Andy Sinnwell is Painting Former Elma School Building

Artist Andy Sinwell with ECC Committee members Erin Ludwig, Renee Burke & Shannon Gebel

Artist Andy Sinwell with ECC Committee members Erin Ludwig, Renee Burke & Shannon Gebel

Andy Sinnwell, a native of Alta Vista, is being commissioned to paint a picture of the former Elma School.  As a professional artist for over 25 years he has worked with a variety of mediums but is most notably known for his ability to paint wildlife.  Andy has won several awards and has been featured in publications such as Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, the Des Moines Register and in many newspapers and on television programs.

Andy has already completed 3 prints for the Elma community – Night in the Park, The 910 at Elma (train depot and train), and Elma Iowa 125 Years.  “We are thrilled that Andy is willing to paint the school building, a place where many have memories.  Andy’s paintings are filled with detail and we are excited to see what he comes up with for this project,” shared Renee Burke, Elma Community Complex committee member, Library Director and Elma Elementary alum.  Plans are for prints to be available for sale by Old Roundhouse Trail Days, July 12, 13 and 134th.  It is one of the fundraisers being held for the Elma Community Complex.

The Elma City Council approved a resolution on Monday, April 8th agreeing to submit a $600,000 CDBG grant application to the State. Grant recipients will be announced this coming June. The Mayor and City Council reiterated that no City tax dollars will be  used for this project.  Thus far, the committee has over $428,000 committed towards the project.    The ECC committee is continuing to fund raise and planning a  Cinco De Mayo All-You-Can-Eat Tacos Meal to be held on May 3rd at the Elma Memorial Hall and also plans to have a concession stand at Alta Vista’s 125th celebration on May 31st and June 1st.


Andy Sinnwell recently completed “Years of Education at Elma 1929-2019,” a painting of the Elma public school. A limited number of prints are being sold as a fundraiser for the Elma Community Complex project. The finished prints will be approximately 10 inches by 14 inches and if purchased with a golden oak frame and mat, the frame is 19 inches x 22.5 inches. All prints are signed and numbered.

Sample picture, frame and mat options will be available for viewing at City Clerk’s office. Prints are to be picked up in Elma when available. Recipients will be notified so arrangements can be made. Shipping costs beyond this are additional. For more information contact Elma City Clerk at 641-393-2543.

Please see the order form below for more details or to place your order.


Posted: April 30, 2019 in Community Complex