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Your Source for Spirit of Pella News
At Spirit of Pella, we believe in transparency and keeping our community informed. Our press page is dedicated to providing you with the latest news, press releases, and media coverage. Here, you’ll find detailed information about our projects, events, and the impact we’re making. Stay connected with us and explore the stories that shape our journey.
In the Media
Spirit of Pella in the Spotlight
November 5, 2024
PELLA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS GRANTS TOTALING $200,000
The Pella Community Foundation Board of Directors approved 39 grants totaling $200,000 to 35 different non-profit organizations in the Pella area. Over its 33-year history, the foundation has awarded $1,859,000 in grants.
The Pella Community Foundation funded three Impact Grants totaling $75,000 and 36 Board Directed Grants for the remaining $125,000 to help these local non-profit organizations within the community. The 39 grants awarded this year was a record amount for the foundation, helping fund a wide range of initiatives and projects in the community.
The three Impact Grants were awarded to the City of Pella for the Pella Community Indoor Recreation Center project for $50,000, 725 Ministries for their Feeding Relationships project for $15,000, and Spirit of Pella for the Caldwell Park Chiller project for $10,000.
November 2, 2024
SPIRIT OF PELLA HOLIDAY LIGHTS EXPANDING IN 2024
This holiday season, Pella’s downtown square will shine brighter than before with the addition of new tree-wrap lights recently donated to the City of Pella by Spirit of Pella donors.
During a vacation to Vienna several years ago, Jason Bandstra was impressed by many holiday lighting displays he observed. Bandstra, a board member who chairs Spirit of Pella’s Lighting Committee, has since played a key role in imagining how to expand the community’s downtown holiday lighting strategy.
“When we got home and drove through Pella we thought there just weren’t enough Christmas lights and wondered how we could bring more European-inspired holiday spirit here to Pella. We imagined making holiday lights for our winter tulips,” Bandstra said.
Seeing couples propose and families gather for Christmas card photos under the lights has been especially meaningful for Bandstra. Wrapping four large trees on the east side and two on the west will illuminate more of Central Park this holiday season, further enhancing an inviting, festive atmosphere for photos and gatherings.
November 2, 2024
FREE HOLIDAY PHOTOS UNDER THE TUNNEL OF LIGHTS
Pella Fiber teamed up with Spirit of Pella last year to offer residents and visitors free holiday photos under the Tunnel of Lights which was also donated to the community by Spirit of Pella donors. Pella Fiber’s Director of Telecommunications Doy Ousley and Local Programming Coordinator Monte Goodyk have been engaged with the downtown lighting for several years.
“Last year alone, we took nearly 1,800 free digital photos under the Tunnel of Lights on Thanksgiving weekend, from family portraits and costumed pets to holiday cards,” Ousley said.
Pella Fiber and Spirit of Pella will partner again to provide outdoor warming stations, seating, free hot cocoa, the BreadBoard food truck, and holiday music, all adding to Pella’s newest winter season tradition.
Community members and visitors are invited to the Tunnel of Lights in Pella’s Central Park from 6-8 p.m. on November 30 and December 1 where Goodyk will shoot professional digital photos on a first-come, first-served basis each night. Images will be available to download from a website the following week.
October 18, 2024
FAB FOODIE FRIDAYS TAKING PLACE AT THE KLOKKENSPEL PLAZA THIS FALL
Spirit of Pella encourages Pella residents and visitors to celebrate Fab Foodie Fridays in the Klokkenspel Plaza starting today.
Participants can dine outside with carry-out lunch or dinner from Pella restaurants while taking in live music provided by local performers in the Klokkenspel Plaza on Franklin Street. Spirit of Pella recently raised funds to help the city install comfortable café-style tables and chairs in the walkway between the Klokkenspel Plaza and the Molengracht District. For Fab Foodie Fridays, Spirit of Pella will temporarily relocate those tables and chairs to the Klokkenspel Plaza, where residents and visitors can enjoy their lunches or dinners. A variety of live music will be featured during Fab Foodie Fridays, if the weather permits.
Check out the Fab Foodie Fridays Facebook Event for details on musicians and cancellations due to weather.
October 14, 2024
NEW SPIRIT OF PELLA VOLUNTEER
New Spirit of Pella board member Nelson, a longtime Pella resident and Central College alumnus, is extremely invested in the city’s success. Nelson, whose two of four children also attended Central College, has been involved in local community activities promoting Pella’s social and economic development.
“I look forward to watching Pella grow and move forward while maintaining its rich heritage,” Nelson said. With a strong connection to the community and a passion for attracting and retaining young talent, Nelson is investing his time accordingly. He believes that organizations such as the Spirit of Pella play a significant role in promoting Pella as a unique and desirable community to not only be involved in, but to live in.
Looking ahead, Nelson envisions a Pella with an even more vibrant economy and opportunities for recreation, arts, and family activities. “I can imagine Pella growing to around 13,000 or 14,000 residents over the next decade,” he said. “More residents will help our businesses and industries flourish, ensuring that we remain a thriving community.”
Nelson’s favorite part of Pella is how committed the citizens are to working together to realize the city’s brightest future. “Pella is known for its ability to pull off initiatives that many other towns our size would love to,” he said. “It’s because people here aren’t afraid to create a plan, work hard and invest their time and resources in projects that matter.”
Nelson is on track to leave a legacy of making a positive impact whenever he can. “I’ve always been willing to dig in and help where needed. I want to be remembered as someone who didn’t shy away from doing my part and more for Pella’s success.”
September 30, 2024
LET’S TALK PELLA – SPIRIT OF PELLA LATEST
Teri Vos and Lisa Zylstra with the Spirit of Pella board discuss the latest with the organization.
August 7, 2024
CITY OF PELLA SEEKING INPUT FOR FUTURE KLOKKENSPEL IMPROVEMENTS
The City of Pella is in the process of undergoing a project to enhance the Klokkenspel Plaza. This includes the area extending from Franklin Street to the Molengracht alley. To help city staff understand the needs of the community, the Pella Community Services department is asking the public to attend a public input meeting on August 8th and to complete the online survey at www.cityofpella.com/KlokkSurvey
June 10, 2024
LET’S TALK PELLA – MURALIST DISCUSSES DOWNTOWN PROJECT
Muralist Eliana Davilla with Elistry discusses the Forever Pella mural commissioned by the Spirit of Pella.
June 7, 2024
SPIRIT OF PELLA CELEBRATES LATEST MURAL
Artwork completed during Pella’s spring bloom was celebrated Thursday with a ceremony hosted by the Spirit of Pella. The event highlighting “Forever Pella” included comments from Pella Mayor Don DeWaard, Muralist Eliana Davilla, and Spirit of Pella Board Member Ryan Vos in the alley behind the Cellar Peanut Pub. Davilla was commissioned to complete the large project earlier this spring, which features flowers from the 2024 bloom on the side facing the alley, and then several key locations from Pella on stamps closer to the Peanut Pub.
June 6, 2024
SPIRIT OF PELLA CELEBRATING NEXT MURAL PROJECT
A ribbon-cutting will be held for a new mural created between the Klokkenspel and Molengracht at a ceremony Thursday. The event will also include a press conference with Pella Mayor Don DeWaard, Muralist Eliana Davilla, and Spirit of Pella Board Member Ryan Vos. The ribbon cutting begins at 10 a.m. Thursday behind the Cellar Peanut Pub.
April 30, 2024
NEW PELLA MURAL COMPLETED IN TIME FOR TULIP TIME
Visitors to Pella’s annual Tulip Festival this year will be treated to a new mural completed on Monday, according to the project’s sponsoring organization, Spirit of Pella.
