| On Friday, May 12, 2006, Weathervane
Playhouse will hold a grand party on May 12 to thank and honor Mayor Don Plusquellic and
his particular support of the Playhouse. The "THANKS FOR THE ARTS" gala will be
held at Greystone Hall (downtown Akron) in the second floor ballroom. During the evening,
representatives from the arts community will be invited to recognize the major influence
and support that has been given to the arts by the City through the generosity of the
Mayor. The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with
drinks, appetizers and a special patron reception for a limited number of guests with the
Mayor. Dinner, a silent and oral auction of specialty items and special experiences
follows with the highlight being a special tribute to the Mayor and the Arts in Akron.
Mayor Don Plusquellic may appear to be an unlikely ally of
the Arts—at first. An all-star quarterback from Kenmore High School who grew up with
a passion for sports—excelling in football at Pitt and Bowling Green—the Arts
community has had no better friend in government since he become Mayor of Akron in 1987.
Significant contributions to the arts in Akron include direct contributions in excess of
$5 million as well as capital contributions of $10 million.
The City of Akron is the largest single contributor to the
Ohio Ballet. Re-construction of the Civic Theatre and the Art Museum would not be possible
without Mayor Plusquellic’s commitment to guarantee pledges ($18 million total), the
"trigger" essential to commencing construction on both buildings. In addition
the city sponsors programs in dance, music, senior programs, visual art, public art and
theater.
Weathervane Playhouse a regional community theater serving
the greater Akron area since 1935 has grown significantly in the past decade due to a
number of significant partnerships with various departments of the city. These include: a
shared parking arrangement with the tow path which provides dollars for the upkeep of the
Playhouse facility annually; collaborations on events such as Valley Faire, Playhouse
programming in city schools through Akron After School and a unique collaboration with the
department of housing and Urban Development called Neighborhood Playhouse. The Playhouse
and the city have worked hand in hand to provide enrichment opportunities for those most
in need, building a strong collaborative environment in which residents can flourish.
Former president of the Board Steve Schmidt, who worked
with the Mayor on the towpath/Weathervane Playhouse collaboration said "…it is
gratifying that the city and the Mayor have recognized the value of arts to the community.
And further that recognizing how a community playhouse such as Weathervane can do to
enhance our daily lives in this community. Executive Director, Elynmarie Kazle went on to
say "Akron is a unique place, and it is strongly supportive of its cultural
institutions. Weathervane is a jewel and the community is lucky to have a resources like
this so strongly supported in this community" .
For more information to get an advance reservation, please
call the Playhouse at 330-836-2626 ext. 12.
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