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 dedicated community members who serve as the Board of Directors include: Sherrie Harris - Chairperson, Don Henry -Vice-Chair, Andy Lofgren - Treasurer, Jack Long - Secretary, Lori Tubbergan Clark, Karen Kroll, Jim Rynberg, Brenda Huckins-Bonter, Martha Kallenbach, Rita Rodriquez, Mary Anderson, Terrie Ortwein, and Danielle Merrill - Ex-Officio.
The Dogwood Center provides exceptional quality programs. Over the past year Judy Collins, Dogwood Summer Youth Theater, Grand Rapids Ballet, Drew Nelson, Braunschweiger Blues Band, Tom Cordle, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp Faculty Winds, An Dro, Verve Pipe, Chris Smither, Grand Rapids Symphony, Freddie Cunningham and Root Doctor, Vincent Hayes Project, “Satellite” with members of the New York City Ballet, Edye Evans Hyde, Glenn Miller Orchestra, and John Berry all performed at the Dogwood plus much, much more!
