New art bench installed at Idaho Falls River Walk to honor Carrie Scheid
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IDAHO FALLS — A new bench has been added to the Idaho Falls River Walk in honor of Carrie Getty Scheid as part of the Art You Can Sit On program she pioneered.
Art You Can Sit On, which launched in 2005, was one of many community initiatives Scheid “helped champion to strengthen Idaho Falls’ identity as a vibrant arts and cultural destination and attract tourism and commerce to the area,” according to a news release from the City of Idaho Falls.
Scheid, who also served in various leadership roles in Idaho Falls and was instrumental in launching the statewide nonprofit Idaho Gives, died last fall following a battle with cancer.
RELATED | Community leader Carrie Getty Scheid dies
On Monday, friends, family and individuals close to Scheid gathered to witness the installation of her art bench, titled “Carrie On.” The new bench was made possible by generous donations from those close to Scheid, according to the release.
Local artist Carrie Wildman was commissioned to “create a bench that reflects Scheid’s enduring spirit of service, creativity and community leadership while continuing the growth of one of the many projects she so passionately supported,” the release states.
City leaders say the “Carrie On” bench embodies Schied’s optimism, generosity and commitment to making Idaho Falls a more culturally rich community, vibrant with beauty.
“For decades, Carrie Scheid believed that public art could create places where people could gather, connect, and feel a sense of belonging. This newest addition to the Art You Can Sit On program ensures that her vision will continue inspiring future generations who visit Idaho Falls,” the release states.
Art You Can Sit on began with a collection of artist-designed benches installed in downtown Idaho Falls and later expanded to the Idaho Falls Greenbelt, according to the release. To see all of the benches part of the Art You Can Sit On program, you can visit idahofallsarts.org.
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