First Friday in downtown Kokomo featured a “Riddle Me This” theme, but it was Easter that took the Kokomo Howard County Public Library by storm. Loads of children of all ages descended into the library’s basement for a colorful Easter egg hunt; just one of several activities that entertained downtown visitors on April 1.
Nearly two dozen businesses participated in the latest iteration of the monthly event, including a scavenger hunt at Artworks Gallery, live music and pottery at Mo Joe, a few street vendors, and plenty of other activities.
Trina Evans, head of children’s services at the library, was excited to share about evening’s activities and the many features of her department. The Easter egg hunt featured a room full of balloons which hid the eggs from sight. Kids in four age groups rummaged around, hoping to find the candy-filled eggs – or perhaps one of the rare golden eggs containing a toy prize.
But the larger offerings at the library are what Evans hopes kids and their families discover during their visit.
“We want them to come and have fun,” said Evans. “The library is not just about books. We have lots of programming, and once they come here, we want to show them how many fun things we have. We have so many experiences and passive activities. We have story walks and braille books and play-aways and launch books and tablets. We have so much more than what people realize. You can even check out video games.”
The scavenger hunt at Artworks Gallery, 210 N. Main St., kept traffic moving through the place all evening. Some visitors enjoyed the works on display from students of Collette Inderhees’ porcelain class, and others got to visit with Ramona Daniels, featured artist and recent recipient of a grant from the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance.
Daniels started exploring her art in 2000, though she had sketched for fun since childhood. Drawing inspiration from her parents, she dove into painting.
Ramona Daniels with one of her favorite works, depicting the power of African-Americans.
“I started with oils because I didn’t know any better, but I’m glad I did,” said Daniels. “I also work in acrylic and watercolors, but I prefer oils. I like the organic, buttery nature. It’s so beautiful. I like the way that I can paint over something. You really can’t mess up with oils, but you have to have patience.”
Daniels relocated from New Jersey in 2016 to be closer to her father, siblings, and son here in Kokomo. She said moving was the last thing she wanted to do, but she is glad she did.
“To be honest, I have met some beautiful people here,” said Daniels. “The main thing you don’t want to do is probably the thing you should be doing. I was never going to move to Kokomo. I had all of these dreams and aspirations. But once I got here, all of those dreams and aspirations happened in this community.”
Daniels is enjoying some success at present. She has a display downtown at Beckley’s Office Supplies. She has sold some work and gained commissions for more. And her Instagram and YouTube accounts are getting more traffic and followers.
“(Kokomo) was the thing that blessed me,” she said.