OGDEN, Utah (KUTV) — There’s a deep hole in the heart of the neighborhood where the Marshall White center once stood near Lincoln Avenue and 28th Street in Ogden.
That emptiness can be felt in the hearts of those who grew up with and loved the old facility that stood in that space for nearly 50 years.
Its name and presence honored a man who was a World War II veteran, a youth mentor and the first Black police officer killed in the line of duty in Utah in 1963.
During the summer of 2023, the community center was torn down.
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“It’s a very important piece and asset to the Ogden community. And I think we’re definitely feeling the lack of it right now,” said Lorie Buckley, arts administrator for the City of Ogden.
Buckley’s looking forward to the day when this space will be filled again with the new Marshall White Community Center.
“Very exciting,” she said. “We are really looking forward to the rebuilding of this community treasure, really. Like so many community members have taken art classes, recreation classes boxing, like senior citizens use it.”
Ogden City posted artist renderings on its website of how the new building will look.
When the new building goes up, there will be another major project that will be in the works involving Buckley.
She’s looking for public art that will go in the new building.
Ogden City is putting out a local and national call to all artists — no matter the level of skill — to send a letter of interest.
“It is a really big project. It has a budget of $200,000,” Buckley said. “We are looking for a team of artists, or one artist specifically, so it could be up to three or one artists.”
Buckley explained this art would go on three walls of the new building.
The art would consist of large panels that artists work on, with dimensions being roughly 8 feet wide and 26 feet tall.
Organizers want impactful pieces that will reflect the legacy of Marshall White and his contributions during his life and give perspective on the diversity community of Ogden.
As an artist herself, Buckley understands some artists may feel a bit reluctant to take the first step in putting themselves out there for this project.
“That’s the only way you’re going to get that opportunity is if you’re putting your hat in the ring. It’s scary to show your work but as an artist that’s what you should be doing,” she said.
Submission deadline for submitting a letter of request is Jan. 31.
See below for details:
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