Locals flock to Munster Town Council to preserve The Center for Visual and Performing Arts

MUNSTER, Ind. (March 20, 2024) – One by one they came to the microphone Monday evening to address the Munster Town Council over the future of The Center for Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA).

The Town Council chambers were packed with an estimated 100 people as recent reports have indicated that the School Town of Munster is looking to purchase the property from the Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana, in part to provide new space for administrative offices. The potential purchase has many concerned that it would mean the almost certain end to productions at the Theatre at the Center, art exhibitions and classes at South Shore Arts, and banquet services at the venue.

The Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana is the umbrella organization that oversees all of the Community Healthcare System.

Approximately 20 people shared their personal stories and pleaded with the Council on Monday to do what it can to keep the CVPA (also home to the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra) operating as it has since opening in 1989 at 1040 Ridge Road, which is the former site of Lanier School.

But many more also made their feelings known outside of the Town Council meeting.

“We received 209 public comments electronically,” Munster Clerk-Treasurer Wendy Mis said.

Mis said all comments were in favor of trying to preserve the CVPA.

Public pleadings

Munster resident Sue Cook, a longtime volunteer at the theatre, was among those who came before the Council.

“The people that come through our doors, that we are tending to as ushers, they love the place,” Cook said.

She appealed to the Council members.

“Keep the theatre open for our community, please,” she said.

Maria Arteaga, of Lansing, spoke on behalf of Trama Catering, which handles food services at the CVPA. She serves as manager for Trama Catering and her husband as chef.

She shared how devastating an end to catering services would be to the staff of almost 50 people.

“The joy and love that is felt in our ballroom is priceless,” Arteaga said. “Many of the people in this very room have joined us for weddings, showers, theatre lunches and our popular Sunday brunches.”

She hopes the Town Council will consider how Munster could be affected by the sale of the CVPA.

“Please do all that you can to make sure the legacy of the Center for Visual and Performing Arts will be here for future generations,” Arteaga told the Council.

Lansing resident Pat Kremer has done public relations work for the CVPA in the past and told the Council that each member has a chance to be a hero for not only Munster residents but for for surrounding communities, as well.

“We don’t want to become a cultural desert and that is what would happen,” Kremer said.

Others spoke of the positive effect the CVPA has had on the lives of their children and how closure could hurt property values.

Legacy, education, and ongoing discussions

One man asked the audience if those concerned will also attend the Munster School Board’s next meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m. on April 8 at the School Town’s administration center, to make their views known there.

Some spoke of how an end to the theatre, which presented year-round musicals and plays with professional performers until COVID hit, would be a blow to the legacy of the late Don Powers, who was the driving force behind the CVPA.

“He wanted doctors to consider living out here and the only way he could do that was to build a place that would have a cultural umbrella for art, music, and theatre,” Kremer said.

The theatre reopened after COVID in August 2022 and began doing special events and concert programming but has not resumed its subscription series of five big main stage shows annually.

Town Council President Dave Nellans thanked those who commented at the meeting and those who submitted emails regarding the CVPA.

“We truly value all of the feedback we have received,” Nellans said. “This is a significant issue for our town, its citizens, the School Town of Munster, and the Community Foundation. The Council is currently in the process of gathering information, including community sentiment, and your comments have been invaluable in this regard.”

Contacted prior to Monday’s Town Council meeting, Mis said the Council had not had any formal discussion among its members regarding the possible sale of the CVPA, but said the possibility that the Town of Munster could purchase the property is not out of the question.

“I think we could find ways of funding it,” Mis said.

Mis said the Council has also not had any formal discussion with the School Town of Munster regarding the CVPA but said the town would love to see as much preserved there as possible.

“With the closure of Centennial Park Clubhouse, there’s been ongoing need for that kind of catering service in town,” Mis said. “We’ve heard that from our residents.”

Mis said the CVPA has “been a great asset to Munster” that has drawn people to town.

“It’s a wonderful facility,” Mis said. “The food is fabulous. Our Chamber of Commerce has their regular meetings there. So, yes, it would be great to have that continue. However, the School has got some ideas and I’d love to hear what those are as well and how can we all work together to see, you know, can we have some of the art components there, can we develop the theatre, but can we also meet the need of our education.”

Related

• Munster Town Council receiving input from area residents regarding purchase of Center for Visual and Performing Arts (March 15, 2024)
• Local Voices: Save Munster arts!!! (March 14, 2024)
• Local Voices: Don’t let our art community be toppled (March 14, 2024)