Sen. Hottinger, Rep. Kick and Rep. Brett Hillyer among state officials at HCA opening

BERLIN - Holmes County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau Director Tiffany Gerber summed up the new Holmes Center for the Arts building in Berlin as not only an amazing addition to the business community, but also for area tourism.

More:Ashland County-West Holmes Career Center make the burial flag display cases

"It always amazes me how this community comes together," Gerber said. "It's not always that a new attraction or business opens that checks marks on both sides, but this does that. It truly adds to the quality of life for the community in general, education opportunities, and also plans to incorporate arts programs for visitors. If you live here, do business here or visit here, Holmes Center for the Arts meets the needs for all of these."

HCA Excecutive Director Holley Johnson welcomed everyone to the new home for the arts in Holmes County.

"We've been blessed by all of you here today, and many who could not be here today, for your overwhelming support of the Holmes Center for the Arts," Johnson said. "Without you, this building would not be possible. We are excited about every aspect of this building. But we know, like you do, that this is more than a building. This is a place where people will come together for generations to learn, create, tell stories and grow through music, art, dance and theater.

Holmes Center for the Arts building community and enriching lives

"This is a place where community is built and lives are enriched, no matter an individual's social or economic background," she continued. "In addition to our regular classes, we seek to reach the under-served through our programming for the elderly, disabled, those in financial need and those in our after-school programs for our at-risk teens, We have no desire to change Holmes County, only to use our gifts, our talents and this building for the good of those around us."

Johnson thanked the state representatives and other elected officials who she called "truly selfless civil servants."

She thanked the officials who were in office when HCA received capital funding, including Sen. Jay Hottinger, former Rep. Al Landis, former Sen. Larry Obhofff, Rep. Darrell Kick and Rep. Brett Hillyer.

"They understand how a beautiful, spacious art center will enrich this community," she added.

Johnson also thanked the Ohio Mental Health & Addiction Services for their grant, that allows HCA to offer life-changing, pro-social activities for youth, as well as the many individuals and businesses who helped realize the dream of the new building.

"Thank you for understanding the power of the arts, and how consistent adult mentors can have an impact on the lives of our children," she said.

Hottinger pointed out that Johnson is a super articulate advocate and pit bull for Holmes County, who was wonderful to work with during the process of getting funding for the facility.

Sen. Jay Hottinger on the new HCA facility: 'An excellent example'

"I think this is an excellent example of what a community can do by leveraging public and private dollars," Hottinger said. "This is bigger than what I anticipated. When I think of Holmes County, I think of faith, family, friends and I also think of food. With Holley's work and the talented artisans that are here, young and old, from a myriad of skill levels, I think we're going to have to start thinking of Holmes County as a place to celebrate the arts. I know this has been Holley's dream, and you're seeing the fulfillment of her dream today. Congratulations on a beautiful facility."

Hottinger presented a proclamation to Johnson on behalf of the Ohio State Senate.

Holmes County Commissioner Joe Miller, who has been a big supporter of HCA since its formation, said he doesn't know much about the arts, but he does know people.

"A lot of people are satisfied with mediocrity, and there is no mediocrity here," Miller said. "There are also people who want to be served, but this group wants to serve. What they have done here is amazing. We are so blessed to be here in Holmes County."

Kick noted that this is the fun time, after all the work that has been done to get to this point.

"The development and collaboration to make this happen is just phenomenal to see the finished product," Kick said. "The arts require a different skill. We all may have a little bit in us, but some excel at it. It's interesting to a wide range of people, and to see an effort like this, I can see why so many wanted to attend this and are willing to help out."

Holmes Center for the Arts continues to grow and expand the arts

Johnson concluded that HCA is excited to continue to grow and offer more for the community through this space.

HCA Board member Tonya Schlabach commended the work Johnson has done as a leader gathering good people together.

"She's here for the students, she's here for people, she's here for the community," Schlabach said. "You have to be passionate about what you're doing to get something like this off the ground. I love seeing her making the arts an important aspect to our community."

Johnson explained that construction of the HCA building was split into two phases because of the pandemic and a rise in costs of materials. The arts and education spaces became phase 1, and the multi-purpose theater space was phase 2.

Funding still needed for interior of the HCA theater

The theater will be used for performances, galleries, dinner theaters, rehearsals, HCA after-school program for at-risk teens, conferences, quilting bees and other events.

Additional funds still need to be raised to complete the interior of the theater. HCA has raised $608,000 toward the project, but still needs an additional $600,000 to finish it. Interested donors are asked to contact Johnson at 330-473-2879 or holmescenterforthearts@gmail.com. Donations also can be made online at: www.holmescenterforthearts.org/donate.