Local group seeks to boost arts scene

CELINA - The debut of an art show and fundraiser Friday night will kick off a campaign to establish a new arts organization in Mercer County.

An ad hoc committee is hosting the public event at 7 p.m. at Java Nation, 110 S. Main St., Celina. The art show, which will be open to the public during business hours throughout September, features the works of about 20 area artists of various ages.

An announcement will be made at approximately 7:15 p.m. about the effort to raise funds to support the arts in the county.

Ralph Stuckman, a local potter and retired educator, said the committee grew out of a conversation among arts supporters about the need for better funding and organization for the local arts.

"It's my belief that there is a definite interest in the arts in Mercer County, and what can be done to promote the arts depends on the funding," said Stuckman, a committee member. "If we want something special in the arts, now is the time to speak up."

In addition to generating funds, he said the ad hoc committee also seeks to establish an organization to promote all facets of the arts.

"Our biggest goal is to have some type of permanent plans for the arts," he said, noting that "other planned art activities have gone by the wayside."

Past efforts to promote the arts have been "splintered in parts" without a cohesive group such as those found in other communities, Stuckman explained.

The committee, which also includes Judy Brewer, Tom Knapke, Glenn Hux, Barbara Vorhees and Phil Long, wants to use future donations to expand an existing art fund: the Ann and Tom Knapke Art Fund. The fund was established as a memorial to Ann Knapke, a retired educator and artist.

The Knapke memorial fund is administered by the Mercer County Civic Foundation of which Hux is the executive director.

"That gives us real credibility," Stuckman said of the affiliation with the civic foundation.

Stuckman of Celina explained that people attending Friday night's event will be able to make a tax-deductible contribution to the fund. Hux and Knapke will field questions about the fund.

Anyone who is unable to attend the event or would like to donate may contact a committee member, Stuckman said. The group also welcomes input from people who support the arts, he added.

"What we want to do is raise the funds and see what we can do," he said. "Nothing definite is planned at this time."

Knapke, the former dean of Wright State University-Lake Campus, Celina, said he is very pleased with the idea of expanding the fund that honors his wife.

"I want to see the fund grow," he said, noting that his wife wanted to provide opportunities for children and young adults to pursue their interest in the arts outside the school setting.

The Knapke memorial fund awards grants for arts activities.

Knapke also was pleased with the idea of establishing a local board to promote the arts, through activities such as planning summer events.

Brewer, an educator and 18-year Mercer County resident, said she welcomes the creation of a board with people active in the arts and those who simply appreciate the talents of others.

"I think there is a place for both," she said. "I'm for anything that brings attention to the arts."

Brewer, an artist who will be among those displaying their craft at Java Nation, said she is impressed by the artistry of local residents.

"I have just been blown away by the talents of a number of talented people in this area," she said.

Brewer will serve as mistress of ceremonies for Friday night's event.

If you go:
What: Visual arts show and fundraiser to support local arts
When: 7-9 p.m. Friday
Where: Java Nation, 110 S. Main St., Celina