Music In Van Wert

By: Paul Hoverman

This Thursday, March 14, the Speaker Committee of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center presents a program I think you will find very interesting.  Ceci Wiselogel is an authoritative speaker and admirer of Norman Rockwell’s work.  I am sure (or at least I hope), nearly all of you are familiar with Norman Rockwell’s paintings.  Born in 1894 and passing away in 1978, this American painter and illustrator brought American small town life to all of America primarily through his works for the Saturday Evening Post and later LOOK magazine.  I guess this may date some of us, but it is certainly something I think every American can connect with; most certainly those of us in the heartlands of America.

Thursday’s presentation by Ceci Wiselogel will re-connect us with a much simpler America; perhaps one you remembered as a child.  Do you remember the days when we didn’t all gather around a TV, or maybe the days when we all DID gather around the TV?  Remember when mom had to warm up things on the stove?  No microwaves!   Remember how hot the summers were and we didn’t have air conditioners?  Do you remember sitting under a tree and eating an apple….. from the tree?

Life was sure much simpler then.  Better?  You can be the judge of that.  But, whatever your perspective is, that’s the way life used to be and I think it is good to remember and cherish some of those good memories.  There are some great stories behind Norman Rockwell’s pieces.  If you come to the NPAC on Thursday, you will experience some of these and travel back in times to that simpler America. 

We have two programs scheduled for Thursday; one at 1:30 in the afternoon and the other in the evening at 7:30 p.m.  It will not be a packed house, but you will be able to get up close and intimate with the presenter and the works.  We hope you will leave with a sense of education and inspiration from this program.  And $5 gets you any seat in the house.  That’s pretty inexpensive education and inspiration. 

The 1:30 p.m. presentation will include about 500 students, but the public is also invited.  The evening presentation will be primarily adults, but children are certainly invited too.  I am glad we can offer this program for students because I feel, in this age of I Phones, computers, and a myriad of technological devices; our youth has lost perspective of our past.  Through Norman Rockwell paintings and illustrations, they can re-connect to the simpler life many of us remember.

Okay, many of you read my column last week and wondered about some of the facts and figures I teased you with concerning Niswonger audiences.   Of the 88 counties in Ohio, we have seen patrons from 24.  In our neighboring state of Indiana, we have seen 12 counties represented with Allen County (Fort Wayne area) bringing the most.  As you would expect, Van Wert County represents the largest number of patrons, followed by Allen (OH), Mercer, Auglaize, Putnam and Paulding.   In the city of Van Wert, 1279 people have purchased tickets while Delphos, Convoy, and Ohio City are well represented.

I guess what one would surmise is that the local region supports the Niswonger activities quite well, but there is potential to reach even more.  We are also able to see that there is potential in outer areas too.  Before the Niswonger opened for business in the arts entertainment industry, these 5,501 households were going elsewhere to spend their entertainment dollars. They now come to Van Wert; and many of them on a regular basis.

We thank each and every one of our patrons for their trust in us serving a top quality entertainment product.  We never take anyone for granted and will continue doing everything we can to earn this trust.  We have six more outstanding concerts and shows remaining this season and will welcome even more new audience members to the NPAC.  And soon, a new season will be released with some outstanding new talent I know you’re going to love.  Stay tuned…. And thanks!