The Trustees of the David H. Morton Memorial Fund for the Arts recently announced awards of $1,000 each to three projects in the St. Joseph community.

According to a press release from the Allied Arts Council, the first award went to the Performing Arts Association, in cooperation with the St. Joseph School District, to present assembly-style programs for elementary school students that will use comedy, ventriloquism, and audience participation to impart such messages as: using one’s time wisely, turning talents into lifelong skills, using the library and reading, respecting ourselves and others, and making good choices that keep us safe and healthy.

The Robidoux Row Museum received a Morton Fund award for a new exhibit, “Saving the Buildings that Built St. Joe.” Robidoux Row is in the process of revitalization effort with the goal of increasing both the number of St. Joseph residents and out-of-town visitors who tour the museum.  The new exhibit will address the importance of preserving our historic buildings and will tell the stories of the people who lived and worked in those buildings.

A third award went to the Southside Development Corporation for a mural project at the east elevation of 401 Illinois.  The project is associated with the Development Corporation’s revitalization plans for the area.  This mural is to be created and completed by Sam Welty, an artist who has designed numerous projects across the United States, including downtown St. Joseph.

“We are happy to carry on the tradition of the Morton Fund to use the power of the arts to entertain, inspire, and uplift our community,” said Nick Robb, chairman of the Trustee’s Committee.

The David H. Morton Memorial Fund for the Arts was established in 1986 to honor the legacy of David H. Morton, a community leader and enthusiastic advocate of the arts.  Since that time, some 35 arts-related projects have received support from the Morton Fund.

For more information about the fund, call the Allied Arts Council at (816) 233-0231.