Artrain USA plans visit for Sikeston in January

SIKESTON, Mo. -- All aboard! But don't expect just any ol' train. This one is a study in motion, carrying a cargo of creativity.

Artrain USA is the nation's only art museum on a train, with five rail cars housing a fine arts exhibition, interactive area, artist studio, gift shop and staff administrative space.

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., Artrain USA brings opportunities for learning and community activities across the country by way of the nation's railroads.

Since it started, more than 2.6 million people in 600 communities in 44 states and the District of Columbia have visited Artrain.

In January, Sikeston and area communities will get their chances.

Sponsored by DaimlerChrysler, the Artrain will be in town for four days and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 26 and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 27 on the Union Pacific Railroad in front of the Depot. It takes an estimated 50 minutes to complete the tour.

Missy Marshall, executive director of the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce, described the free upcoming event as one visitors won't soon forget.

Started in 1971

"It started back in 1971 and it's going to be brought into Sikeston on the Union Pacific Railroad that runs through town," she said. "They're going to be parked in front of the Depot."

On these cars are artworks that were commissioned for NASA by people like Peter Max, Andy Warhol and Norman Rockwell, she said, adding that it's from one end of the spectrum to the other, so it should have something that would appeal to anybody and everybody -- from little kids to senior citizens.

What Marshall especially likes is that communities are made a part of the Artrain's visits.

Committee members are looking for volunteers to act as tour guides for the various stations on the train. Volunteers will be trained about the different aspects of the exhibit before the train opens. Interested people can call Pam Bedell at 471-9720.

"What we are also doing in conjunction with the Artrain is we're bringing in area artists to exhibit and demonstrate sculpting, woodcarving, quilting and painting," Marshall said. "The Artrain organization encourages us to bring in exhibitors because the whole point is to create better awareness about art."

On Jan. 23, committee members will sponsor a reception that includes refreshments and a private tour of the Artrain. Tickets are $100 a couple, which will help underwrite expenses for the train that the grant money won't cover.

The "Private Tour" reception will be limited to 100 people. Interested people can call Elizabeth Wilson at 471-8122.

Groups or organizations interested in being corporate sponsors can call Charlie Scott at 472-5565.

The Artrain has made only three stops in Missouri during its 30-year history.