Performing Arts Center: West Texas Gem To Arrive in 2012
Anyone who has made the 30-minute drive to Odessa lately or driven to the airport has noticed a very tall and sweeping structure coming out of the desert, almost exactly between Midland and Odessa that you just can’t miss. For those of you who are wondering what that structure is going to be, it is to become our new state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center, a great example of what the two cities can accomplish when they work together.
This may shock all of our readers, but Midland and Odessa, the home of Friday Night Lights, are not necessarily places known for their commitment to the arts. But like most stereotypes, looks can be deceiving. I know from personal experience that the music education I received growing up here was top notch, and I have no reason to believe that years later it does not remain so to this day. I know that in Midland alone we have the impressive Midland-Odessa Symphony & Chorale, Midland Community Theatre, Arts Assembly of Midland, Midland Arts Association, Museum of the Southwest, the Midland Festival Ballet, not to mention various dance studios, local bands, and the improv groups who perform at the Yucca Theatre. Midland herself is the home to two world-famous and accomplished opera singers (Susan Graham and Heather Johnson Watts). Every year, Midlanders can look forward to the Celebration of the Arts, Septemberfest, Midland City Limits, and the Summer Lawn Concerts at the Museum. Just 3 weeks ago we went to a museum exhibit gallery opening here, something I never quite managed to get around to doing when living in D.C., or Houston, or Austin. That’s not to even mention what Midland’s neighboring area and West Texas towns have given to the world: Buddy Holly, Bob Wills, Roy Orbison, just to name a few; the art communities of Alpine and Marfa; the fantastic Globe Theatre replica in Odessa. We even count, just among our own Midland friends, a fantastic writer, an accomplished photographer, and a talented painter.
Unfortunately, while uninformed and ignorant stereotypes will always be a part of life, finally we West Texans will be able to show the world that yes, we do care about the arts, and we are proud of it. Thanks to those people who have made this Performing Arts Center a reality, and we are looking forward to 2012.
Ground broken on Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center
http://www.utpb.edu/media-1/groundbreaking-for-wagner-noel-performing-arts-center/