The arts have been infused with the Lima community for decades and there's now a book that tells the story of how the arts helped the city grow.
“Beyond Our Imagination” co-authored Martha MacDonell and Molly Weis was ten years in the making. It’s a collection of stories from 70 interviews about community arts projects from 1975 to 2003. MacDonell recognized the power of art as a method to address important issues, stimulate conversations, and engage diverse people. Weis is MacDonell’s niece and worked with her on many of the projects and hopes this book will inspire others.
Weis says, “My hope is that people will appreciate the deep skill set that’s here in Lima around community arts. It’s an enormous asset and we should be proud of it. I want to use it as a way for the next generation to carry on the work.”
Mike Schoenhofer, retired Executive Director of the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Allen, Auglaize and Hardin Counties has read “Beyond Our Imagination” and had this to say, “How important it was to our community development. Whether it was the Civic Center, the Symphony Orchestra, at the time American household, there is so many things that the arts did to help our community grow. “
A recent survey by Americans for the Arts found that 97% of arts agencies address community development issues in 2018.
With the release of “Beyond Our Imagination”, a new fund has been set up to continue arts in the community projects. Proceeds from the sale will go to the “Arts with Community Purpose Education Fund. It will support training and related educational programs that further the understanding and development of projects building on legacy featured in the book.
ArtSpace Executive Director Sally Windle explains, “It’s really understanding the process because this is an art form. It ‘s incorporating different aspects of the community and it's making change through an art form. It’s also addressing arts and how it can further radiate the message.”
“Beyond Our Imagination” is on sale at ArtSpace for $20. You can purchase it online as well.
