G-H Performing Arts Center well underway

Construction is currently underway at the new Galva-Holstein Performing Arts Center at the Galva-Holstein High school in Holstein. Photo contributed [Click to enlarge]

HOLSTEIN - Despite some persistent rainy conditions, there are initial signs of progress with the construction of the Galva-Holstein Performing Arts Center.

"We are more than a hole in the ground now," said Kathy Breyfogle, the Galva-Holstein Foundation Board president. "From now on we will be able to watch the exterior of our building come together, and we are excited about that. We hope to take a lot of pictures to keep people up to date on how we are doing."

Breyfogle went on to emphasize that a lot of work still lies ahead. "Our next step is to bid out the interior including seats, lighting, curtains and sound equipment. This is critical not only to our audiences, but also to the artists who will perform here. We are finding that many artists have rather complex technical needs for their performances, and we want to accommodate them as best we can."

Other areas need to be explored as well, according to Breyfogle. "We are beginning the process of developing relationships with performers and talent agencies. This will be important to our ability to put the artists we want on our stage. Our survey results have shown a wide variety of interest among our potential customers, and we'll do our best to address that. Our community has shown such great support for us that we want very much to meet or exceed their expectations."

Because of that, the need for financial support for the project is on-going in order to operate the facility and showcase the kinds of entertainment options that people in this area will enjoy.

Muddy mess - Despite persistent rain and a mountain of mud, construction of the exterior of the new Galva-Holstein Performing Arts Center is continuing in Holstein. Photo contributed [Click to enlarge]

Recently, Robert Vollmar made a contribution at the Bronze Level ($1,000-$4,999). Vollmar is a Holstein High School graduate now living in La Jolla, California. In addition, two more seats were sponsored at $1,200 each. The first was by Michael and Rita O'Neill, and the other is in memory of Ted Boysen by Jim and Judy Boysen, the Steve and Linette Meyer family, and the Brian and Deb Colshan family.

To date, 189 seats have been sponsored. "We really appreciate this continuing support," said Breyfogle. "If we can get all 400 of our seats sponsored, we know that we will have one of the finest small entertainment venues in mid America, and it will be right here in our own community."

To find out how to get involved, call the Galva-Holstein School Superintendent's office at 712-368-4353, visit with Kathy Breyfogle at Grandma B's Antiques in Holstein, or contact any of these Foundation Board members: Vickie Heck, Doug Leonard, Gretchen Cooney, Jeanne Freese, Ken Buell, Rita Frahm, Creston Schubert, Bobbi Lamp, Roger Dentlinger, Duane Pearson or Trisha Clausen.