DES MOINES – A living legend from Osceola, a nonprofit group from Postville and the City of Malvern were honored with the 2020 Governor’s Arts Award during the virtual 2020 Iowa Arts Summit on Friday. The Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, presented the awards on behalf of Gov. Kim Reynolds to Mary Ellen Kimball of Osceola; Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation & Development, in partnership with the Byways of Iowa Foundation; and the City of Malvern. The awards recognize and honor individuals, organizations and communities that have had a significant impact on the vitality of the arts in Iowa.

2020 Governor’s Arts Award – Community Award
Recipient: City of Malvern
Over the last few years, Malvern has evolved into a rural arts and cultural destination in southwest Iowa where tourists can experience Zack Jones’ ever-evolving Project Art Church; creative businesses, including an art gallery and paintings and pottery studio; and a new mural and outdoor art. The community also attracts tourists who gather on Saturday nights for live music at the Malvern Concert Series and Market.  According to the Malvern Area Betterment Association, “with three fun places to eat, including art in each location, visitors feel connected to Malvern and its people.”

The awards were presented during the virtual 2020 Iowa Arts Summit Friday, when more than 250 state and national arts professionals, community leaders and advocates gathered online to network, learn and celebrate the arts in Iowa. The summit was presented by the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs.