UNION CITY — As the arts movement continues in our small rural town, the mayors of Union City, Indiana, Bryan Conklin, and Union City, Ohio, Scott Stahl, have been instrumental in developing the town into a destination for artists and those interested in various aspects of the arts. Mayor Conklin’s vision has resulted in five apartments located above the Council Room next to the City Building and the Community Room. This is a part of a college age artists’ internship. Students who have recently been accepted are now occupying the apartments while they pursue their interests in the arts and community development.

Regional colleges were sent the applications for undergraduate, graduate and post graduate students who pursued an arts education. Two students from IU East, Elizabeth Miller and Silus Massof and Rochelle Martin, a graduate of Ball State University have arrived. Each student is developing a project that will be completed during their internship in Union City that contributes to the quality of life for Union City citizens.

One student, Miller, has developed a plan for a mural on a downtown building. Others will be developing interesting video-graphics and is interested in working with the Arts Depot as well. Vicki Vardaman, director of the Arts Depot is working closely with the students. The addition of in-house artists experience small town living will be a developing life learning experience for the artists and also bring a wide variety of art to the communities of Union City. A 4th and perhaps a 5th student will be arriving soon. One is interested in culinary art.

Students live rent free for the time of their internships which range from three months to a year. They receive a stipend for working with local companies that hire them for 20 hours of work per week.

Union City welcomes these students and know the process of being in Union City, they will consider Union City as a place to live and work in the future.

A few reminders of events this week include:

• Sunday June 28th At the Art Hub 215 N. Columbia St. 2 p.m. – 3:30 Mark Harper will discuss the history of the Native American Flute. He has a large collection of flutes and will play the flute. His CD will be on sale and pie and coffee will be served to guests

• The 4th of July picnic free to all veterans at the Community Room in downtown Union City 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Sign up now for vendor booth for the 2nd Annual Arts Festival. Contact Vardaman at the Arts Depot for information and to sign up for a booth call her at 765 964 7227.\

• To register for art classes “Cookies and Canvas with Carol Strock-Wasson, during State Line Heritage Days (on July 29th or August 1st 3 – 5 p.m. call 937 459 6492. Cost is $25 and registration closes July 25th. Space is limited. Class will be held at 215 N. Columbia St.

As we enjoy these warms days of summer with lots of rain, don’t overlook the possibilities in your own backyard to enjoy some fun. Join the movement in Union City, Indiana-Ohio!