Henning Landmark Center
by Steve Heriot, photo by Daniel Broten
I f you were to ask an average person to rank the important things in their life, art may not rate near the top. Not many would think that art could be very important to a community or to society in general. However, art is finally getting its due through its involvement in the revitalization of rural America. It’s becoming commonplace for rural leaders, using private and public funding, to attract and support artists, and to experiment with the arts as a tool to fuel economic and community development.
These same goals are refl ected in the mission of the Landmark Center, which “exists to celebrate the artistic creativity and industry of Henning area people.” The original Landmark House was built in 1914, expanded in 1948, and served as doctor’s residence and medical clinic. In 2006 the building was acquired by the city and restored with a generous gift from the Espeland Family Foundation. In 2009, it opened as the Henning Landmark Center, a non-profit organization that is supported by private donations of time and money and dedicated to the Arts and other community activities. Since then, it has served as a warm and inviting space for receptions, dinners, and meetings. There has also been a steady schedule of artistic workshops, providing opportunities to learn techniques from talented artists in a variety of disciplines including painting, woodworking, ceramics, textiles, writing, blacksmithing, cooking, and more. Some activities are available without a fee, and some require a registration fee to cover expenses and artists fees.
Landmark also serves as a Retreat Center, which consists of the 1914 Arts & Crafts style House, with a fully functioning kitchen and five furnished bedrooms on the 2nd level of the house. The building also features a fireplace, a reference library, and a sun porch. It is available for rent for artist residencies and family gatherings. The building also houses a local History museum, and a Gallery space with changing exhibits.
A popular feature of the center is the meticulously cared for garden and patio area, which is the setting for many of the summer and fall events. The garage space is currently being renovated to become a new outdoor workshop for ceramics, woodworking, and metalwork.
Art enables us to reflect on and grow our understanding of ourselves, others, and the world we live in. It reminds us of the beauty in the world, increases our capacity for joy, validates our sorrows, allows us to observe, judge, and appreciate things, sometimes forces us to react, and helps us to understand our own thoughts and ideas. We also use art for our entertainment, cultural appreciation, aesthetics, personal improvement, and even social change. It helps build confidence, and helps encourage exploration and creativity. Art is worthy of respect, and the Henning Landmark Center serves as an important contributor and supporter of the arts in the area.