Celebrate the American Spirit
For Immediate Release September 6, 2002
DES MOINES, Iowa—In the wake of a national tragedy, the sense of pride in America has never been so apparent as it has since Sept. 11, 2001. To celebrate this renewed spirit and reflect on the events of one year ago, the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring American Spirit Day at the State Historical Building in Des Moines on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2002.
The Department of Cultural Affairs launched the American Spirit Project as an initiative for Iowa artists, historians, cultural organizations and communities to document, commemorate and interpret the American spirit. On Sept. 11, 2002, these grant recipients will exhibit their individual and group projects for the community.
Events will be occurring throughout the day, from 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m., leading into Des Moines’ citywide celebration, Standing Tall, which includes a march from the Capitol to Sec Taylor Stadium at 6 p.m.
Highlights of the day include:
Beyond 9-11: The Art of Renewal in Iowa: 21 artists, writers and musicians reflect the spirit of hope, creativity and a diversity of viewpoints;
Reflections and Reactions: The American Spirit Banner: Help create a collage of artwork and written words on a banner to be carried in the Standing Tall event;
The Guys*: StageWest Productions performers read from a new play that has been presented only in New York and Los Angeles—until now. The Guys was written by a New York journalism professor based on her own experience helping a fire department captain write eulogies for eight of his men who died in the collapse of the World Trade Center; and
Hot Air Balloon Launch: A spectacular red, white and blue hot air balloon will ascend at 5:30 p.m. from the Grand Terrace as everyone is invited to sing "American the Beautiful," led by the Des Moines Chorale Society.
"American Spirit Day is an opportunity for the community to see how artists have interpreted the events of Sept. 11, 2001," said Anita Walker, Director of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. "It is a day to reflect and most importantly celebrate, who we are as Americans."
The State Historical Building is located at 600 E. Locust, Des Moines. A complete schedule of events is included.
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*The Guys will
be presented in its entirety at the State Historical Building Sept. 6,7 and 12-14
at 8 p.m.; Sept. 8 and 15 at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15. Call 283-1757 to charge
by phone or visit the State Historical Building Museum Gift Shop.
American Spirit Day: A Special Memorial Event
Sept. 11, 2002
Schedule of Events
Displays and Exhibits |
|
|
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
American Spirit Grant Project displays in the Atrium |
Education Events |
|
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10 a.m.-1:45 p.m. |
"Reflections and Reactions: The American Spirit Banner"
Supervising artists from Very Special Arts Iowa. School groups will schedule
one session for participation. Limit of 100 students per session. Using colored
pens and fabric pieces, participants will create a collage of artwork and written
words glued onto a muslin banner to be carried in the evening citywide parade.
They will demonstrate the impact of words and art in expressing their personal
stories and reactions to the events of Sept. 11, 2001. |
|
10 a.m.-5 p.m. |
"Milliken’s Bend" |
|
10 a.m.-5 p.m. |
"Beyond 9-11: The Art of Renewal in Iowa" Twenty-one artists,
writers and musicians were selected for this project. Their works and interviews
reflect the spirit of hope and creativity and a diversity of viewpoints. The project
Web site (www.beyond9-11.org) will be
on display and various artists will be featured. |
|
11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. |
Free lunch served on the Grand Terrace |
|
Noon-5 p.m. |
"Reflections and Reactions, The American Spirit
Banner" art project is open to public participation. |
|
12:30-1:45 p.m. |
"The Faces of Freedom"One-act play written by Cynthia Mercati
and performed by the Iowa Touring Company of the Des Moines Playhouse. This play
uses creative storytelling, drama and staging to show audiences that ours is a
nation of great diversity based on tolerance and freedom for all. |
Public Events |
|
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2-3 p.m. |
"American Renewal: 1941 & 2001" The Grout Museum of History
and Science in Waterloo videotaped discussions with 80 individuals to collect
their memories of the attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941, and the events of Sept.
11, 2001. These videos recording the response of Americans to crisis will be shown
to accompany a group discussion with veterans sharing their memories. |
|
3-3:30 p.m. |
"America Sings"The Ames Children’s chorus performs a concert
featuring music by American composers and arrangers, including several from Iowa.
There will also be music from many cultural traditions within America. |
|
3:45-4:30 p.m. |
"Let Freedom Swing" This performance by Iowa State University
Dance features local entertainers in the traditional festive atmosphere of war-time
shows. |
|
4:45-5 p.m. |
"The Guys"StageWest Productions performers read from a new
play that has been presented only in New York and Los Angeles—until now. "The
Guys" was written by Ann Nelson, a New York journalism professor, based on her
own experience helping a fire department captain write eulogies for eight of his
men who died in the collapse of the twin towers. The writer struggles herself
to come to terms with the event while helping him deal with personal loss. The
entire play will be presented in the Iowa Public Theater by StageWest Productions
on Sept. 6-7, 12-14 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 8 and 15 at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15 and
are available in the State Historical Building Museum Shop or can be charged by
phone at 515-283-1757. |
|
5:15-5:45 p.m. |
Conclusion |