The expansive, brightly colored and highly stylized multi-wall work is in the heart downtown Pella between the Klokkenspel Plaza and Molengracht (canal) District. It offers visitors yet another picturesque “selfie” location in a town known around the world for celebrating its rich Dutch heritage.
April 30, 2024
MURALS SET FOR TULIP TIME DEBUT
Residents and visitors will be able to enjoy new artwork at the 89th Tulip Time festival. This week, the Spirit of Pella announced a mural near the Cellar Peanut Pub was completed by traveling artist Eliana Davila. The Dallas, Texas-based artist started work on the project on April 9th, the second such mural supported by the Spirit of Pella. Davila was featured on Let’s Talk Pella earlier this month.
April 24, 2024
MURALIST IMPRESSED WITH PELLA
A call went out from Spirit of Pella last June for a muralist, for five outdoor paintings as the organization’s next project. Out of 20 applicants, Eliana Davila of Dallas, Texas, was selected.
“I have been painting murals since 2014,” she said. She heard about Pella’s project on a page of which she is a part. Comments and shares of the call fueled her excitement about potentially coming to Pella.
April 11, 2024
LET’S TALK PELLA – NEW MURAL IN PELLA
Artist Eliana Davila discusses her partnership with the Spirit of Pella to create a new mural ahead of the 89th Tulip Time.
June 6, 2023
SPIRIT OF PELLA TO HOST RIBBON CUTTING FOR NEW MURAL
Spirit of Pella, the non-profit organization dedicated to connecting people through collaborative community-based projects, announced today the official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, June 8 at 10 am in front of the new mural on the Brew Coffeehouse located at 626 Franklin Street.
The public is invited to join in the festivities as special guests Mayor Don DeWaard, Dutch expert, Milly Vande Kieft, and muralist, Hannah Heschke share a few remarks about the beautiful mural.
“We are so pleased to reveal Spirit of Pella’s first mural that honors our heritage and tells a story of Pella’s history,” said Christi Vander Voort who chairs the Spirit of Pella Steering Committee.
December 11, 2023
LET’S TALK PELLA – SPIRIT OF PELLA
Teri Vos and Lisa Zylstra with the Spirit of Pella discuss the latest with the organization.
November 3, 2023
SPIRIT OF PELLA CONDUCTING SURVEY FOR POTENTIAL PROJECTS
A local non-profit dedicated to enhancing the Pella community is conducting a community survey to better gauge potential projects. The Spirit of Pella is gathering the research to better hone in on the desires of residents about what types of work the organization should be working on over the next ten years, according to board member Bob Zylstra. Among the projects completed by the group so far are enhanced holiday lighting decorations and a mural near Marion County Bank and The Brew, with the goal of enhancing both the Klokkenspel and Molengracht plazas downtown
September 22, 2023
SPIRIT OF PELLA CONTINUES SCHOLTE DREAM
Members of the Pella community are joining together to promote the city’s deep cultural roots. The Spirit of Pella was founded to build on the city’s time-honored traditions and to make the enduring legacy of Pella founder Dominie Henry P. Scholte accessible to people through art, heritage and place-making.
What People Are Saying
★★★★★
“In the short time Spirit of Pella has been in existence, I’ve been so impressed by the very positive impact of the organization’s commitment to collaboration and bringing people together for the greater good of our community. Pella’s future is brigher because of Spirit of Pella’s important work.”
Don DeWaard
Mayor of Pella
★★★★★
“The Spirit of Pella has been instrumental in bringing many well-established committees together to formulate ideas, financially support their vision and help continue to bless this community with even more events and cultural experiences for the visitors and residents of Pella to enjoy. Their leadership and passion for Pella is admirable. It’s as if they have a “magic wand” of sorts!”
Sarah Treft
Activities Office & Event Assistant, Pella Community Schools
★★★★★
“Spirit of Pella has brought vibrancy and aesthetically pleasing views to the places of Pella. From the brush strokes of the murals to the twinkling lighted tunnel at Christmas, Spirit of Pella is adding a touch of beauty to each area they reach. As a young adult, Spirit of Pella is making this community both captivating and inviting to do life here!”
