Mayor’s Council On The Arts Adopts Public Art Policy To Assist Artists

A citizen-based committee that has worked for the past three years to solidify the importance of the arts in Huntington has adopted a public art policy and master plan and launched an online inventory of potential locations to encourage the display of public art on city-owned property.

The Mayor’s Council on the Arts was formed by Mayor Steve Williams in fall 2014 as a natural outgrowth of two highly successful arts summits held in Huntington in prior years. The vision of the Council is to foster an environment where the arts permeate and enhance every aspect of the lives of citizens and are a part of all planning, strategic decision-making and governance.

One of the ways that can be achieved is by adopting a public art policy and master plan, said Margaret Mary Layne, chairwoman of the Mayor’s Council on the Arts.

“Public art plays a crucial role in any successful community,” Layne said. “It can serve to inspire the citizenry, create a sense of unity and purpose, encourage creativity, and celebrate the cultural heritage of the residents of this region.

Among other things, the master plan outlines a structure under which public and private entities can cooperate in the selection, location, installation, display and maintenance of public art. It also establishes an application process for a public art exhibit on city-owned property. Before submitting a formal application, artists will be required to submit a concept paper for their proposed exhibit for review and approval by the Mayor’s Council on the Arts’ Public Art Policy Subcommittee.

To help artists identify a potential location, the Mayor’s Council on the Arts has launched an online inventory of more than 25 locations in Huntington that are suitable for a public art exhibit. The inventory features an interactive map that includes a photo of the location, the dimensions and any restrictions.

It was created by Sam Ball, a senior at Marshall University who is majoring in graphic design in the School of Art and Design. Ball developed the online inventory through a two-part internship, first with the city’s Public Works Department to identify and document the locations and then with Bulldog Creative Services to embed the site images and descriptions into an interactive map.

The public art inventory; public art master plan and application documents; and more information about the Mayor’s Council on the Arts, including its membership, can be found on the City of Huntington’s by clicking here.

Jenkins Fenstermaker attorneys and firm recognized by Chambers and Partners USA

Four Jenkins Fenstermaker attorneys were recognized in the 2017 Chambers and Partners USA publication for their work in litigation. The firm was also recognized in the areas of general commercial and employment litigation.

Lee Murray Hall focuses her practice on insurance coverage, insurance defense and bad faith defense. Her insurance defense practice includes municipal liability claims, motor vehicle and trucking claims, premises claims, construction accidents, deliberate intent and medical malpractice claims. She currently serves as the president of the West Virginia Board of Law Examiners and is a member of the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel and the International Association of Defense Counsel.

Thomas E. Scarr practices in the areas of commercial litigation, products liability, toxic tort and labor and employment law. He currently serves on the West Virginia State Bar Board of Governors and is a member of the Defense Research Institute and the Defense Trial Counsel of West Virginia.

Robert H. Sweeney Jr. focuses on general civil litigation, with a concentration in the defense of mesothelioma and asbestos claims, construction disputes and defending employers in deliberate intent suits. He is a member of the West Virginia Defense Trial Counsel and Contractor’s Association of West Virginia. Sweeney has also been trial counsel in every asbestos trial group in West Virginia since 2003.

Charlotte Ann Hoffman Norris practices in the areas of commercial litigation, insurance coverage, products liability, professional licensure and malpractice, healthcare and labor and employment law. She also recently expanded her areas of practice to include special education law, as an extension of her employment law practice and issues of disability accommodation. Norris is a member of the West Virginia Defense Trial Counsel, the Defense Research Institute, and the Counsel of Parent Attorneys and Advocates.

Chambers and Partners has published guides to the legal profession since 1990, and it now covers 185 jurisdictions. Chambers researchers identify and rank the world’s best lawyers and law firms based on in-depth, objective research.

About Jenkins Fenstermaker

Jenkins Fenstermaker, PLLC, provides representation in West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio, backed by more than 90 years of legal experience. Clients can find attorneys dedicated to quality, detail-oriented representation in business and commercial law; wills, trusts and estates; litigation; and labor and employment law.

Pullman Square a non-smoking campus

Effective December 1, 2017, take in a breath of fresh air at Pullman Square! By popular demand and in order to improve the atmosphere, Metropolitan Partners, owner and manager of Pullman Square in collaboration with Cabell-Huntington Health Department, is making Pullman Square a non-smoking campus. The smoke-free environment will make this fun shopping, dining and entertainment center a healthier place for all to enjoy.

United Way hosting second Huntington’s Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Competition

HUNTINGTON – Victory may be sweet, but the competition could be even sweeter as several local businesses compete for the honor of Huntington’s Best Chocolate Chip Cookie, all to raise money for United Way of the River Cities.

This second annual competition is set for Thursday, Nov. 16.

Several businesses in downtown Huntington are set to sell their own versions of the classic chocolate chip cookie during normal business hours. Folks who buy cookies will have the opportunity to rate them. At the end of the event, the cookie with the best average rating will win the title.

All proceeds from the competition benefit United Way of the River Cities.

“This is a fun, easy way to support the life-changing work of United Way of the River Cities. We had a really great turnout last year and couldn’t wait to do it again this year,” Matt Ward, United Way’s director of development, said in a news release. “We want to thank our local businesses for their support and encourage everyone to try out their recipes.”

Participating businesses include:

  • Bow Love Children’s Boutique, 905 4th Ave.;
  • Butter It Up, Heritage Station;
  • First Sentry Bank, 823 8th St.;
  • Glenn’s Sporting Goods, 1040 3rd Ave.;
  • Old Main Emporium, 842 4th Ave.;
  • The Red Caboose, Heritage Station; and
  • T.K. Dodrill Jewelers, Pullman Square.

United Way of the River Cities is a nonprofit organization, the mission of which is a fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in its community. To learn more about the United Way of the River Cities or to donate visit unitedwayrivercities.org.