One of the Village of Bluffton’s little-known committees – Village Cultural Affairs – is returning to life after a long sleep.

Known best as the caretaker of the Blaze of Lights Ream Holiday Folk Art cutouts, the committee originated in the 1970s as a village committee to inspire arts in Bluffton.

At the beginning of 2018 council member Joe Sehlhorst asked to be council’s representative to the group. On Jan. 30 Sehlhorst and Mayor Richard Johnson met with a group of volunteers who indicated an interest in assisting the committee.

Sehlhorst wants the cultural affairs committee to touch lots more than the Blaze. These areas encompass arts and culture, entertainment, education, economic development and what he terms “unlimited opportunities.”

Sehlhorst is anxious for other volunteers in the community to step up and participate in this group. Contact him at [email protected] or 419-302-7975.

Here’s a brief overview of Sehlhorst’s vision for the committee:

Purpose:
• Engage community service groups, in collaborative change-making efforts
• Create an opportunity for creative partnerships
• Increase the role and positive impact of community actions
• Connect people, provide opportunities for participation and foster creativity

Mission statement
• Economic development by improving quality of life in Bluffton and surrounding communities
• Enhance property values and create quality of life through recreation, community events and leadership

Vision
• Government, community, industry, university, church and organizations can all benefit by working, communicating and planning together to preserve and ensure a future for coming generations living in Bluffton

Strategy
• Identify, connect and inspire new ideas, collaborate, accelerate togetherness by action, expanding imagination and greater organizational capacities among local groups.