Hailey Swan
Sincera Urgent Care, Reception Admin
PRESS RELEASES
Pella Downtown Square Lights Up With New Holiday Tree Wraps
Pella, IA (November 1, 2024) –
To learn more about Spirit of Pella, visit spiritofpella.org.
Like and follow Spirit of Pella on Facebook at facebook.com/spiritofpella and Instagram at instagram.com/spiritofpella/
New Spirit of Pella Volunteers Share a Vision For Their Community's Future
Pella, IA (October 14, 2024) – As Pella continues to grow, two impactful community members serving as new volunteers with Spirit of Pella share a vision for Pella’s brightest future. With their respective skill sets, Kyle Nelson and Hailey Swan are serving their community with great enthusiasm for advancing Pella. Both volunteers celebrate the importance of heritage and growth all while maintaining Pella’s genuinely distinctive identity.
Spirit of Pella board member Nelson, a longtime Pella resident and Central College alumnus, is extremely invested in the city’s success. Nelson, whose two of four children also attended Central College, has been involved in local community activities promoting Pella’s social and economic development.
“I look forward to watching Pella grow and move forward while maintaining its rich heritage,” Nelson said. With a strong connection to the community and a passion for attracting and retaining young talent, Nelson is investing his time accordingly. He believes that organizations such as the Spirit of Pella play a significant role in promoting Pella as a unique and desirable community to not only be involved in, but to live in.
Looking ahead, Nelson envisions a Pella with an even more vibrant economy and opportunities for recreation, arts, and family activities. “I can imagine Pella growing to around 13,000 or 14,000 residents over the next decade,” he said. “More residents will help our businesses and industries flourish, ensuring that we remain a thriving community.”
Nelson’s favorite part of Pella is how committed the citizens are to working together to realize the city’s brightest future. “Pella is known for its ability to pull off initiatives that many other towns our size would love to,” he said. “It’s because people here aren’t afraid to create a plan, work hard and invest their time and resources in projects that matter.”
Nelson is on track to leave a legacy of making a positive impact whenever he can. “I’ve always been willing to dig in and help where needed. I want to be remembered as someone who didn’t shy away from doing my part and more for Pella’s success.”
Hailey Swan, originally from Bloomfield, recently graduated from Central College. While she is relatively new to Pella, she already feels connected to the community through work with Spirit of Pella and her friendships. She commutes to Pella now but plans to move here soon so she can live what she calls, “a fully authentic Pella life.”
Swan recognizes Pella as a place where people embrace the simple pleasures. “I want newcomers and visitors to find that Pella is a place where they can find safety, stability and an inspiring place to live. A safe haven for everyone to just enjoy life.” Hailey embraces her faith, helping others, and works to make sure humility is at the core of who she is.
Swan’s personal favorite aspect of Pella is how the people live intentionally and set high standards for themselves. “People here do hard things and do them well. There’s a level of kindness that makes Pella a place where people want to be. You know you’ll be taken care of here,” she says.
In the future, Swan wants to leave a legacy full of authenticity. “It’s okay to not have it all together. The goal is not perfection, but growth,” she shared. “I want people to feel it’s okay to put their heart out there, to keep dreaming, and to learn from mistakes. At the end of the day, it’s about being honest with yourself and others.”
Despite slightly different backgrounds, Nelson and Swan share a common goal of seeing Pella grow while maintaining the unique charm and strong community values that have made it a special place to live. Nelson puts an emphasis on community development. Swan focuses on helping to create a sense of belonging in Pella so our community feels welcoming for everybody.
Nelson and Swan are both committed to the long- and short-term success of the community they love. They are each excited to continue to use their vibrant energy to shape the future of Pella in a positive way. Leaders like Nelson and Swan are a key reason why Pella is so uniquely successful.
