Despite his many visits to Iola, U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran never managed to visit Iola’s gem, the Bowlus Fine Arts Center.
He can now scratch that off his bucket list.
Moran toured the Bowlus Thursday, led by the center’s executive director Susan Raines. Moran also took time to visit with USD 257 Superintendent of Schools Brian Pekarek, Mayor Bill Shirley and Iola Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Shelia Lampe.
Moran’s visit was part of his annual trek through Kansas communities while Congress is in its fall recess, said Bill Maness, the senator’s district representative for Iola.
As Moran walked through the set of steel front doors he was briefed on the center’s history.
The center opened its doors in the fall of 1964, built with funds from the estate of Thomas H. Bowlus. It was intended to bring culture and the arts to area youth and community members.The center relies on private contributions, such as those fromthe Friends of the Bowlus, the Helen Gates Whitehead Trust and the Sleeper Family Trust, as well as with contributions from USD 257 to cover administrative costs.
Jeff Jordan, technical director and facility manager, gave Moran a brief update on recent upgrades to the Bowlus sound system, curtains, light board, seat reupholstering and sound board — all funded by the Friends of the Bowlus.
Not being a stranger to Kansas highways, Moran wondered aloud about Iola’s geographical location being a problem in regard to selling tickets.
“Mr. Bowlus’ mission was to bring these (attractions) to our community,” Raines said.
Moran also got a peek into the center’s educational side.
Moran, whose wife plays piano, said he worried about the future of fine arts in public education.
“That was one of the downsides of No Child Left Behind,” Moran said. “Teachers focus on what is going to be on the test and the arts don’t get as much attention.
“If you have this building (in your community) it is hard to say you don’t have a strong arts department,” the senator said.
Raines didn’t leave any aspect of the Bowlus unturned, showing the senator several “behind-the-scenes” areas.
The dressing room “might seem small, but it didn’t matter if it was Henry Mancini,” Raines said. “This is where everyone gets ready.”
“The message you are sending me is good philanthropy generates more philanthropy,” Moran said.
After the Bowlus tour, Moran headed south to visit the new
Senator Moran visits Bowlus
