While funding for the new Goldfarb Center for the Performing Arts has chiefly come from the Capital Development Board via Gov. J.B. Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois initiative, it's the generosity of donors that is bringing beauty, programming and additional resources to the center.
One donor, alumna Lorraine Epperson of Macomb, who, along with her late husband and WIU alumnus Kenneth, pledged a seven-figure gift in 2013 for the center. The main 5,000-square-foot lobby, also known as the 'gallery walk' that leads to the Arts Quad on the east side of the building, is named after the Macomb couple. The lobby floor will feature an original poured terrazzo floor, which is made of a composite material consisting of a mixture of marble, quartz, granite, glass or other aggregate chips and bound with cement or polymer, by artist Angela Bryant. The project is part of Illinois' Art in Architecture program.
Lorraine, who turned 99 earlier this year, got her firsthand look at the center Oct.
7 when GCPA Director Anne Lefter and other College of Fine Arts and Communication administrators gave her a personalized 'golf cart' tour of the structure's interior.
'It was such a thrill to think that finally, finally this is a reality. Walking onto the stage in The Great Hall was unbelievable and to think of the performances that will be held there, the variety and what can be done in that space is simply amazing,' Epperson said. 'You can tell a lot of planning went into this to make everything come together. And seeing where the orchestra pit could be lowered and raised {in The Great Hall}, and to look around to see the different seating and the set-up, it's just something else. I can envision what wonderful events we will have. It is just such a thrill to see a new building on campus.'
Epperson noted that the new center also opens up many more opportunities for a variety of events and performances coming into this part of the state.
'This center is meant for western Illinois,' she added. 'The impact it will have on our community and the region is so expansive. There are so many possibilities.'
Other major donors include Tate Lindahl, a retired WIU administrator and Macomb resident, who, in 2011, arranged for a seven-figure bequest in his estate plans to benefit the Goldfarb Center, and Herb and Nancy Strong of Macomb, who funded the donation of the Herb and Nancy Strong Steinway Concert Grand Piano, which will reside in the center. The reception/VIP room on the west side has been named in honor of the late Melissa Inman, who was involved in the Bureau of Cultural Affairs at WIU and other local art initiatives, and one of the dance studios has been named in honor of Mo Miner, a dancer and the daughter of Jim Miner, and the late Suzi Miner, of Macomb.
As mentioned in the main update story, WIU President Emeritus Al Goldfarb, and his wife, Elaine, made a major gift commitment with the Alvin Goldfarb Endowment for Performing Arts Excellence, which supports the new Master of Fine Arts in Arts Leadership graduate program, as well as artistic programming for the Goldfarb Center through scholarships, artist fees and other direct expenses. He has also established a planned gift with the WIU Foundation, furthering the future success of the Goldfarb Center by donating 50 percent of the royalties from the sales of three theatre history textbooks.
The GCPA has other naming opportunities still available throughout the facility, including the main performance venues, rehearsal spaces, box seating areas in The Great Hall, dressing rooms and more. Additionally, individuals may contribute to naming a seat (or seats) in The Great Hall ($250 donation/seat). To view all naming opportunities or for more information about the Seat Campaign, visit wiu. edu/cofac/gcpa/namingopportunity.php.
Pictured, from the left: Interim President Kristi Mindrup, Elaine Goldfarb, President Emeritus Al Goldfarb, & the late Billy Clow, College of Fine Arts and Communication Dean.
Tate Lindahl
