The Bowlus Fine Arts Center will celebrate its 50th anniversary Sept. 26-27.
Susan Raines, Bowlus director, gave Iola Rotarians on Thursday a bit of history and what to expect with the anniversary gala.
Rotary has been instrumental in the success of the Bowlus, Raines said.
Members donated the bronze bust of Thomas H. Bowlus, the center’s benefactor, prominently displayed in the center’s main lobby.
Rotarians also helped convert a former piano lab into what is today the Mary Martin Art Gallery.
Three events came together to make the Bowlus Center the cultural attraction and educational facility it is, Raines said.
“First, Mr. Bowlus had the dream of a cultural center for Iola,” she said. “Then, Tony Immel prepared the enabling will,” which included a provision that the center wouldn’t be built if the Iola board of education didn’t accept the offer. “Otherwise, the money would have gone to the University of Kansas.”
Board of education members accepted the offer without reservation.
Finally, Dale Creitz, as visionary as any, seized on the idea as teacher, band director and eventually director of the center, she said.
Planning for the 50th anniversary began three years ago and is coming to a head, Raines said.
On Friday night (Sept. 26) the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra will perform.
“The Kansas City Philharmonic was the first to perform in the center and, with it morphed into the symphony orchestra, will be back for the 50th anniversary,” Raines said. “Ticket prices will be the same as in 1964, $4.”
The next day will be filled with activities, starting with a morning open house and tours. Rehearsals for that evening’s tribute to the Bowlus will occupy much of the afternoon. It will include many who have performed in the center over the years.
Also recognized during the day will be former teachers and band directors.
Raines said the Bowlus Center is unique in that it is an everyday educational venue for USD 257 students, as well as being a center for cultural activities of many stripes.
