By: Joan Shrader and Stephen McCollum

Think of the creation of the Blackford County Arts Center as a musical composition, a painting, or a community sculpture or play in multiple acts. 

Think of the volunteers, the artists and musicians who exhibit and play there, and the students who come there, as the composers, the painters and sculptors, the actors.

“The Arts Center is a place to learn about what in the arts intrigues you,” said Linda Walker, retired English teacher and former Curriculum Director for Blackford County Schools. Walker is a private piano student with Margaret Hammond. 

“The atmosphere is full of youthful enthusiasm and confidence, so when I walk in I try to check my insecurities at the door,” she added. “Imitating that can-do spirit of the younger students has helped me power through some of my learning barriers.”

Center Director Amy Day, whose parents started her lifelong immersion in music with piano lessons at age five, directed school bands for 35 years. She knows that the extra dimension the Arts Center offers—through direct engagement in and exposure to the arts—is a “win-win” for a small, rural community.

No matter what you enjoy—painting, music, or drama—and no matter your age—young student to senior citizen—there is opportunity to enrich your spirit and stimulate your creativity.

The Blackford County Arts Center emerged from a regional vision by Arts Place in Portland (artsland.org). Although dedicated in 2013, the groundwork included a capital campaign that raised more than $100,000 from private contributions as well as investments by the County Commissioners and the city of Hartford City.

In the intervening years, the Blackford County Community Foundation, civic and service groups, and volunteers have contributed resources and labor to the project.

Tisha Trice, a 1997 graduate of Blackford High School, answered a call from her friend Lyn Whitesell to attend the first organizational meeting.

“There were about eight people there,” recalled Tisha. “We were about as diverse in backgrounds as possible, but we discovered a common appreciation for the arts and a desire to create something our community needed. When you spend countless hours with people who share a dream, it becomes your place and they become your people.”

That core group’s vision and commitment stimulated additional involvement. Ben Oswalt donated the Dowell Building that housed his Hallmark store. Opal Greenlee, a piano and organ teacher, left a bequest of $25,000 to the Community Foundation to be dedicated to music and the arts. 

The Dowell Building’s roof was repaired, a neighboring building acquired, two practice rooms added, masonry walls were repaired, and the original tin ceiling was refurbished. 

A grand piano is a natural centerpiece for any arts center’s wish list. When Bill and Margaret Knapp, of Shalee Oil, heard that Leonard Atherton, Ball State music professor and conductor of the Muncie Symphony, was selling his grand piano, they purchased and donated it to the Arts Center. 

Piano lessons are a mainstay among Arts Center attendees. Day recalls fondly an 80-plus year-old man who had nourished the desire to play for a lifetime. 

“It was a delight to watch him gradually develop his skills,” Day said. 

The fine arts add a vital visual component to the space. Leslie Newton administers art exhibits, including a juried show that coincides with Summer Fest. Arts in the Parks for children is offered in the summer. A variety of art classes are offered for all ages. A small fee covers supplies and instruction.

Despite the standing room only crowds for recent student recitals, Day says, “I think when people come to see and try what we have to offer, we’ll no longer be one of the best kept secrets around.”

A bonus for the Arts Center is at Grace United Methodist Church, where the chancel area has been renovated into a performance space. 

Find your way to 107 W. Washington St. to see and hear for yourself. Call (765) 348-4154 or pick up a brochure in one of the many businesses around the county.