To learn more about Spirit of Pella, visit spiritofpella.org.
Like and follow Spirit of Pella on Facebook at facebook.com/spiritofpella and Instagram at instagram.com/spiritofpella/
Dine at Klokkenspel Plaza During Fab Foodie Fridays This Fall
Pella, IA (October 12 , 2024) –
Beginning October 18 and continuing as long as weather permits this fall, Spirit of Pella encourages Pella residents and visitors to celebrate Fab Foodie Fridays in the Klokkenspel Plaza. Dine outside in the heart of downtown Pella on Fridays this fall with carry-out lunch or dinner from Pella restaurants while taking in live music provided by local performers in the Klokkenspel Plaza on Franklin Street.
“We’re thrilled about reimagining the Klokkenspel Plaza for outdoor dining and breathing new life into what is one of our community’s most inspired gathering places,” said Spirit of Pella’s representative on the City’s ad hoc Klokkenspel Plaza committee, Aaron Smith.
Spirit of Pella recently raised funds to help the City install comfortable café-style tables and chairs in the walkway between the Klokkenspel Plaza and the Molengracht District. For Fab Foodie Fridays, Spirit of Pella will temporarily relocate those tables and chairs to the Klokkenspel Plaza where diners can enjoy their lunches or dinners in the fresh autumn air.
Pella residents, families and visitors can also expect to enjoy a variety of live music during the lunch and dinner on Fab Foodie Fridays when the weather cooperates. Event details will be posted each week on Spirit of Pella’s Facebook account at facebook.com/spiritofpella and Instagram account at instagram.com/spiritofpella.
To learn more about Spirit of Pella, visit spiritofpella.org.
Spirit of Pella Supports Klokkenspel Plaza Enhancement
Pella, IA (August 6, 2024) – This week, Pella residents can suggest enhancements to the City’s Klokkenspel Plaza at a public input meeting on August 8 hosted by an ad hoc study committee appointed by Mayor Don DeWaard and convened by Pella’s Community Services department.
The Klokkenspel Plaza, a local landmark built and dedicated in the early 1980s, includes the area extending from Franklin Street to the Molengracht alley where Spirit of Pella recently unveiled its most recent mural project titled “Forever Pella.”
“We’re thrilled about the opportunity to reimagine the Klokkenspel Plaza and breathe new life into what will be one of our community’s most inspired gathering places,” said Spirit of Pella’s representative on the ad hoc committee, Aaron Smith. The group recently raised funds to help the City install comfortable café-style tables and chairs in the walkway between Franklin Plaza and the Molengracht where residents and visitors can socialize, dine, meet and study.
“Connecting people is one of Spirit of Pella’s founding principles, so all the placemaking projects we support are designed to bring residents and visitors together,” Smith continued. Other ad hoc committee members include Lynn Branderhorst, Matt McCulla, Glenn Steimling, Jessi Galligan, Rhonda Kermode, Chandler Nunnikhoven, Caryn Van Hemert, Michael Fries.
In addition to hosting the August 8 public input session from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the Community Center, the ad hoc committee encourages residents to complete an online survey at www.cityofpella.com/KlokkSurvey
To learn more about Spirit of Pella, visit spiritofpella.org. Like and follow Spirit of Pella on Facebook at facebook.com/spiritofpella and Instagram at instagram.com/spiritofpella/
Gigantic Tulip Mural Event June 6
Pella, IA (May 23, 2024) – Pella’s newest large-scale mural featuring gigantic tulips in bloom will be named and dedicated at a ribbon-cutting and press conference on June 6 at 10 a.m. according to project organizers with Spirit of Pella. The non-profit group’s latest effort created an expansive, brightly colored, and highly stylized multi-wall work of art in the heart downtown Pella in Franklin Park between the Klokkenspel Plaza and Molengracht District. It offers visitors and residents yet another picturesque “selfie” location in a town known around the world for celebrating its rich Dutch heritage.
