INGELDEIN INFLUENCE REMAINS

The arts in Southeast Missouri has lost a faithful friend.

Otto Dingeldein - the founder of the Southeast Missouri Council on the Arts - died last week. He will be missed, but his influence on the arts in Southeast Missouri will be felt for decades to come.

In 1963, Dingeldein founded the Christian Arts Council, which evolved into the current council on the arts. But he didn't just plant the seed; Dingeldein cultivated and promoted the arts at every opportunity. Arts Council Director Beverly Strohmeyer says Dingeldein was instrumental in keeping the council active for nearly 30 years. That's quite a commitment.

His unsurpassed talent as a silversmith prompted the council to create an art achievement award that carries his name. He was the first recipient in 1975, and many deserving artists and supporters have since been recognized. He also started the annual craft fairs that have grown into the council's major fund-raising events.

Throughout his 84 years, Dingeldein diligently pursued his craft and promoted the arts. On the day he died, he was interviewed by this newspaper about a collection of 10,000 pieces of the Dingeldein family's silverworks recently acquired by a New Orleans Museum. Included are several of his own creations.

Otto Dingeldein may be gone, but the tradition of excellence and art appreciation that he promoted will live on through the Southeast Missouri Council on the Arts. It is a fitting tribute to his life-long dedication to the arts.