The Floods of 2008
Here's how you can help today.
(June 2008) Thanks to all those who
have called or emailed in recent days to express your concern. We've
been very encouraged by messages of support from across Iowa, all
around the US and Canada, and as far away as Argentina, Italy and the
Netherlands.
Legion Arts
staff and volunteers were able to enter CSPS on June 19. Fortunately,
the upper floors, where Legion Arts is located, suffered limited
damage from the flood, and the building as a whole appears to be
sound.
At the same
time, the ground-floor businesses of CSPS, all of the New Bohemia
district, and block after block in every direction, are an utter and
heartbreaking disaster. (Photos
here.)
Volunteer
help is needed today at CSPS, the firehouse next door, the HD Youth
Center, the Art Vault, and at the artist studios and small businesses
in the Kuba Building. It's hot, dirty, not very pleasant work, but
if you're willing, the neighborhood sure could use your assistance. If
you can bring your own gloves and boots, great. If not, we can provide
them, as well as protective face masks. Stop by CSPS and Mel Andringa
can give you direction, or call him in advance at 389-6238. (Leave a
message if he's unable to answer. The phones at CSPS are not
functioning at this point.)
Local artists impacted by the flood need your support. Can you
make a contribution to the Iowa Artist Relief Fund? Simply click the
Donate Now button to the left, and make sure that you specify Artist
Relief Fund in the appropriate space.
It's easy, safe and tax-deductible, and will provide genuine
relief to artists who very much need it. (You can also send a check to
Legion Arts, 1103 Third St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401. Mail is
reaching us at this point, though in roundabout fashion.)
Are you an Iowa artist who's been affected by the flood?
Visual artists, performing artists, craftspeople, filmmakers, writers:
if you or your work have been impacted by the flooding, please send
your name, address and a brief description of what happened to
info@legionarts.org.
We're limited in the amount of help we can provide, but we'll do what
we can to attract resources and get them to the artists who need them.
The more information we have, and the sooner we have it, the better.
Again,
thanks for your concern and support. We'll post further updates here as time
goes on, so please check back.
F. John
Herbert
Executive
Director
319.721.8484
