Couple Brings the Arts to Southwest Iowa

With assistance from the South Central Iowa Small Business Development Center, Ray and Maria Sorensen are working to build an artistic destination in Southwest Iowa.

Ray has received national attention for the patriotic murals he has painted on a giant rock, known as the Freedom Rock, which sits on the side of Highway 25 approximately one mile south of I-80 (exit 86). He has painted this rock for the past ten years as an act of patriotism to honor American soldiers.

Maria recently graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in journalism and an emphasis in electronic media. For years, she has been expressing her love for the arts through photography.

Maria said she and her husband knew they would need assistance when they began tossing around the idea of starting their own business. Friends and family suggested meeting with a professional, which led them to Dave McLaren at the Small Business Development Center in Creston.

Dave responded to them immediately, assigning them tasks after their very first meeting in April 2008. They had no idea how much work and research a business plan was going to require, but Dave helped walk them through it.

Once their homework was done and Dave had reviewed their business plan, the Sorensens took it to a local bank for financing. Their new business, Sorensen Studios, opened in May 2008. “When we took our finished business plan to the bank,” says Maria, “it was the greatest feeling ever. The bank was so impressed with the plan and our preparation.”

Sorensen Studios, which specializes in photography and painting, is located at the corner of Highways 92 and 25 in Greenfield. The studio specializes in senior photos, family portraits, wedding photography, and pet portraits. It also provides an outlet for Ray’s prints and original artwork. In the future, the Sorensens hope to expand their offerings to include painting classes, and matting and framing of their artwork.

Looking back, the Sorensens are extremely grateful for the assistance provided by the Small Business Development Center. Their business idea was taken seriously from the very beginning when they mentioned they were working with the SBDC. Maria says, “Without Dave and the SBDC, I don’t really see us where we are today. Dave and the SBDC have been the key to all of our success so far, and we believe they will continue to be the key in the future.”

To view photos of Ray’s work, including the Freedom Rock, visit http://bubbazartwork.com/.