
It was a blustery, cold afternoon for the reveal of four new pieces of artwork placed along the Manning city sports complex on Highway 141. That, however, did not keep a large contingent from showing up Monday to take part in this momentous occasion. A key member of the group organizing the efforts, Karen Reinke, says the metal pieces, engineered by JEO Consulting and constructed by Puck Custom Enterprises, Ten Point Construction and Warner Welding, were designed through the collaboration of two different groups of students.
Manning Municipal Utilities will be lighting the artwork, and just like so many projects in Manning, there was one person in-particular who was behind seeing this one come to life.
Professor Reinaldo Correa, who is a lector in the Department of Architecture and teaches design and visual communications at Iowa State University (ISU), says they use art to revitalize and contribute to small towns in Iowa. They became involved in this project after working with the community through the ISU Extension and Outreach. He adds that he attends many ceremonies like this across the state, but Manning, as usual, has left a lasting impression. He says the best part of this project is not necessarily the artwork, but in seeing all of the people and the impact it has on the entire community. City Manager, Dawn Meyer, says the idea of doing “something” along Highway 141 was brought up through the visioning process in 2012. It really took shape in 2016, with the concept of incorporating the four iconic items in the Manning logo: the German Hausbarn; the High Trestle Bridge; the water tower; and Trinity Church. These groups will be bringing more artwork like this to Main Street and Trestle Park in the coming months.
Link to article and audio: www.1380kcim.com/news/2017/47852/