Thanks to a matching grant obtained by the Architectural Heritage Board, some Danville staff and officials will be taking a trip to learn more about best practices in incorporating public art in historical areas.

The grant totaled $2,112 and requires matching funds in the amount of $1,408 from Danville, resulting in a total project cost of $3,520. It was awarded by the Kentucky Heritage Council.

The city unanimously voted to accept the matching grant.

Part I of the project entails Danville historic preservation staff, ARB members and city officials taking a trip to Cincinnati to meet with its historic preservation staff and other officials. They aim to learn about how that area works with local nonprofit public arts organizations on the review and installation of murals.

The second public education event will be held in Danville, featuring both historic preservation and public art “expertise,” and will allow public engagement on the issue of public art and murals.

Joni House, historic preservation coordinator for the City of Danville, says the public input sessions will probably begin in early fall.

The grant came from federal funds available from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, for historic activities “appropriate for the Certified Local Government Program,” according to the memorandum of agreement. The work must be completed by Aug. 1, 2020.

House says Danville wants to be a leader in finding ways to make a great downtown living space, while keeping its history paramount.

“We have to look at what has worked and what hasn’t, and also let the citizenry have input,” she said. “So this grant is our way of getting our citizens working together and moving forward.”

In other business

The city commission recently made several board appointments and reappointments. They are: Georgia de Araujo, reappointed to the Sister Cities board; James Hunn, reappointed to the Ethics Board; and Tom Tye, Melodee Franklin-Quinn and Vaughn Frey, reappointed to the Architectural Heritage Board.

Bill Carter and Arnetta Myers, who have served as alternates to the Ethics Board, were appointed as full-time members; David Blackburn and Sarah Berry were appointed as alternates.

Alex McCrosky was appointed to the Tourism Commission as the restaurant representative.

Tuesday, the city also passed a proclamation honoring National Garden Week, which is June 2-8. Pat Leinhauer, president of the Garden Club of Danville, accepted the proclamation, which in part stated, “Gardeners advocate the importance of all creatures, large and small that share our world and their roles in a balanced and productive ecology.”

Leinhauer said during National Garden Week, she and other club members will be taking arrangements and flowers around to businesses and community offices.

“I think one might even be coming here,” she told the commission, referring to city hall. She said on May 18, the Garden Club of Danville had a “wonderful tour of eight gardens in the community.” She thanked the community for supporting the tour, and said it was very successful.

“It enables us to give back to the community through our grant program, where we fund various projects … So thank you so much.”