“We issued a nationwide call for muralists in June last year and received proposals from across the U.S.,” said Spirit of Pella board member Ryan Vos who helped spearhead the donor-funded project. The winning design submitted by Dallas artist Eliana Davilla proved popular across the community for its depiction of Pella’s many special traditions, attractions, and familiar icons. The mural also features brilliant splashes of color showcasing larger-than-life versions of the most spectacular tulip varieties growing in planting beds across town every spring.
While Davilla’s Elistry team members reside in Dallas, her family has a long history with Pella having attended its Tulip Festival many times. “As I reflect on my experience painting this mural, my heart is warmed with such a sweet nostalgia,” Davilla explained. “Among the many projects I’ve had the joy of painting, this will forever stand out as one of my all-time favorites.”
“Being chosen and trusted with this project was such an honor, and I hope the people of Pella will take pride in these murals as much as I do,” Davilla continued. “Pella will forever hold a special place in my heart and has truly become a home away from home.”
The June 6 event will include brief comments from Vos, Davilla and Pella Mayor Don DeWaard. Spirit of Pella board members and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions. Refreshments will be available from Iris Coffee Company and Dutch Fix.
This is Spirit of Pella’s second mural project designed to delight visitors and residents alike. The first, titled “Happy Days,” was dedicated last June. It was inspired by Dutch folk-art painting from the small farming village of Staphorst, in the province of Overijssel, The Netherlands. “Happy Days” is located downtown on Franklin Street near The Brew coffeehouse.
To view the mural on a live YouTube feed, click here. To learn more about Spirit of Pella, visit www.spiritofpella.org facebook.com/spiritofpella and instagram.com/spiritofpella/
New Mural Unveiled Just In Time for Pella’s Tulip Time Festival
Pella, IA (April 29, 2024) – Visitors to Pella’s annual Tulip Festival this year will be treated to a stunning new mural completed just today, according to the project’s sponsoring organization, Spirit of Pella. The expansive, brightly colored and highly stylized multi-wall work is in the heart downtown Pella between the Klokkenspel Plaza and Molengracht (canal) District. It offers visitors yet another picturesque “selfie” location in a town known around the world for celebrating its rich Dutch heritage.
“For this very important project we issued a call for muralists in June last year and received proposals from across the U.S.,” said Spirit of Pella President Christi Vander Voort. The winning design submitted by Dallas artist Eliana Davilla proved to be very popular across the community for its balanced celebration of Pella’s many special traditions, attractions and icons while also presenting a much-larger-than-life splash of brilliant color showcasing many of the most spectacular tulip varieties visitors see growing in planting beds sprinkled throughout the town.
“Eliana and her team, most of them her own talented family members, began working on this stunning mural on April 9, Vander Voort said. “Thanks to great weather and very generous local donors from across the community who provided funding for the artistic team and everything from wall preparation, metal work and paint to food and lodging, we wrapped up tonight just in time for this weekend’s festival.” During Tulip Time each year, Pella’s population of around 10,000 residents swells to more than 100,000 visitors.
This is Spirit of Pella’s second mural project designed to delight visitors and residents alike. The first, titled “Happy Days,” was dedicated last June. It was inspired by Dutch folk art painting from the small farming village of Staphorst, in the province of Overijssel, The Netherlands. Visitors will find “Happy Days” downtown on Franklin Street near The Brew coffeehouse.
In addition to the two mural projects, Spirit of Pella and its generous donors have helped to significantly expand the community’s downtown holiday lights and assisted with providing vendor huts for the community’s annual Kerstmarkt Christmas Market. The group’s future goals include more public art projects, collaborations with the City of Pella to enhance the Klokkenspel Plaza and the Molengracht District, and a variety of other projects all designed to bring people together to celebrate Pella.
