About

Spirit of Pella’s Story

The Spirit of Pella was born out of discussions and visions by several caring and committed community members during the fall of 2020. The Spirit of Pella is a group of passionate individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to enhancing Pella’s cultural wellbeing through:

• inspired local gathering spaces
• interactive public art
• placemaking 
• live music
• a magical holiday season
• curated experiences 

Mission

Connecting people through collaborative community-based projects centered around art, public gathering spaces, and special events to strengthen Pella’s unique public life, assets, economy, and culture.

Vision

An enriched community full of amenities, traditions, and experiences.

Motivation

Pella’s founding father, Dominie Hendrik Pieter Scholte, was an innovator and advocate of the arts who was fiercely committed to community development and education. Nearly two centuries ago he championed a vision of creating a vibrant community where all people could build their lives in Pella. We call this the Scholte Spirit, and it fuels today’s collaborative and elaborate plans for Spirit of Pella Community Projects. Like Dominie Scholte, we activate innovation and honor our community’s rich heritage through placemaking, public art, and live entertainment.

Community participation is the heart of The Spirit of Pella. It is only through the belief and support of individual community members that these visions can come to life! Join us and Catch the Spirit!

“We will build a beautiful Pella.” – Dominie Scholte, founder of Pella

Board of Directors

Board of Directors

Christi Vander Voort – President
Jason Bandstra – Vice President
Gene Williamson – Treasurer
Eric Sickler – Secretary
Karen Cashen – At large
Stuart Miller – At large
Kyle Nelson – At large
Heidi Rozenboom – At large
Aaron Smith – At large
Morgan Terlouw – At large
Teri Vos – At large
Bob Zylstra – At large
Lisa Zylstra – At large