The facility will be home for Bremen City School students providing space for performances and accommodating various band classes. Built by R.K. Redding Construction, the Arts Center houses a performing arts stage, education rooms and a fine arts lobby and gallery – all for student and community-wide use.
“Hamilton-McPherson Fine Arts Center is a culmination of the community coming together to build a facility that will impact our children for generations to come,” said David Hicks, Bremen City Schools Superintendent. “The possibilities in this venue are endless for our students, including fine arts exhibits, theater, mock trial, band performances, competitions and more, that weren’t previously easily achieved for us with current facilities.”
The ribbon cutting opened with a performance by the Bremen Blue Devil Marching Band and was followed by the official ceremony emceed by Haralson County Chamber of Commerce President Jennie English.
“Our community is extremely blessed to see the dream of the McPherson family come to fruition,” said English. “Not only will students be able to enjoy a magnificent facility, but the opportunities for this community to benefit from such a fine center are phenomenal.”
Thursday evening, the celebration of the opening of The Hamilton-McPherson Center continued with a star-studded inaugural program featuring various alumni from throughout the school’s history. Attendees were entertained by a variety of fine arts presentations, including second grade students from H.A. Jones Elementary performing “The Bremen Town Musicians,” members of the BHS Musical Group, and a preview of this year’s one-act play.
“Our students have always been deeply engaged in all aspects of performance,” said Monica Turner, BHS Drama director. “But with the opening of this facility, they have now gained access to a new world of technology increasing their real-world exposure and educational opportunities.”
The stage was also christened by a plethora of returning alumni, including Randall Redding, Class of 1972; Leah Cheshier, reigning Miss Blue Devil; Robert Boggs, Class of 1940; Harry House, Class of 1979; and Sonjia Smith and Carol Murphy, Class of 1982.
A special presentation was made to Mrs. Jewel McPherson in appreciation for the generous donation that made the facility possible.
“Several years ago, I received a phone call out of the blue from then Superintendent Stanley McCain telling me that a significant donation had been made in memory of Charlie McPherson,” said Dave Pollard, chairman of the Bremen Educational Foundation. “The building we are sitting in now is the direct result of that contribution and will not only be a great asset to the school system, but to the community as well for future generations.”
Last Friday, Mrs. McPherson served as one of the 2012 BHS Homecoming Parade Grand Marshals along with Stanley McCain and Janis Parrish, school administrators that played an integral role in the building of the Hamilton-McPherson Fine Arts Center.
“The Arts Center will be looking for community support throughout the year in terms of volunteers to assist with some of our events,” said Hicks. “In addition, while we have received substantial support from the McPherson family and other community members, we will have an ongoing need for donations and sponsors to help support our growth.”
To find out more about events scheduled for the facility, donations and sponsorship opportunities, and booking policies, please visit http://finearts.bremencs.com or email david.hicks@bremencs.com.
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