Volunteers spur growth of Bing Arts Center

Date: 2/15/2011

Feb. 16, 2011

By Lori Szepelak

Correspondent

SPRINGFIELD — Aspiring filmmaker Parris Porter, 16, feels at home at the Bing Arts Center.

Porter, a student of the Sabis International Charter School, has begun volunteering his time at the Bing in a variety of capacities and encourages other teens to do the same.

"It's a good place to be," Porter said during a recent late afternoon interview. "I enjoy my time here and am recruiting friends to also get involved and support the Bing."

Resurrecting the Bing has been a labor of love for many, including Brian Hale, president of the "X" Main Street Corporation's board of directors and executive director for the organization and the Bing Arts Center.

"The Bing Arts Center is a physical manifestation of imagination, creativity, and applied effort," Hale said. "As such, it serves to encourage organized, concerted, community involvement to strengthen arts accessibility, and, by doing so, dramatically elevating the quality of life."

Nate Ferreira, Bing's volunteer technical director, echoed those sentiments.

"Right now, the most special thing to me is that anyone who gets involved now is in at the ground floor," Ferreira said. "There are going to be a lot of amazing things happening here, and now is the time for people to get involved and to help shape the future of the Bing Arts Center."

Both Hale and Ferreira have fond memories growing up in Springfield and especially the movies they watched at the Bing. They hope during future renovations designed by Springfield architect Stephen Jablonski that the Bing will be able to accommodate a 60-seat cinema and a 400-seat performance hall.

The new plans feature several "imaginative features" intended to maximize programming flexibility and patrons' participation, according to Hale.

He estimated that the Bing, when totally renovated, would cost between $4 and $6 million.

"It takes longer to raise the money required than to actually do the construction," Hale said. "The project can be finished in a year or so once the necessary funds are in place."

For now, the Bing is using the front section of the building. In addition to the three-room art gallery, the former theater lobby serves as an intimate performance and screening space.

Ferreira noted that by creating a powerful force for positive change in the area, the Bing will provide young people and adults a "creative and positive environment" that can teach valuable and critical life skills.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the organization and Hale welcomes teens and adults to consider volunteering their time in a variety of capacities, ranging from working at events and exhibitions, to learning the promotional side of the Bing.

Nick Giordano, 17, of Enfield, Conn., makes the trek each week to the Bing because he enjoys the business aspect of being involved with the local organization. Giordano, an Enfield High School student, is also the owner of Coconutspark, a DJ company that provides lighting and production equipment for parties.

"I love the arts," Giordano said. "It's what I want to do with my life."

Both Giordano and Porter said their time spent at the Bing is productive and rewarding.

"I've learned a lot already about production," Porter said.

Giordano added that the Bing for him is a nice "change of pace."

Volunteers are needed to set up for performances, oversee refreshments, work the door, and clean up. Additionally, volunteers are needed to help with wall preparation and painting for exhibitions, and promotional duties include putting up posters, distributing handbills, and using social media including e-mailing contacts and friends.

"We need at least a dozen regular volunteers right now to achieve our immediate goals," Hale said.

Upcoming events at the Bing include Andyhasaband, March 4, 8 p.m.; Strike A Chord!, March 18, 8 p.m.; Three of Cups, April 1, 8 p.m.; Mike Borgos, April 15, 8 p.m.; T.I.M.E., May 6, 8 p.m., and Too Human, June 3, 8 p.m. Open Mic Nights featuring emcee Maurice "Soul Fighter" Taylor are planned March 19, April 16, and June 18, all starting at 8 p.m. Tickets for all events are $5 at the door.

Individuals or organizations interested in making a financial donation are also encouraged to contact Hale.

"Providing financial support by making donations and joining the Bing Arts Center as sustaining members is also vital to our efforts, especially at this point in our development," Hale added.

For more information, contact Hale at 731-9730.