Thanks to a gift recently left to the Bowlus Fine Arts Center, two major projects are slated for its upkeep.
Daniel Kays, Bowlus director, briefed USD 257 board members, who also serve as Bowlus trustees, of his plans to use the vast majority of $160,000 bequeathed by the estate of Marian J. Wilson.
The first, a replacement of an HVAC fan unit that serves the auditorium, will cost approximately $145,000. The current unit, at 56 years old, is well past the average service life of 25 years. What’s more, in its current state the unit’s fan is so wobbly it is unable to run at full capacity. Design Mechanical, Inc. of Kansas City will provide a complete unit replacement along with ductwork and piping.
The second project will allow for the Bowlus to function on its own digital network, as opposed to relying on the school district’s. Advantage Computer Enterprises will complete the installation and create a network room in one of the center’s closets. The project is expected to cost $10,600.
Another capital project slated for next year will include replacing the leaning ladder observed on the roof of the Bowlus with a new ladder that’s more secure and less visible to passerby. Hofer & Hofer has been approved to handle the project, which was approved last year and thus involves no new funding.
Board members unanimously voted to support the fine art center’s budget for the coming year.
Kays told trustees the upcoming school year is replete with programs. To date, 23 have been scheduled. Such a full calendar, which will also include a hybrid in-person/virtual relaunch of the Buster Keaton Festival this September, represents an ambitious effort to get patrons back to filling seats. Kays wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I’m excited to return to a new chapter after such a dark chapter we have all just finished living through,” said Kays. “Our expectations for ticket sales are very conservative, but we will do our best to encourage people to return back to the arts and back to experiencing something together as a community here at the Bowlus. We’ll do everything in our power to make it as welcoming and enjoyable an experience as possible.”
The work to capture such energy and vision will continue this Friday, as the board will join Kays and the Bowlus commission for a full-day retreat at Casa Somerset in Paola. The retreat will allow for members to brainstorm for the future and improve communication. Katrina Springer, Iola, will be the rookie at the table; she was introduced to the board Monday as the newest member of Bowlus commission.
