Community in Action at Weingart Pavillion
March programming at the Weingart Pavilion
The Katherine Howell Weingart ’61 Civic Innovation Pavilion, located in Renfrow Hall, is designed to bring people together — creating opportunities for collaboration, learning, and shared experiences between campus and the greater Grinnell community. In March, a diverse lineup of events — from personal storytelling and knitting gatherings to professional mentoring and arts education — brought that mission to life. This is just a sample of the offerings that occurred in March.
March 3: Humanities Iowa Open Book Series
The Humanities Iowa Open Book Series is a recurring event where Iowan participants are invited to share their personal and meaningful life stories. In partnership with Humanities Iowa and CultureALL, invites participants into small-group conversations centered on real Iowans sharing meaningful life stories. This facilitated program fosters empathy, understanding, and connection through listening, reflection, and respectful dialogue. Their next meeting in the pavilion is April 7 at 6:30 p.m.
March 4: Updates from the Grinnell School of Music
The Grinnell School of Music shared updates regarding their programming and presented on the history of the council as a part of a Bucket Course series that takes place in the Weingart Pavillion. Bucket Courses are a free educational program in Grinnell where topic experts teach on various topics. During their bucket course, the Grinnell School of Music spoke about the principles of their vision as a non-profit—regional accessibility, financial support, and fair pay for artists. They updated the community on their core programs including lessons for all ages, Music Together (movement classes for children aged 0-5 with a caregiver), summer musical theatre camp, Grinnell Children’s Choir, and more.
Erin Bustin, Executive Director of the Grinnell School of Music, spoke at the session. Bustin shares, “We are working hard to meet our commitment to lifelong community music-making by developing new programs to engage different participants. We truly believe music is for everyone! Being invited to speak at the Bucket Course provided a great way of connecting with community members including those already familiar with what we do at Grinnell School of Music, as well as new audiences.”
March 26: Brand Visibility on a Budget: Stand Out in a Crowded Marketplace
Paula Bell, a specialist in business analysis, leadership, career, and life development, led a Bite Sized Learning session in the pavilion. Bell empowered participants to leverage creative, cost-effective strategies to build a compelling brand presence, differentiate their brand, connect with their target audience, and maximize marketing efforts without breaking the bank. Bite Sized Learning, hosted by the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce, is a professional development series open to everyone, including interested college students, aspiring entrepreneurs, small businesses, community organizations, and large corporations.
March 27: Coffee with the College:
Museum Studies Goes to Washington: Visiting Smithsonian Museums Before and After the Executive Order.
“Coffee with the College” is a recurring event that takes place in the Weingart Pavillion where community members, students, and faculty gather and foster connections across campus and the community.
Interested in Hosting an Event?
To host your own event at the Katherine Howell Weingart ‘61 Civic Innovation Pavilion, reservations are open to both the college and the wider community. Local community members interested in using the space can reach out to Donnette Ellis, Grinnell College Community Relations Coordinator, at 641-269-3900 to inquire about availability and booking. Students, faculty, and staff may reserve the Pavilion through the 25Live system or by contacting Event Coordination & Scheduling at 641-269-3178. Designed as a collaborative hub, the Pavilion welcomes gatherings that foster connection, learning, and community engagement