Bing Theater project continues on with reception this weekend

Date: 1/26/2009

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



SPRINGFIELD The elimination of $75,000 in state funding isn't preventing plans from moving forward to complete the first phase of renovations at the Bing Theater.

Brian Hale, a member of the Bing Arts Center committee, said that a preview reception scheduled for Jan. 31 is to show the public how far the project has come and what needs to be done to finish the work in the front of the building.

The event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. and will feature pizza, desserts and beverages. The gallery space will also have its first exhibit -- a collection of movie posters from 1962 to 1978 that were found in the theater's attic. The posters, which will be on sale through a silent auction, run the gamut from mainstream classics such as "Jaws" and "Robin and Marion" to horror films such as "The Legend of Hell House" and exploitation movies such as "Lady Kung Fu."

Hale said finishing the renovations to the front half of the building -- which will be opened for various arts events while the rest of the building is being renovated -- is nearing completion and would have been finished if the state money hadn't been eliminated in last year's budget cuts.

The reception is to show people how far the project has come and to begin a fundraising effort to make up for the lost state money, he explained.

"By seeing how close we are, we hope they [the reception's attendees] will get excited," Hale said.

So far there has been a new heating and air conditioning system installed as well as new lavatories, floors, walls and a small kitchen that would support caterers. A gallery space has been created for events such as this one.

Hale said he will be applying for Community Development Block Grant funding to finish the first phase and for the creation and implementation of arts programs in Springfield neighborhoods.

"We need the arts in our neighborhoods," Hale said. He asserted that art establishments and programs strengthen neighborhoods by attracting people and investment.