To learn more about Spirit of Pella, visit spiritofpella.org. Like and follow Spirit of Pella on Facebook at facebook.com/spiritofpella and Instagram at instagram.com/spiritofpella/
Spirit of Pella Announces New Board of Directors
Pella, IA (September 14, 2023) – Spirit of Pella is pleased to announce a new Board of Directors. The non-profit charged to enrich and expand Pella’s amenities, attractions, traditions, and experiences for residents and visitors launched in 2021, sharing its founding Board of Directors with the Pella Area Community & Economic (PACE) Alliance.
“We are beyond thankful for the guidance, support, and belief in our mission that the PACE Alliance board gave Spirit of Pella while we got our feet under us and established our presence in Pella,” said new board president Christi Vander Voort.
In addition to Vander Voort, the organization’s new Board of Directors includes vice president Jason Bandstra, treasurer Roger DeWaard, secretary Eric Sickler, Aaron Smith, Dave Sutphen, Ryan Vos, Teri Vos, Lisa Jaarsma Zylstra, and Bob Zylstra.
“Our Board of Directors is a dedicated team of proven community leaders who are committed to preserving our heritage and strengthening Pella’s unique public life, assets, and culture,” said Vander Voort. “We are excited to tap their talent, expertise, and energy to further our mission.”
“Pella founder Dominie H.P. Scholte is celebrated as an innovator and advocate who championed a vision to create a vibrant community where all people could build their lives. Today that same ‘Scholte Spirit’ inspires and guides the work of the Spirit of Pella organization as we activate innovation while honoring our community’s rich heritage through interactive art, public gathering spaces, a magical holiday season, and special events,” Vander Voort shared.
Through fundraising with generous local donors, Spirit of Pella has helped to significantly expand Pella’s downtown holiday lights, assisted with providing vendor huts for Kerstmarkt and, most recently, spearheaded an original mural tribute to traditional Dutch Staphorst nail-head painting on the wall between The Brew and Marion County Bank. The group’s future goals include more murals and public art projects, collaborations with the City of Pella to enhance the Klokkenspel Plaza and the Molengracht Courtyard, and a variety of other projects proposed in its strategic plan.
To learn more about Spirit of Pella, visit spiritofpella.org. Like and follow Spirit of Pella on Facebook at facebook.com/spiritofpella and Instagram at instagram.com/spiritofpella/
Spirit of Pella Hosts Ribbon-Cutting Celebration for New Mural In Historic Downtown Pella
Pella, IA (June 1, 2023) – Spirit of Pella, the non-profit organization dedicated to connecting people through collaborative community-based projects, announced today the official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, June 8 at 10 am in front of the new mural on the Brew Coffeehouse located at 626 Franklin Street.
The public is invited to join in the festivities as special guests Mayor Don DeWaard, Dutch expert, Milly Vande Kieft, and muralist, Hannah Heschke share a few remarks about the beautiful mural.
“We are so pleased to reveal Spirit of Pella’s first mural that honors our heritage and tells a story of Pella’s history,” said Christi Vander Voort who chairs the Spirit of Pella Steering Committee.
The mural design is inspired by Dutch folk art painting from the small farming village of Staphorst, in the province of Overijssel, The Netherlands. Dating back to the early 1900s, Stipwerk, or dotwork, is done with the heads of different sized nails. The nail heads are dipped in paint and then pressed on to the fabric. The process is repeated until the desired patterns are formed which is most often symmetrical and geometric or floral.
The colorful mural was designed and painted by local artist Hannah Heschke who was born and raised in Pella. Heschke currently uses her creative skills in the Worship Arts Department at Third Church and her commissioned works can be seen in Downtown Pella stores, Blush and Little Wardrobe.
“We believe art speaks a universal language of connection and contributes to the quality of life,” said Vander Voort. “We have a unique and beautiful community with a stunning canvas.”
We look forward to hosting the press, Spirit of Pella donors, and community partners to celebrate the mural reveal.