Kewanna Arts Alliance strives to revive and nuture the "Little Town with a Big Heart"

Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 11:26 AM

By Shelby Lopez

Community members have came together in an effort to revive and nurture the artistic spirit of Kewanna recently by forming the Kewanna Arts Alliance earlier this year.

Headed by Lori Roberts and Gail Kara, the Kewanna Arts Alliance took its first steps towards their mission in April by adding flower pots to Kewanna's Main St thanks to donations from Winamac Coil Springs, Kewanna Union Township Fire Department and the Town of Kewanna. Costing $400 each, Roberts says the group is hoping to add three more flowerpots downtown with future donations. The group has plans for Christmas Trees to be placed in the planters during the winter months and have taken up the east of caring for the flowers during the warmer seasons.

"The flowers are a start of our mission to beautify downtown Kewanna and potentially help local business by repairing things like sidewalks and infrastructure repair," Roberts said.

The group also plans to highlight the history of the town, including the art legacy its held over the decades thanks to late artists James Spencer Russell, Diane Tesler and Wade Bussert. Roberts said group member Jennifer Weinert plans to start a YouTube Chanel for the group that includes stories from locals about Kewanna in the near future. To stay updated on the group you can see their progress on the Kewanna Arts Alliance Facebook page.

Those wanting to donate towards the Kewanna Arts Alliance can do so by contacting Robert at 574-205-2703.

On June 21 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. the group plans to kick-off their first community with the first annual Kewanna Neighbor Day at the HeARTery, 414 Main St. The family-friendly event will feature live music, vendors, local artists and BBQ from the Kewanna Diner. Some of the activities include water games with Kewanna Union Township Fire Department, train caboose tours by David Jackson, and CPR and safety demos by Parkview Health and more.