Schock deserves credit for bringing arts to Scott City

To the editor:

I'm writing in response to Sam Blackwell's article about the Schock Community Arts Center in Scott City. As a student of Paul Schock, I have been able to see the progress he is making in Scott City.

Not only is it an invaluable resource for students to be able to show work in the center, but the building holds so much potential for Scott City. As a Southeast student originally from St. Louis, I had never heard of Scott City, let alone visited it. Since I've been an art student, however, I've been to the city on several occasions and appreciate its small-town charm.

I really feel that Schock's dedication to the city and its restoration are just what Scott City needs to begin its upswing. The center is an excellent catalyst for bridging the Southeast Missouri State University campus with Scott City and all the communities in between.

The building is perfect for an art reception and exhibit but is versatile and can be adapted to just about any event. The fact that apartments exist upstairs further contribute to the building's charm, and the large windows sparsely placed throughout its perimeter allow for a true community feel. The building itself is a work of art.

Thank you, Paul Schock, for not only helping save Scott City, but the arts as a whole -- and for teaching us more than we could ever have hoped to learn.

JESS LEGGETT

Cape Girardeau