Marshalltown Kiwanians from the Noon and P.M. clubs held a joint meeting on Wednesday at Legends American Grill for lunch and a program.

Amber Danielson, executive director of the Marshall County Arts and Cultural Alliance, spoke about the organization’s mission and development along with recent and upcoming endeavors in the community.

The Police and Fire Departments building is receiving a new sculpture. In October, a significant piece will be placed in front of the Marshalltown Center for the performing arts at Marshalltown High School.

A new concept is being implemented in which a series of 11 poems will be stamped in concrete and placed in the pocket park being developed on the east side of the Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The poems were written from the point of view of individuals and groups affected by the 2018 tornado and the optimism they feel for the community.

The Marshalltown Murals Program has been used for a variety of purposes from general beauty and destination pictures to public safety awareness. They can be found on the exterior walls at Abarrotes La Salud Restaurant and Grocery, the Edward D. Jones building, the entranceway to McGregor’s Furniture, the adoption room at the Animal Rescue League and sidewalk intersections around the Marshalltown public schools. An upcoming mural is planned for the rear wall of the Tremont Building which will wrap around the east side up to Main Street.

Last year the Alliance partnered with YSS to provide art supplies and therapy for its youth aged clients. More than $900 was collected. This year Child Abuse and Prevention Services will be the recipient of the art supplies.

Performance art is also being explored and promoted in music and dance genres. The Alliance has an Artist Network of Marshall County which promotes artists and their talents.

Danielson has been deeply gratified and humbled by the response from national and local artists to the variety of ideas and projects under development to meet the need for beauty, awareness and enriching opportunities. Of special importance is working with grounds and maintenance departments to ensure the longevity of the pieces.

The next meeting is Aug. 11.