I
Logan County • Crook, Fleming, Iliff, Merino, Peetz, Sterling
LOCAL: All about the arts
nterest in the arts is growing rapidly in Sterling and Logan County. The Logan County Arts League (LOCAL) emerged in the fall of 2018 from the restructuring of the Sterling Arts Council. In addition to hosting cultural events such as the annual July Jamz concert series, the new organization’s purpose is to support and enhance the intersection of the creative arts and business sectors. Their slogan, “Create, Connect, Emerge,” highlights their mission of helping creatives connect and emerge, which in turn enhances the local community. In November 2018, the Sterling City Council formally established the Sterling Creative District, which encompasses downtown Sterling and a corridor connecting to the Northeastern Junior College campus. Located within the district are many of the 50plus pieces of significant art available for public viewing in Sterling, as well as more than 20 creative businesses. Visit http://bit.ly/2tP6Lbc for an interactive map of the public art in Sterling. LOCAL is now working toward state certification of the creative district, which can provide expanded marketing opportunities, greater grant funding possibilities and other resources to help the district grow. The organization’s activities include the July Jamz concert series — free live music performed from the Logan County Courthouse Gazebo in downtown Sterling on Friday evenings in July. This year’s lineup includes contemporary bluegrass band Woodshed Red on July 7, blues band Delta Sonics on 40 • MAY 21, 2019•EXPLORE
The July Jamz concert series brings a crowd to the Logan County Courthouse Square on Friday evenings in July. (Journal-Advocate photo)
July 14, the poly-ethnic, power pop and rock sounds of Wendy Woo on July 21, and a classic country performance by Wild Road on July 28. Other events hosted by LOCAL include Arts-tober, a monthlong celebration of all things fall in October. Activities include a scarecrow contest for local businesses and organizations, promotion of food and beverage businesses, and collaboration with local corn mazes. In 2019 they are working to introduce a Bike Fest to the event as well. The spring brings LOCAL’s Art in the Square. This event, which debuted in 2019, grew out of a Chalk the Walk event held in prior years. It includes a sidewalk chalking contest around the Logan County Courthouse, a vendor fair for creatives, art demonstrations, a Plein Air art competition, and live Pete and Jeanne Youngers demonstrate making stained glass music. during the 2019 Art in the Square event. (J-A photo)