Our Opinion: Artistry and reflection flow from fountain

A unifying motif surrounds plans for a "Fountain of Hope" in the downtown area.

The structure itself combines artistry, reflection and respite. And its supporters include individuals, organizations and businesses.

The Fountain of Hope is a project of Jefferson City's Cultural Arts Foundation. The outdoor, public art installation will be located in the walkway between Saffees and the Monroe House, near the corner of East High and Monroe streets.

The structure will include a fountain, designed by local architect Cary Gampher, backed by a wall of tiles, created by local glass artist Andrea Cleeton.

Local donors may purchase a tile dedicated to a loved one dealing with cancer. Glass tiles will feature a colored ribbon denoting the disease; for example, pink would represent breast cancer.

The foundation intends to begin sales of tiles during the Community Breast Care Project's Mother's Day 5K, to be held on May 9, beginning at the North Jefferson City Pavilion.

Organizers plan to begin construction after the first 100 tiles are sold. Tiles are $100 each, and the goal is to sell at least 250 by this summer.

The idea for the Fountain of Hope was advanced by Lucia Kincheloe, foundation chair, based on an outdoor cancer memorial she visited in Palm Springs, California.

She said the local structure would be "ideally positioned for someone to come and experience the fountain and kind of share a personal moment or memory of the person they are memorializing through the purchase of one of their tiles."

She added: "It also would just be a nice place to come and sit and reflect, and for downtown shoppers and tourists just to come and have a moment to get in the shade and get off their feet for a minute or two."

In addition to the tile sales, a number of local businesses, organizations and associations have signaled support for the project.

We see the Fountain of Hope as an amenity not only for the downtown, but for Jefferson City.

It will offer an area to relax, to appreciate artistry and - perhaps most important - to remember family, friends and neighbors who have battled and continue to battle valiantly against cancer.