![]() “You don’t have to do anything - the art itself changes people and how they view their community,” Harris said. Many of the towns in the series are part of Main Street America, a national organization that promotes revitalization in historic commercial districts. Rural tourism is believed to stimulate economic growth, development and a sense of community in small towns. Public art, she’s found, is a less intimidating way to initiate changes and shift perspectives in town.įollow this monthly series about downtown revitalization in rural towns around Kansas City. Harris is part of the Atchison Art Association, which operates two galleries and facilitates public arts projects across town. Valuable change happens when folks aren’t afraid of “breaking out of old ways and trying new things,” Harris said. ![]() ![]() The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum features the last remaining Lockheed Electra 10-E (the same plane Earhart flew) along with many interactive exhibits. But its people are confident in their ability to continue improving the Atchison quality of life. “You want people to be proud of where they’re from, not like ‘I’ve got to get out of here,’” said Christy Harris, the director of the Cultural Center For the Arts.ĭowntown Atchison is still in the early years of its revitalization. The town embraced change by removing dated structures and building up a culture in its downtown district. ![]() They wanted establishments and attractions in town that were good, full stop. It could probably coast on that history - selling tickets to the Sallie House, welcoming students to Benedictine College and encouraging groups of Amelia enthusiasts to tour her birth home - and be fine.īut local leaders decided they didn’t want a town that was just “good for being in Atchison,” as one local put it. This rustic river town, with a population of just 10,600, has more than a few historical attractions that put it - and keep it - on the map. ATCHISON, Kansas - Aviator Amelia Earhart, ghoulish houses, a Lewis and Clark history and Benedictine monks. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |