A NEW MANCHESTER ARTS CENTER IS RISING FROM THE ASHES
The Arts Commission has held several meetings with a consultant and formulated a three- to five-year vision and strategy plan for accomplishing our goals of continuing to offer visual and performing arts programs and opportunities for arts education in our community and surrounding areas.
Our Building Committee has been hard at work and renovation of the former Mills Furniture Store at 128 Main as the home of the new Manchester Arts Center is under way. The heating and air conditioning system is up and running, and plans for a sprinkler system have been submitted to the State. Once approved, the system will be installed by Sain Construction Company. Thomas Hosea received the construction contract for the interior walls which will also begin when approval of the sprinkler system is received.
A new logo has been designed for the new Manchester Arts Center to be used on stationery, signs and merchandise. Did you know that the Manchester Arts Commission is celebrating its 40th anniversary since it was chartered by the City of Manchester in 1968? The early pioneers in our community who had the foresight to form an arts commission 40 years ago should be proud of our progress. We hope to have the theater up and running by the first of next year and the art gallery, the historical museum and various classrooms and other rooms finished in 2009.
The Commission has accepted a proposal from The Phoenix Theatre Company (Phoenix rising from the ashes!) to operate as our resident theater company. They will produce six shows a year, including a TAG show and a WAG show. Their proposal includes the following:
• A benefit “Some Enchanted Evening” (a musical revue of Rodgers and Hammerstein music) with ticket sales to benefit the new Arts Center.
• “Seussical: The Musical,” a children’s show in conjunction with Dr. Seuss’ birthday in March.
• A WAG show in April directed by Jackie Masiella (chosen by Jackie with input from the kids). This show will be worked on at WAG meetings all year.
• A non-musical show in late May.
• A TAG show in late July. The TAG officers will choose the show and the director.
• A fall show, family-oriented perhaps “On Golden Pond.”
We hope to have the continued support of the community as we move forward with these plans.
