The mission of the Dogwood Center for the Performing Arts is to provide a welcoming environment where people can enjoy variety of arts, entertainment, and educational opportunities. 
The opening of the $7 million dollar facility in July 2002 was a fulfillment of a dream that began with Dan and Dorothy Gerber. Scotti Merrill, the Gerber’s daughter, and long-time family friend Ted Johnson spearheaded the effort by forming the Art Center for Newaygo County, a non-profit organization dedicated to planning, building, and maintaining the Dogwood Center. Through grants from the Fremont Area Community Foundation and very generous gifts from community members, the Dogwood Center now is an incredible cultural venue and resource for the entire area.
The Dogwood Center provides exceptional quality programs. In 2009, Dogwood Community Theater, Perugino String Quartet, Fred Garbo’s Inflatable Theater, Fonn Mor, Foreign Film Series, Yuki and Tomoko Mack Duo Pianists, Kalamazoo Ringers, Braunschweiger Blues Band, Ballet Folklorico “Quetzalli”, The Ragbirds, Grand Rapids Women’s Chorus, classical guitarist Paul Vondiziano, The Chenille Sisters, Billy Jonas, Harry Goldson’s Big Band, Kathy Lamar, Dutch Henry, Vincent Hayes Project, Tommy Sands, vocalist Ann Kraley, Tom Cordle, Kathy Kosins, Greensky Bluegrass, Don Middlebrook and Living Soul, Dillonaires, Â magician Baffling Bill, ragtimist Bob Milne, Blue Dahlia, Big Daddy Fox, gospel singers Dixie Melody Boys, pianist Daniel Franklin Smith, The Drifters, and John Berry all performed at the Dogwood plus much, much more!
The dedicated community members who serve as the Board of Directors include: Sherrie Harris, Chairperson, Don Henry, Vice-Chair, Andy Lofgren, Treasurer, Tracy Myers, Secretary, Lori Tubbergan Clark, Karen Kroll, Jim Rynberg, Brenda Huckins-Bonter, David Scripps, Martha Kallenbach, Joy Meiser-Mendis, Rita Rodriquez, and Danielle Merrill, Ex-Officio.
