FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Springfield, MO. (April 26, 2017) – The Springfield Art Museum is thrilled to announce that it has secured $10,000 in matching gift funds to the “Revamp the Amp” campaign, the Museum’s fundraising project for this year’s Give Ozarks on May 9.
These funds will provide for restoration work on the Museum’s outdoor amphitheater, constructed in 1936 as a part of the Work Progress Administration - which will celebrate its 84th anniversary on May 6 – and adorned by the columns that once flanked the entrance to the Colonial Hotel on Route 66, this historic outdoor performance space is a treasured part of the Phelps Grove Neighborhood, and the larger Springfield community.
The last repair work the amphitheater received was in 1989. Now after almost 30 years of weathering, wear and tear, and public use, much of the failing concrete needs to be replaced. In addition, the amphitheater needs greater accessibility to performers who are differently-abled, safety handrails, outdoor lighting and sound equipment, and commemorative signage. These upgrades will not only highlight and honor this landmark's history, but will increase its usefulness to the community.
Groups like the Actors Theatre of Missouri utilize this space to produce free Shakespeare performances during the summer and the Phelps Grove Neighborhood Association uses the space for their "Phelps Helps" Concert Series. The amphitheater is also a popular wedding and photography venue, serving as the site for Steven Spencer's "A Great Day in Springfield," bringing together over 200 local musicians to create an homage to the historic photograph of NYC jazz musicians entitled "A Great Day in Harlem."
Museum Director Nick Nelson notes, “On behalf of the Museum, I want to thank the members of Art Mosaic One, a Museum volunteer support group, for their incredible efforts in putting together this generous package of matching gifts. Because of their work, every dollar donated on Give Ozarks, up the $10,000, will be doubled. Not only does this create tremendous energy around our project, it also shows that the community is invested in the repair work.”
Matching gift donors include: Anonymous, Sally Scheid, Art Mosaic One, Dr. Lynn & Betty Carlton, Reliable Superstore, Southwest Missouri Museum Associates, Spencer Fane, Kathy Binkley, State Farm Insurance, Eclectics Art Group, Waverly House, Xi Nu Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, and the Creative Crafts Art Group.
Give Ozarks is a 24 hour online telethon-style day of charitable giving hosted by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. Since its creation in 2015, it has helped nonprofits across southwest Missouri raise over $2 million for project-specific support, general operating support, or the creation of endowments. Online donations on May 9 automatically enter participating organizations into hourly drawings for over $100,000 in additional prize money.
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The Springfield Art Museum is Springfield, Missouri’s oldest cultural institution, founded in 1928. A department of the City of Springfield, we are dedicated to enhancing the education and documenting the cultural heritage of the people of southwest Missouri through the collection, preservation, and exhibition of art objects. For more information, please visit www.sgfmuseum.org. For more information, please contact Joshua Best, Development and Marketing Coordinator, (417) 874-2859 or jbest@springfieldmo.gov