Byways Art Project receives large donation from Delaware County native; Allamakee County also part of new "Art on Iowa's Byways Initiative"


Delaware County native Edwin Geers (right) presents $10,000 to Byways of Iowa Foundation Chair Rod Marlatt (left). The donation will help fund art projects in Delhi and Manchester as part of the "Art on Iowa’s Byways Initiative.” Submitted photo.

Over the past several months, the Byways of Iowa Foundation (BIF), Northeast Iowa RC&D and Scenic Byway Boards from across the state have been working to raise money to install original works of art in byway communities, including Postville and Waukon along the Driftless Area Scenic Byway. This "Art on Iowa’s Byways Initiative” is a state-wide collaboration to install a total of 15 unique pieces of art imagined by local leaders, residents and youth, and designed by local artists. The 15 participating communities include Amana, Anamosa, Belle Plaine, Bellevue, Delhi, Dubuque, Elkader, Guthrie Center, Guttenberg, Keosauqua, Manchester, Maquoketa, Postville, Waukon and Winterset.

Manchester and Delhi’s art projects just received a generous donation from an avid byway supporter, Delaware County native Edwin Geers. His donation will go towards the fabrication of a unique public art piece in each community in Delaware County along the Delaware Crossing Scenic Byway.

When Geers heard about these projects he was excited to get involved as he is no stranger to the benefits that byways bring to their communities. “I have spent time and energy during the past fifteen years working on Byway projects in Florida. Now, since I have moved back to Delaware County, I am excited to be able to contribute some time and assistance to projects along theDelaware Crossing Scenic Byway,” said Geers.

Geers met with Rod Marlatt, Byways of Iowa Foundation Chair; Lora Friest, the BIF Secretary/Treasurer and Executive Director of Northeast Iowa RC&D; and Mallory Marlatt, the Delaware Crossing Scenic Byway Coordinator, December 13 to discuss the projects to take place in Delhi and Manchester. Rod Marlatt noted, “The Byways of Iowa Foundation Board is not only thrilled with this financial contribution, but, because of his expertise and dedication to byways, we have asked Mr. Geers to participate on the Byways of Iowa Foundation Board. We know he was instrumental in various byway projects along the Old Florida Heritage Highway, so he will be a valued member of BIF with unique experience and insight.”

Mallory Marlatt, was excited to have a local resident contribute to the projects, noting, “Mr. Geers grew up in Delaware County. He loves this area and scenic byways. His contribution helps get the fundraising for our projects off the ground.”

Geers contributed a total of $10,000 for the two projects and is excited to participate in development of each project. His donation is in memory of his late wife, Sally Guthrie.

Mallory Marlatt noted that each community has a Project Art Advisory Committee which has met twice with city administrators to discuss a process for development of the projects. The Delhi piece will be placed within the City Park and the Manchester piece will be placed in the Riverfront Park near the Whitewater Course. Public input sessions for each community will be held in early 2017 to develop themes for each art piece that represent Delhi and Manchester’s sense of place. Once themes are identified, artists will be selected by the Project Art Advisory Committees to design and fabricate public art pieces based on concepts articulated by the communities.

Geers noted, “I believe it is important to involve community members in the process and decision making, and look forward to hearing the ideas that come forth in the community meetings. You never know what great ideas are out there until you ask.”

These will be one-of-a-kind art pieces that will enhance Delhi and Manchester’s downtowns, encouraging residents and travelers to slow down, improving the social and economic vitality of each community, and fostering economic development for business and residents within Delaware County.

The Byways of Iowa Foundation’s mission is to protect, enhance and promote cultural, natural and scenic resources along Iowa’s byways, fostering authentic experiences with byway partners and communities to increase visitor-related economic development. For more information about this project and the Byways of Iowa Foundation, to get involved with the planning process, or to contribute, visit www.bywaysofiowa.org or contact Northeast Iowa RC&D at 563-864-7112 and ask for Mallory Marlott.