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February 22, 2001 <br /> <br />To Whom I,t May Concern: " .. <br />O~ behalf of the 2001 Arts Alliance, I am writing to confima our Organization's commitment to <br />the mural project in Historic Downtown Elk River. As a grass roots organization, we <br />particularly like to do .projects that serve our community's needs .thr. ough the arts. <br /> <br />Over the Years, Elk River's central business district'has struggl'.ed in its efforts to grow and <br />develop. It is located on one of our most valuable 'resources,' the Mississippi River, but the river <br />is barely 'visible and certainly un~ier-utilized. The doWntown has a "small town" feeling that so ' <br />many people desire, but it is dimi'nished as a destina'ticin shopping area. It has 'great potential <br />as a community gathering place, but needs development in,order to attract people' there. <br /> <br /> Currently, the Rivers Edge' Association, the'Operation ER Downtpwn Beautificatioq Committee, <br /> and the HRA are mobilizing'new interest, in. developing the'doWntown. The possibilities of a <br /> fishing pier and an extensive "Riverwall~ '' are alive agai/a. It is a Perfect site for a summer stage. <br /> Business owners are looking at what they can do to improve thei.r buildings. The mural wall is <br /> located in the midst' of this potential 'activity and will act <br /> it will call attention to our river and certainly beautify the area by rep!acing the existing bare <br /> block wall... ., <br /> <br /> Another value I see to this project is the collaboration between our community, s arts <br /> organizations as we connect, with other community groups. The. Three Rivers Community <br />· Theatre, the Elk River Area Arts Council,. the Arts Alliance and others will all benefi~ from - <br /> working together and from the exposu.re such a highly visible project will prov. ide. ' <br /> Our plan i~'to promote the mural project an'd the downtown redevelopment 'during our'ArtSoup <br /> Elk River Community Arts Festival il3, June with a display and community funding outreach. The. <br /> festival is held in the location of the mural and on the river. This is an opportunity for <br /> community at its finest. We are looking forward to the excitement this project will surely, bring <br /> and look forward to being a part Of it. <br /> <br /> Sincerely <br /> 2001 Arts Alliance .. <br /> <br /> Tony Darkenwald <br /> Chair <br /> <br />Post <br /> <br />office <br /> <br />* <br /> <br />River, <br /> <br />Minnes6ta <br /> <br />*, 55550-2506 <br /> <br /> <br />