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 Ge**er. Scotti Merrill, the Ge**er’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: Sandy Siegel - Chairperson, Ken DeLaat - Vice-Chair, Sandy Williams - Secretary, Jodi DeKuiper - Treasurer, Mary Anderson, Terrie Ortwein, Charles Chandler, Deb Reinhold, Jamie Denslow, Sherrie Harris, Drew Robinson, and Danielle Merrill - Ex-Officio. Over the past few years Rumer Willis, Mandy Barnett, Tiffany, Crystal Bowersox, Hilary Kole, The Accidentals, Rory Block, Aquila Theatre, Joshua Davis, Harpeth Rising, Sarah Potenza, Satellite Collective, Jeff Daniels, Matt Giraurd, Judy Collins, The Ragbirds, Cashore Marionettes, Dogwood Summer Youth Theater, Raion Taiko Drumming, Grand Rapids Ballet, Drew Nelson, The Acting Company of New York, Dave Bennett Sextet, Kari Lynch Band, Braunschweiger Blues Band, Delilah DeWylde, Crane Wives, An Dro, Verve Pipe, Chris Smither, Grand Rapids Symphony, Eisenhower Dance Ensemble, Chris Smither, Kathy Lamar, Watching for Foxes, Nebraska Theatre Caravan’s “A Christmas Carol”, Vincent Hayes Project, Ralston Bowles, Edye Evans Hyde, Kenny White, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Empire Brass, Mark O-Connor, Janis Ian, and John Berry all performed at the Dogwood plus much, much more!
