The “SPARK!” Exhibit opened on Tuesday, November 11, in the Renaissance Downtown, located in Uniontown. An opening reception was held by the Community Foundation of Uniontown and C.H.O.I.C.E., both nonprofits that are based in the Perry County community. The exhibit saw an opening ceremony on Veteran’s Day, and focuses on the contributions and honoring of those local veterans.
A dinner of pulled pork was served by Polly Crawford and Tracy Cleary. Special guest of the reception was Jonathan Rossell, a Navy veteran who has encouraged other veterans to join him in continuing to service their communities after retirement from the military. Veterans from the Vietnam War on to the Gulf War shared their stories of service and their lives afterward, focusing on how they stay engaged with their communities.
The “SPARK!” Exhibit is a traveling show that was created by the Smithsonian Institute, and brought to Alabama through the Alabama Humanities Foundation. The exhibit explores the people and places that have forged new ideas and inventions through creativity, with a focus on rural contributions. Those hosting the exhibit are encouraged to showcase local programs that complement the exhibition. This particular program has six stops throughout all of Alabama scheduled from June of this year to March 2026, and Uniontown is one of the select areas chosen for it to be showcased.
“This exhibit is so important for our city because it show the power of creativity and innovation right here at home,” said Dudley Long, City Councilwoman for District 2, adding, “This year, we wanted to honor our veterans differently, celebrating their service while connecting it to the strength and spirit of our community.”
Emefa Butler, Executive Director of C.H.O.I.C.E., expressed gratitude for the community involvement and offered the nonprofit’s services for local veterans in need of resources.
The “SPARK!” Exhibit will be open from November 11 through December 11 at the Renaissance in downtown Uniontown, with some special events forthcoming, including the celebration of Uniontown’s birthday on December 8.
For more information, contact the C.H.O.I.C.E. Center at 334-231-7019.
