children through their individual crises wherever abuse may arise.
Your ‘Bad Artists’ have created their masterpieces using the theme of ‘Courage.’ These heroes are Cindy Helman, Money Concepts; Luke Gronneberg, Sidney Daily News; Ashley Himes, State Farm Insurance; Wayne Thompson, Ross Castings and Innovations; Ryan Maier, principal, Houston High School; Deb Geuy, Peoples Federal Savings and Loan Association; Mark Jordan, Shelby County Sheriff Candidate, 2020; John Bertsch, Detailed Machining Inc.; Duane Gaier, parks director, city of Sidney; Dawn Andrews Clark, Allstate Insurance; Bob Eck, Eck Refrigeration; Fred Horner, The Window Guy; Karen McRill, Principal, Fairlawn Elementary; Mark Shipman, Amos Press; Rod Dyer, firefighter — Sidney Fire Department; Tabetha Duckro, Realty 2000; Valarie O’Connell, owner, Imaging Custom Embroidery & Printing LLC, Retired Sidney firefighter/paramedic; Pam Kerrigan, director, Shelby County Board of Elections; Steve Holt, Stolle Machinery; Scott Arnold, Arnold Group; Regan Arnold, Arnold Group; Stephanie Dunkle-Blatter, Surgeon, Wilson Health; Nancy Stiefel, director of Early Intervention, Wilma Valentine Childcare, Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities; and Cameron Haller, deputy chief, Sidney Fire Department.
Votes can be taken on line or through the Gateway at a dollar a vote. Folks may call the Gateway at 937-498-2787 or visit us at www.gatewayartscouncil.org. The ‘art’ will be auctioned off at a Bad Art Ball on Thursday, Oct. 4, at the Palazzo in Botkins at 7 p.m.
I’ll be committing $1,000 to this effort. I’m challenging you consider your part as well!
Christopher R. Gibbs
President, Board of Trustees
Gateway Arts Council of Shelby County
