When Stephen Palen would drive through downtown Austin several years ago, he would see the empty bank building and wonder what it would be. After hearing about the plans for the Artworks Center, Palen knew he wanted to get involved.

“I knew [festival co-chairs] Belita [Schindler] and Bonnie [Rietz] and when they talked about their vision for the building, I wanted to get involved,” Palen said.

At the center Thursday afternoon, Palen and festival organizers announced that Palen gave a $5,000 donation for the Purchase Award for the Artworks Festival this year.

“I can’t think of anything better,” Palen said about the Artworks Center. “It’s a great way to bring the community together.”

Though Palen is an Ameriprise rep in Rochester, he appreciates what Austin is doing for arts.

“Austin is a very unique community,” he said.

Palen will help choose where to permanently display the Purchase Award winner.

Rietz announced a new event for the festival as well.

On Aug. 18, the community will have the opportunity to come together and sing during Minnesota Community Sings. Austin native Bret Hesla will perform songs that the crowd will song along with.

“There will be all kinds of fun folk music and songs that are fun to sing in a group,” Rietz said.

The ArtWorks Festival will be Aug. 22 and 23 at the downtown power plant.