Lonn Atwood
Can you share a bit about your background and how your passion for the arts led you to join the Board of Directors of our Art Center?
A long time resident of Norfolk, I’ve always had an affinity for the Arts. It seems less that I chose Art than Art chose me. I’ve often thought that our region celebrated, a bit too much, the utilitarian aspects of life at the expense of the whimsy that life can offer, that we understood better as children, that we lose, somewhat, as we embrace the responsibilities of our society. I see Art less as an accessory to life, but as way to live life more fully.
What inspired you to become involved with our Art Center, and how do you see the role of the board in promoting artistic endeavors?
Norfolk Art Center is a jewel of a facility which our community is very lucky to have in our midst. It is and will continue to be one best method of spreading the Arts and culture to the citizens in our region. Culture is a way to a sense of pride in community that both draws others and cements the desire to remain for those already here.
Looking forward, what opportunities do you see for the Arts Center in terms of art opportunities / community engagement / education?
I see a role for the Art Center to be a hub, a clearinghouse for the various creative endeavors that occur within the community. We should be seen as an umbrella of experience and guidance under which the Arts can thrive and find common direction.
Share a personal experience of a class event or other interaction involving the Art Center that made a lasting impression?
A nationally know artist, Electra Malone, held several workshops, through the years at the original former library building. It inspired me to travel to other of her workshops in Santa Fe and Jackson Hole. These experiences allowed me to have the confidence of seeing myself as an artist and not only a hobbyist. It led me to change my educational direction to a college BFA degree in Art from UNO.
If resources were limitless, what kind of exhibition, permanent display, or space would you envision for the Arts Center to introduce?
I would love to see the Art Center lead the way to establish a Norfolk version of Omaha’s Hot Shops; a collection of artists of varying mediums in demonstrating studios. I would like to see a group organize a permanent video projection on the old grain elevator, an incredible and highly visible canvas. Also having a bigger footprint in the performing arts would be great.
