Joseph Evans working to renovate historic Morton building

Joseph Evans is an artist.

He is also a bit of a visionary, especially when it comes to exposing those around him to the benefits of the art that is all around them.

Having grown up in the Redwood area, Evans has opted to return to his roots to help bring more of the arts culture to a community where he believes it could really flourish.

With a goal in mind, Evans began the process of finding a place that would allow people from the community to work on their passion as it relates to art and to provide a venue through which others can learn to appreciate all that art offers. So, he acquired a building in Morton. It is located along the main street through town, and was most recently home to B. Original.

The building has a rich history evident throughout, but it is in the very early stages of its renovation.

For Evans, who also owns an art studio in New Ulm, the idea is to open a communal arts center.

During the initial stages when he learned about the building in Morton and contacted the city’s leadership and then met with the Morton Economic Development Authority to talk about what needed to happen for him to take over that building.

“I put together a business plan,” said Evans, adding his idea was approved, and then the real work started. With three floors of potential, Evans talked about establishing spaces for everything from pottery to photography, as well as having spaces for classrooms and a gallery.

In order to get the area’s artistic juices flowing, Evans is hosting an event this coming Saturday. Called the River Valley Fall Festival, the event is being held along the main street in Morton and will include opportunities for artists to share their work with others and to help those who visit to learn more about what it takes to get involved with art at some level.

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