Logan County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Ben Vollrath has enjoyed getting to know the intricate details of Bellefontaine during his jogging ventures around the city since moving to the area in 2018.
During those runs, he said conversations sparked with residents on the city’s west side have encouraged him about the future hopes, dreams and development of that area, and also generated the inspiration behind his entry for the Not So Bad Art By Good People Contest.
His painting and the works of eight other celebrity artists are currently on display for the Logan County Art League’s fundraiser at Citizens Federal Savings and Loan, 100 N. Main St., continuing through Friday, Jan. 27. The public is invited to stop by during bank lobby hours and pick their favorite pieces for $1 per vote.
A native of Marysville, Vollrath attended Wheaton College in Chicago to study business and economics. After college, he worked in the banking industry in Columbus for several years before landing at Dayton Power & Light in 2012.
“My role was to take care of our major energy users and communities in Union/Logan/Champaign counties and support economic development across the 24-counties DP&L touched,” he said. “This grew my love for economic development and opened the opportunity to run the Logan County Chamber starting in July of 2018.”
After he and his family moved to Bellefontaine, he said jogging around the city and its many side streets became a fun pastime for him, especially traversing the roadways on the west side.
“I loved praying for the area as I ran and asking for God to bless the residents and future of the west side. On these runs, I found what I affectionately called the ‘tractor graveyard’ at the intersection of Lawrence, High, and Walker streets just past the railroad tracks where Garfield Ave splits from Sandusky.
“It was a pretty big piece of land with lots of old tractor parts scattered about and a giant brick building filled with hundreds of old tractor tires. It was an eyesore that needed a lot of attention.
“With amazing development happening just a short distance away in downtown Bellefontaine, I couldn’t help but think what beautiful things could take root on this site if it were given some extra TLC.”
On various days while out jogging, Vollrath also had the opportunity to talk with residents around that tractor graveyard and gained insights from them.
“I would occasionally get to stop and chat with people living nearby the site and hear their hopes for the property, too. Ideas were varied, but everyone agreed they wanted to see the neighborhood get a fresh start to help change the narrative and direction for the whole area.
“So, for my artwork, this hope and potential is what I wanted to convey.”
His painting features street signs from those specific roads — Lawrence, High and Walker streets — bordering the piece. Then at the focal point in the center, a flower springs up out of an old tractor tire, lighting up the area around it.
“The flower is a blue iris, which is a symbol of hope. The light coming from it is about small things being able to have an incredible impact in changing the surrounding landscape.
“I think if this site were to be redeveloped, it could be a catalytic boost to the entire neighborhood. Economic development isn’t just about attracting big companies to industrial parks. At its core, economic development is about providing opportunity for people and making communities better.
“So, I call my painting, ‘Let Good Grow.’ Let good redevelopment grow on this site and then watch the far-reaching impact it will have.”
The chamber president said a major change has recently been made at the site.
“The good news is that progress has already begun on the site, as new ownership cleared off the old building, tires and scrap tractor pieces. One step closer to seeing good grow.”
In addition to joining neighbors together over these hopeful developments, Vollrath said his artwork also brought his family together in a collaborative spirit. He painted his piece while visiting family in Tennessee during Christmastime.
“My wife and three kids were great in this. They all helped brainstorm ideas for the painting. To my youngest son’s chagrin, I did not opt to paint a superhero!
“My wife and I actually prayed over it quite a bit and landed on this idea. My daughter loves art so she worked alongside me doing her own paintings as I did mine. My wife and boys were constant encouragers, graciously complimenting my work and sharing their confidence that my piece would certainly get lots of votes! They all thought it was pretty cool.
“Growing up, I really enjoyed drawing, but haven’t done much over the years. I don’t think I’ll become a regular painter going forward, but it at least re-sparked my desire to draw with my kids.”
Vollrath said he was honored and excited to be asked by the Art League to participate in the 2023 contest.
“The Chamber and Visitors Bureau has been getting more involved with local art in recent years, so it was fun getting to be on the inside of a project.
“The Art League is doing important work, providing an outlet and opportunity for artists of all abilities. Public art is also in my mind, a key piece to making a community feel unique and special. I’m thankful for the volunteers and efforts from our local Art League.”
The winner of the community vote will be announced at an auction finale event Jan. 27 at the Bellefontaine VFW, 216 Orchard Ave. The public is invited to attend the auction that begins at 7 p.m. and participate free of charge, with all proceeds supporting the Art League.