Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.

Bing Arts Center readies for opening reception on June 5

Date: 6/1/2010

May 31, 2010

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



SPRINGFIELD -- Merilee Aurora Hale explained to a male member of the filmmaking class for children that wearing make-up for his role on camera is all right.

"I wear make-up every day," Marty Langford, the class's instructor and director of the film the children are making, chimed in with support.

Convinced, the young man accepted a light coating of make-up to take the shine off his face when he is on camera.

The filmmaking class is one of the first activities for the new Bing Arts Center, which will have the official opening of its first phase with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. on June 5.

Brian Hale has spearheaded the movement to transform the abandoned neighborhood movie theater into an arts center that intends to draw its audience form the Greater Springfield area.

Watching Langford line up and film a quick succession of shots -- the short movie "Terror at the Bing" will have its debut at the reception -- Hale said he sees the Bing as "an interface for local creatives whether it's the visual arts, film or music."

"Attracting residents and visitors as paying customers to the area is a crucial part of our mission. It's the 'cool neighborhood program.' We've dubbed the Bing Arts Center the 'Artbeat of Springfield,'" Hale added.

The Bing Arts Center has already begun that "interface" with its June "First Friday" event the day before the opening. The T.I.M.E. Band will perform at 8 p.m. on June 4. The band performs an assortment of classic, acoustic and Southern rock.

The First Friday series -- presented the first Friday of every month -- showcases a diverse variety of performers presenting jazz, spoken word, gospel, folk, pop, magic, standup comedy and more. The events are open to the public with a $5 suggested donation.

The arts center features two gallery spaces and at the opening reception "Upcycled: Transforming the Unused into the Inspirational" will feature the work of artists Mo Ringey and Abby Rieser.

There will also be work on exhibit by students in "Exploring Art in Many Cultures," a children's studio and art appreciation course taught by Merilee Aurora Hale.

The building's front section has now been completely renovated with galleries, a multi-use lobby/performance/screening space, and new, accessible restrooms. Hale is now looking to raise money for a digital projection system to provide the opportunity for additional programming.

With the first phase complete, the second part of the renovation project is to take the 900-seat auditorium and transform it into a 60- or 70-seat cinema space and a larger 350- to 400-seat room for performances and screenings.

The Bing, built in 1954, was operated as a theater until 1999. Taken in lieu of taxes by the city, it was sold to the non-profit the "X" Main Street Corporation for redevelopment.

The arts center will be posting its schedule of children's classes at www.BingArts-Center.org, along with upcoming events and screenings. For more information, or to inquire about opportunities for volunteering or donating, call 731-9730 or e-mail mailto:info@BingArtsCenter.org.