The Review Magazine : May-June 2022

IRON MOUNTAIN pop. 7,518

I f words have the power to change the world— and a picture is worth a thousand words—then an art project launched in Iron Mountain just might transform the entire Upper Peninsula, one mural at a time. “In recent years, there has been substantial investment in the revitalization of our downtown,” said Iron Mountain City Manager Jordan Stanchina. “A part of that revitalization is The Power of Words Project, which engaged the community to assist in developing the vision for the murals.” It all started back in 2013, when the city’s Downtown Development Authority reached out to California-based mural artist Mia Tavonatti, who

by Liz Foley

grew up in Iron Mountain. In 2010 and 2011, Tavonatti’s massive glass mosaics had garnered consecutive 2nd and 1st Place honors at Artprize in Grand Rapids. Following those wins, Tavonatti launched The Power of Words Project, a national humanitarian mural campaign, to use the shared experience of public art as a transformative tool to uplift communities, create a sense of place, and enhance economic development. Would this award-winning, internationally known artist be interested in bringing her mural project to her hometown in the remote far western end of the Upper Peninsula? Turns out the answer was yes. Project Funding Most of the funds for the initial mural came from the Svelata Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that Tavonatti had established with half her ArtPrize award money. About a third came from local in-kind donations for things like food and housing for the work crew and discounts on materials and supplies. “I knew it was important to get this project launched in Michigan and that, once we had at least one successful example there, it would be easier to fundraise in the future,” said Tavonatti. Residents Become Part of the Process Because community engagement is the essence of the project, she started by asking residents: “If you could choose one word that defines your vision for the future of your community, what would it be?” The answers were collected online and through paper ballot, then narrowed down to 10 words for a final public vote. The Winning Word: Believe . Tavonatti then created the design and recruited local students and artists to work with her professional art team to prep and paint the mural on an exterior wall of Blackstone Pizza Company in the heart of downtown. The local participants also earned scholarships and grants from the Svelata Foundation—further enhancing the project’s potential to empower and change lives. “It provides a level of authenticity to the community vision goal that the Power of Words project sets out to inspire,” said Stanchina. Public response was overwhelmingly positive. “The murals have brought so much joy and visual excitement to Iron Mountain. These powerful words that were chosen by the residents are brought to the forefront and act as a mantra for our community,” said Iron Mountain DDA Program Director Mindy Wittock. “I feel like the murals also create a cohesive aesthetic for our town and they really support our community's values.” In 2017, Tavonatti returned to paint a second mural on the Daily News wall, also funded by the Svelata Foundation combined with in-kind contributions and a $4,000 grant from the Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development (CUPPAD) Regional Commission. Tavonatti was also able to parlay private donations into a $10,000 matching grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). “In Michigan, the Patronicity crowd-sourcing platform, with its potential matching funds from MEDC, are exceptional tools for fundraising,” said Tavonatti.

MAY / JUNE 2022

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