DAY 3 | The State of LaPlata Now
“A Stronger & Closer Community”
By Josh Owens
The town of LaPlata has more then just rebounded from this event, they have thrived. Because of the damage sustained to multiple buildings, many people had to essentially restart and rebuild. One building that bounced back was the town hall, rebuilt and opened in 2005. It was named the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified building in 2007. (Story)
Artist: Jane Bush | Corner Studio ArtWorks (http://www.cornerstudioartworks.com/)
I was able to visit LaPlata on April 28, 2012 for the “Celebrate LaPlata” event. It is meant as a celebration for the hard work that was done over the past 10 years to bring the town back. Many activities were there for kids to do and exhibits for parents to visit and read. It was a fitting occasion.
While walking through the booths, I came across the Corner Studio ArtWorks booth where a picture (See right hand photo) is featured. Vivid with color and pictures, this photo caught my eye. It struck me that it was a watercolor of the tornado in the center, with ACCURATE depictions of photos of damage and the recovery. I found that the artist, Jane Bush, took special attention to this painting to make it accurate.
This photo is an amazing example of how LaPlata has come back from the worst of times. I paraphrase the great Charles Dickens’ when I say LaPlata had the worst of times and the best of times in this event. They are a shining example of how recovery works.
