Shane Mapoles, Co-founder of Embark Agency, recently presented the Living Culture Award at the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival (GGAF) Heritage Arts to John C. Weyer of Weyer Works of Sperry Iowa. The Heritage Arts section of GGAF provides an authentic setting for craftspeople from around the country to demonstrate their artistry.
This year, there were many talented artists showcasing their craftsmanship, but Weyer’s woodenware and story stood out among the crowd. Weyer has created quality, hand-carved woodenware for more than 39 years. Each item is hand-carved using traditional hand tools on native Iowa hardwood, hand dried for seven years. Weyer uses the drawknife, spoke shave, mallet, and gouge when creating his woodenware.
“We are pleased to honor John C. Weyer with this 
award,” said Mapoles. “His expression of devotion to his culture through his artistry is one to be admired and precisely what the Living Culture Award embodies.” This award is not only the highest valued award in terms of honor; it is also the highest monetary value with a $500 cash prize.
Shane Mapoles and Ballpoint Communications Group have been long-time supporters,
sponsors, and friends of the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival. For several years, they have provided in-kind services to help grow the Heritage Arts section of the festival and develop their identity. As jurors for the Living Culture Award, Shane Mapoles and members of the Ballpoint and Embark teams personally walk around and meet with each Heritage Arts craftsperson to decide who best represents the notion of keeping their culture alive through their artwork.
For more information on GGAF and the Heritage Arts, click here. To learn more about the non-profit work Embark.Agency does, take a look at our portfolio.