We've been at it a long time, over 22 years now. When I think back on how much we've accomplished together, I'm reminded of friends who once were a part of these efforts, as well as so many who undoubtedly benefitted from them who are no longer with us.
It's hard to believe, but I have now been at the Ohnward Fine Arts Center for over 16 years. I am constantly in a state of gratitude with everyone that contributes to our endeavors at the Ohnward Fine Arts Center. We thank our FRIENDS, benefactors and sponsors who make this all possible. Please support those businesses that support us here at the Ohnward Fine Arts Center. Your support sustains us and we are always grateful.
We're so glad you've joined us here tonight. Our mission has always been simple: to celebrate the music we love, the artists who inspired generations, and the unforgettable memories their songs continue to create. Tribute shows give us the chance to honor these legends while sharing the energy, nostalgia, and joy of live music with our community.
Every performer on our stage tonight brings heart, respect, and passion to the music — not just recreating the sound, but recreating the feeling. We invite you to sing along, clap, dance, reminisce, and most importantly, enjoy being here together.
Your presence here supports local artists, technicians, ushers, and the many hands who work behind the scenes to make each performance possible. We're deeply grateful for your continued support and enthusiasm.
We hope tonight brings back wonderful memories — and helps create new ones.
Let's talk a little bit about Rich. Rich did his first play in 6th grade and that is what got him excited about the arts. He performed in shows around Dubuque for years. You may have seen him in productions at Washington Jr. High School or Dubuque Senior High School. He was a member of Thespian Troupe 69. Rich went on to study theater at the University of Northern Iowa. Since then, he became a volunteer at the Grand Opera House in Dubuque where he is now a member of their Hall of Fame. He spent 17 years as their marketing director and then later general manager. In 2007 Rich moved to Mt. Carroll, IL where he became the general manager of Timber Lake Playhouse. Then in 2009 he moved to Maquoketa and has been the executive director of the Ohnward Fine Arts Center ever since. Rich has also appeared in several major motion pictures that were filmed around the Dubuque area including Field of Dreams.
The Mission statement for the Ohnward Fine Arts Center is to provide quality entertainment for audiences and participants through live stage performance and educational experiences in theater arts, to contribute to the cultural climate and economic growth of our community. We provide the structure and resources for a variety of quality theater experiences, work to maximize participation opportunities for a broad spectrum of the community, including all ages and socio-economic groups. The GOH stimulates interest in theater arts through education, outreach and advocacy projects. Our offerings contribute to the local economy through stimulation of tourism, local purchase of goods and services, providing permanent and seasonal employment, and preservation of our historic building as a community resource.
Here is some information about the Ohnward Fine Arts Center. The Ohnward Fine Arts Center is a 29,800 square foot non-profit facility was made possible through private donations, grants and countless volunteer hours. The facility is not just a building but a symbol of the spirit and generosity of people who care. It opened in Dec. 2004.
Special thanks goes out to John Fagerland and Edward Tubbs for generously contributing the matching funds required for the Vision Iowa Grant, thus acquiring naming rights to the facility.
The facility includes the Drew Art Gallery, named for Gary and Marilyn Drew who were the driving force to see the completion of the center. The Kopel Theater, named after Dr. James and Harlene Kopel. They shared in the Drew's vision and contributed a large donation toward the construction. The Kopel Theater is a state-of-the-art facility that offers a 2,450 square foot stage in an auditorium that seats 841.
The Drew Art Gallery provides a 3,600 square foot gallery for exhibitions of original artwork, and doubles as a spacious venue for banquets, receptions and more.
Great things will be happening in 2026. Great things are happening here — we're creating opportunities for artists, inspiring young performers, and building a space where everyone feels welcome. Our stage is becoming a place where stories connect us, challenge us, and remind us why the arts matter.
Lastly, we need to thank of the volunteers who help us here at the Ohnward Fine Arts Center. These shows and events cannot happen without YOU! Volunteers are always needed at the Ohnward Fine Arts Center. By volunteering, people can give something of themselves and make a valuable contribution to the community while perhaps learning new skills and improving their health and well-being. On the flip side, organizations that use volunteers for their operations are equally enthusiastic about what volunteers bring to them.
I hope after seeing what's coming in 2026 you are as excited as we are. I look forward to seeing you at Ohnward for a season that guarantees to be unlike any other! Now please enjoy the show! The Ohnward Fine Arts Center is YOUR theatre for YOUR community!
