Chamber Business Connection CBC Vol.3, Issue 10 | Page 15

Arts in the Alley and Heartland
Bank make perfect pair
Peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti and meatballs, milk and cookies… some things are meant to be together. Arts in the Alley and
Heartland Bank are another successful pair.
For over a decade, Heartland Bank has been the presenting sponsor of the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce Arts in the Alley
event. The pairing of these two organizations isn’t just by chance, this partnership has deeper meaning.
The McComb family, the family behind Heartland Bank, was instrumental in the development of the Grove City Area Chamber
of Commerce and was involved with the Arts in the Alley event from its inception. The intention was to come together as a
community and show the rest of Central Ohio the amazing talent that makes up our community.
Tiney McComb, father of current Heartland Bank president Scott McComb, was the Chamber’s first president. This year Tiney’s
legacy was honored with the Grove City Service Above Self Award.
But it’s the McComb family, so it wasn’t just Tiney leading the way.
Helena McComb, Tiney’s wife and Scott’s mother, is credited as a co-founder of Arts in the Alley. Today Arts in the Alley includes
the Helena McComb Award which recognizes a top artwork featuring flowers in homage to Helena’s love of flowers.
Heartland Bank and the McComb family are proud to continue the Arts in the Alley tradition established decades ago. Together,
they might just go down in history. ❖
Grove City Easel Award brings art to City collection
The Grove City Easel Award competition gives artists a chance to become part of Grove City history.
Ultimately, winning pieces will enter Grove City’s growing permanent art collection. But, to first be considered for the Grove City Easel Award,
an art piece must fit the theme of ‘Grove City, reflecting its past, present, and future’. Any subject matter is “fair game”, ranging from people,
animals, and even the events of Grove City.
With a goal of adding to the city’s permanent art collection, artists will want to take a unique and original approach. Pieces previously
entered in other Arts in the Alley shows are not permitted. Artwork of any media and surface is eligible in an effort to add variety to the city
collection. However, 3D art is no longer eligible.
Entries are judged on four criteria: theme, variety, artistic ability, and
presentation. Presentation is not only the overall look and how the piece
is presented, but safety factors are considered. Pieces must be able to hang
securely and rough edges, such as bare glass, are not eligible.
Entries are judged on Friday September 20, which allows for the winning
piece to be selected, and ready with its award winner ribbon, for the
opening of the show. A second contest, the people’s choice vote, is
conducted through Sunday at 2pm.
The Grove City Easel Award and Grove City Easel People’s Choice Award
winners will be recognized Sunday afternoon on stage. The People’s Choice
Award winner will receive a non-purchase cash award of $500, while the
Grove City Easel Award winner will receive a purchase award of $2000
as the artwork becomes part of the city collection —which is an
additional prize itself.
Fun Fact: You can stroll through some of the history of Arts in the Alley and enjoy previous 'City Easel Award' winning pieces which adorn
the walls of City Hall.
CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION SEPTEMBER 2019 | 15