Recent Press Release

Alliant Energy Foundation provides $2,000 grant to support Taylor Elementary Gym mural project

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – April 10, 2008 – Over the past few months, a beautiful piece of public art was created for display within the confines of Taylor Elementary School. Now, one entire wall of the school’s gymnasium has been transformed by a mural that conveys a message of hope, community pride, success and self worth.

Denver muralist Eleanor Yates oversaw students and area residents in painting the 70-by-20-foot community mural that now hangs on the gym wall. It depicts the children of Taylor Elementary displaying their gifts, ideas and imaginations. The theme for the mural is “You are a Gift” and it is intended to serve as a reminder to students of what they can accomplish together and their value to everyone around them. The Alliant Energy Foundation provided a $2,000 grant to support the very unique community art project at Taylor Elementary School.

“We’re excited to provide dollars to such a worthwhile project that will serve as an ongoing symbol of community unity,” said Marty Fox, Director of the Alliant Energy Foundation. “The mural is a beautiful expression of hope for the entire Taylor Elementary area.”

Yates spent a week at the school in December 2007 taking about 500 photographs for the mural and a rough draft of the design was completed. Throughout January and February, she outlined and painted parts of the mural off-site – it was actually painted on fabric so that everyone could participate at ground level.

In March, Yates returned to Taylor Elementary for community-wide paint days that many children and community residents participated in. During the last week in March and the first week in April, the installation of the mural took place. On April 9, a neighborhood dedication ceremony was held to celebrate the completion of the mural and thank everyone involved in its creation.

“One of the goals of the mural project was to further connect the community as a whole to the school and that goal has been realized. It has really brought people together,” said Brian Christoffersen, Taylor Elementary School Principal. “We had many students and residents involved in the painting as well as a great crowd for the dedication ceremony. I am very grateful to the Alliant Energy Foundation, Matthew 25 Ministry Hub and many individual donors for supporting the mural project.”

About Alliant Energy Foundation

The Alliant Energy Foundation is a philanthropic organization created by Alliant Energy Corp. and is operated as a separate entity led by its own board of directors. The Foundation is committed to making a positive difference in the communities where Alliant Energy employees, retirees and customers live and work. The Foundation, which is funded solely by the Alliant Energy shareowners, seeks to further the corporation’s goal of being a good corporate citizen and contributing member of society.

Media Contact: Scott Reigstad (608) 458-3145