Jasper Arts Commission approves multiple facility upgrades, discusses successful season and upcoming events

The Jasper Arts Commission approved seeking quotes for several facility improvements during its monthly meeting, utilizing funds from a special non-reverting account designated for auditorium projects.

Board members unanimously approved requests to seek quotes for upgrading the fire panel system, replacing center lobby doors, and updating landscaping around the auditorium facility. The projects stem from approximately $30,000 to $32,000 in funds that have been sitting unused since 2023, according to discussions with the clerk treasurer’s office.

“We have some funds in a non-reverting account that was specific to the auditorium,” explained Direct Kyle Rupert. “Through conversations with the clerk treasurer’s office, (we) found that those funds have been sitting there since 2023. They’d like to see us use those funds.”

The fire panel upgrade addresses ongoing functionality issues with the current system. “It is old and not user-friendly,” Rupert told the board, describing the existing equipment as “vintage” but “not in a good way.”

The center lobby doors require replacement due to accessibility and safety concerns.

Landscaping improvements would focus on the exterior areas surrounding the building, where gravel and rock have worn away over the years and aging plants need replacement.

Rupert noted these are projects they would like to do, along with a list of smaller projects, but he wanted permission to seek quotes for the larger projects.

The board also approved a $2,000 artist deposit request for a November performance, which falls well below the 50% contract threshold requiring board approval.

Additionally, the commission authorized Rupert to seek quotes for the 2026 exhibit guide, continuing a successful initiative launched last year. The physical guide provides detailed information about artists and exhibitions, classes, workshops, and cultural center activities, distributed through mailing lists, tourism offices, and various city locations.

The arts center reports exceptional performance for its 50th anniversary year. Ticket revenue already exceeds last August’s totals, positioning 2025 as potentially the second-best year on record with it set to surpass last year’s total revenue.

“We are well on our way to having our best year,” the director reported, adding that only one ticket remained for the LeAnne Rimes concert as an example.

Rupert explained that the performances are attracting visitors from across the country, with ticket purchases recorded from New York, North Carolina, and other states. Walk off the Earth, the season opener, represents one of only two U.S. dates for the international act, with the remainder of their tour in Canada and overseas.

“I think I can attribute that to the artists that we do have in our season have a larger area that they draw from,” he said.

He also reported that during Strassenfest, the cultural center welcomed nearly 700 visitors over the four-day period, with approximately 20% visiting during extended hours specifically for the festival.

Current exhibitions continue through the end of August, featuring Kevin Titzer’s large-scale headpiece created entirely from recycled materials collected during his two-week residency in Dubois County, Steve Gerber’s work, and the Art Guild exhibition. The jury show received over 100 submissions, with 41 pieces selected for display.

Educational programming shows strong participation increases over the last year. Summer camp reached capacity in July with 30 campers and a waiting list, compared to 16 participants in June. Fall break camp will focus on David Hockney, the living artist currently featured in a major Paris retrospective.

The department is planning Hispanic Heritage Month programming in collaboration with ALASI and the Jasper Public Library, featuring workshops and cultural opportunities using gallery space.

Facility rentals remain steady with multiple nonprofit and private bookings across the atrium, galleries, black box theater, and workshop spaces.

The Beehive, an annual art festival, has been revamped into a fundraising event that will take place Oct. 24-25. There will be a $50 entry fee on Friday evening and free public access on Saturday. Ten fine art vendors will participate, focusing on pottery, glass items, jewelry, and paintings, with most artists donating pieces for a silent auction.

The Friday evening will feature appetizers available throughout the galleries, and a cash bar to encourage visitors to explore the entire facility. Live entertainment options include full bands or acoustic performances.

Budget discussions continue as the department navigates ongoing conversations about funding levels for the upcoming year. Rupert said that at this point it was difficult to do so because of a lack of information. But if anything, changes will occur in if reductions occur for next year’s season and activities.

“So far it’s not going to be a matter of an elimination of a service that we provide so much as a reduction in to what extent we provide that,” Rupert explained. “From a performance angle, for example, it’s not that we wouldn’t have a show. It would be the artists we’re able to bring in might not be the same because the resources aren’t there to bring them in.”

The commission also heard that a collaborative program with Dubois County PRIDE will bring a poetry writing workshop to the arts center in November.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Sept. 2.