LOCAL – The Logan County Arts League LOCAL was formed to fill a need in the community to expand their amazing public art and cultural events as well as to support Logan County artists and creative organizations like Sterling Creatives. LOCAL has been a 501c3 umbrella organization for the LOCAL Creative District, a three-mile stretch of area where Sterling’s cultural events and creative economic development are centered.
LOCAL – The Logan County Arts League is managed by a board of directors, with one part-time Program Manager. Board officers are Sarah Davis, President, Linda Merkl, Vice President, Loretta Davidson, Treasurer, and a Secretary position that is currently vacant. Mandy Ritter serves as the Program Manager. LOCAL, along with the Creative District, was created through a joint effort between the Office of Economic Development, CSU Engagement Office, Sterling Arts Council, Logan County Chamber of Commerce and a wide range of artists, municipal government officials and community members. In an effort to gain Statewide visibility and new funding opportunities, the Sterling Arts Council was rebranded as the Logan County Arts League and attained state certification as the LOCAL Creative District in December of 2019. With the rebrand came new annual events and public art programs have been launched.
In 2023 LOCAL gathered funding to create the Sterling mural at 555 E Chestnut Street on the grain elevator at Riverwalk RV Park. Celebrating both the agricultural history of Sterling and the colors of the South Platte River, this mural welcomes visitors and residents coming back home. June 1, 2024, will be the one year anniversary event for the mural, titled Beer, Brats and Boots and will be held from 6-9 p.m. at Riverview RV park. Come celebrate new public art with a fundraiser concert by Mud County, as well as food trucks, vendors, and a live auction. Proceeds will go toward future public art.
July Jamz, now in its 20th year, remains LOCAL’s signature event, and many others have been added and include The Art of BBQ, Zombie Crawl, Tombstone Trail and ARTStober. LOCAL also supports other community events like Kermes Mexicano, Embracing Aging on the Square and the Celebrate Recovery Rally.
In 2024, LOCAL will host its first LOCAL Artist Meetup on March 23rd at the Chamber of Commerce from 6- 9pm. All artists, performers and makers are welcome, even those who don’t think of themselves as artists!
The City of Sterling Parks and Recreation Department and LOCAL have been diligently planning a Sculpture on Loan Program for Fall of 2024. This program will bring new artwork every 12 months to beautify the weedy areas around the S-Curve that were given back to Sterling by CDOT in 2023. LOCAL is also working with the Chamber of Commerce on another public mural for May 2024.
LOCAL is an organization made up of people passionate about the arts and our community. They plan to continue to bring more public art and programming to Logan County as well as supporting their artists and creative businesses. If you have an interest in getting involved as an event or program committee member or just to help out as a volunteer, please contact them at their Email:sterlingcreativedistrict@gmail.com. Check them out on their Website: www.logancountyartsleague.com and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SterlingColoArts/.
Please join the Logan County Chamber of Commerce in congratulating LOCAL as this week’s Member of the Week and tying our community together!
