DeltaARTS ‘dreaming big’ with move to Schoettle Center

DeltaARTS ‘dreaming big’ with move to Schoettle Center

Community arts program looks to expand its scope with $ 500,000 fundraising campaign

news@theeveningtimes.com

“We have seized the moment and are dreaming big!”

And with that enthusiastic

carpe diem exclamation point, DeltaARTS Executive Director Amelia Barton cut the ribbon at the grand opening and open house for the new home of DeltaARTS. The grand opening event drew a large crowd to the former Glenn P. Schoettle Medical Education Center at 310 S.

Rhodes in West Memphis Thursday night. Barton took the opportunity to rally support for the organization’s big plans to develop a stronger, further-reaching program.

Said Barton of their ambitious effort: “Simon Sinek, a noted leadership expert said, ‘If you have the opportunity to do amazing things in your life, I strongly suggest that you encourage others to join you.’ Tonight DeltaARTS invites you to join and support us in making amazing things happen for children and adults in our community as we kick off our $500,000 enhancement and capital campaign for new programming and the multipurpose auditorium space.”

DeltaARTS used the occasion to kick off a new development phase. The first phase including bringing upgrades to the roof, HVAC and office renovations. The phase two developments announced encompassed a vision for the facility and larger slate of programming, along with new branding and a mission to expand the reach of the arts community in the region. Local architect Pat Magruder drew the renovation plan.

“In phase two we’ll be renovating the auditorium,” said Development and Marketing Director Alex Smith. “Our goal is to turn it into a multipurpose space that nay be used for smaller performances and workshops and community activities.

We hope to rent it out to other organizations for all kinds of different events.”

The Open House provided an appropriate launching pad for fundraising for the half-million dollar development project. Hopes are high to be underway for the new year.

“We have embarked on a $500,000 enhancement and capital campaign called ‘Building Together a Better Community,’” said Smith.

“We not only hope to renovate but to also add enhancements to our current programming.”

Those aren’t the only changes announced.

DeltaARTS is flying under a new flag. A new look logo was unfurled. Created by John Waddell, the abstract bridge design works as a metaphor for the group’s regional reach and helps re-brand DeltaARTS.

“It represents engaging communities in the Delta, outside Crittenden County,” said Smith. “We work with people from Mississippi and Tennessee bridging communities through arts.”

Doctor Phil Schoettle attended the event with wife Lynn. Schoettle also addressed the crowd expressing his family’s support and

excitement over

DeltaARTS moving into the building bearing the name of the medical family’s patriarch. The facility was officially dubbed the Glenn P. Schoettle Arts Education Center.

For more information about DeltaARTS, to donate or sponsor an event, or to become a member of the DeltaARTS family through joining the nonprofit organization, visit www.deltaarts.org, or call

(870)

732-6260.

By John Rech