About Us


The Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio (NPAC) opened its doors March 15 of 2007. Since then, the Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation and Van Wert City Schools have combined to produce 15 professional performances, 18 school performances and host a total of approximately 25,000 people from 18 states in its facility. Artists ranging from Lee Greenwood, to Sandy Patti, to Marie Osmond and bands such as the Pink Floyd Experience, All American Boys Chorus, a Queen tribute band, America and the United States Army Field Band and Soldiers Chorus have entertained audiences from the Central Insurance Company Stage. Youth from all grades have performed on the stage and organizations and businesses throughout the region have utilized the First Federal Lecture Hall, Van Wert Federal Savings Bank Grand Lobby, Tom & Nancy Keltner Upper Lobby and Van Wert County Foundation/Saltzgaber Music Hall.


The dream was started in 2001 when the Van Wert City School District was awarded matching funds from the Ohio Schools Facility Commission to build a new educational facility after taxpayers passed a levy to support the new building. The idea of providing an enhanced auditorium for the schools and community grew to reality as individuals and businesses stepped up to the plate after Van Wert alumnus Scott Niswonger committed an initial $2 million to the project. Six years and 9.8 million dollars later the building was completed and paid for entirely with private donations. Gifted back to the school, both the Van Wert City Schools and Van Wert County Foundation formed a separate foundation called the Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation (VWAPAF). This foundation leases and helps pay for the operation of the NPAC as well as coordinates the scheduling and day to day operation of the facility.


VWAPAF MISSION STATEMENT


“To provide a premier venue for a wide variety of performing arts, concerts, lectures, meetings, and special events which will inspire, educate, and entertain residents of and visitors to Van Wert County, and to provide an economic catalyst by increasing cultural tourism, creating new jobs, and generating business for the region.”


The Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It is a supporting organization of The Van Wert County Foundation. It has its own board of directors and Executive Director. Currently there is a staff consisting of a marketing director, facilities coordinator and a technical/production director hired by VWAPAF to manage the day to day operations.

VWAPAF Board of Directors

Charles Koch, Chairman
John Gamble, Vice-Chairman
Duane Fuerst, Treasurer
Bill Clifton
Chris Roberts
Jerry Hoffman
Mary Jo Wilhelm
Paul Hoverman, Executive Director/President


Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio staff:
Cheri Oechsle, Marketing Director
Laurie Thompson, Facility Coordinator
Hugh Saunier, Technical Director
Jerry Beard, Box Office Manager