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Speaker to focus on enhancing quality of life in Prairie du Chien

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By Correne Martin

The quality of life in Prairie du Chien is important to everyone, and three local organizations hold dear the mission to sustain and strengthen that characteristic within the community. As a part of their ongoing efforts, Anne Katz, the executive director of Arts Wisconsin, will speak on Thursday, June 30, at 6:30 p.m. in the Prairie du Chien High School Little Theater. Her free presentation, “The Power of the Creative Sector,” is sponsored by the Prairie du Chien Economic Development Committee (PDCEDC), PdC Main Street and Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce. The Mississippi River Sculpture Park Board and Prairie du Chien School District are also co-sponsoring the event.

Katz will highlight how arts, education, economic development and the quality of life intersect to create a diverse and healthy community.

“We really want Prairie du Chien to be a great place to live, work and vacation,” said PdCEDC Coordinator Lori Bekkum. “It’s great having all three organizations working together to see how we can advance our existing relationships in the areas of art, education and economic development.”

Katz will share what other communities have done to bring these elements together. She will discuss events and programs that encouraged local shopping, offered more creative and cultural activities, and raised awareness for the arts. Integrating the arts and creativity in education is another perspective anticipated from Katz.

Chris Mara, past president of PdC Main Street, added, “We would like to see 20-30 engaged people there, but the Little Theater can accommodate a couple hundred, so the more the merrier.”

The presentation is expected to last one hour, with a half-hour afterward for questions. The public is invited to attend, whether it’s in representation of an organization/business or simply as a citizen who cares about enhancing what Prairie du Chien has to offer.

As you think about the arts in Prairie du Chien, there is already much to offer and it all seems to be gaining in popularity, according to Bekkum and Mara. They gave these examples: two huge music festivals, Concerts in the Park, music and art in the schools, an open mic night at The Tavern, two or three bands every weekend at the local bars and restaurants, the sculpture park, PdC Palette painting gatherings, locally-created art displayed and sold at The Planted Tree, bronzed historical markers at Lawler Park, painted banners hanging downtown, ancient craft art at the Rendezvous, reenactment events at the Villa Louis, food classes at Driftless Edibles, culinary arts at Sharing Spaces Kitchen, and the list goes on.

“Our local talent is really amazing,” Bekkum said. “I don’t think people realize how lucky we are to have what we do have here. We want to encourage even more.”

Of course, the natural beauty of the river and the history of the community are undeniable as well, and perhaps arts in those areas can be leveraged better for the benefit of everyone.

“[Katz’s presentation] might help us identify art in other areas of our community,” Mara added.

The vision of Arts Wisconsin is that, “Everyone, everywhere in Wisconsin has the opportunity to experience, participate in and benefit from the arts.” Anyone who shares that idea is encouraged to attend “The Power of the Creative Sector” on June 30.

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