For the Love of Art

Something much lovelier than the tang of cow manure was in the air. Yes, we were in the middle of Ohio farm country, but fascinating artwork created from the minds and hands of the area’s gifted artists was waiting to be discovered. The Village of Pemberville had once again been transformed into a town-wide art extravaganza.

Enjoying its seventh year, For the Love of Art was sponsored by the Pemberville Historical Society and area businesses committed to supporting and promoting the arts. The Opera House showcased the visions of area high school students and recent alumni, while local artists displayed their works in shop windows and demonstrated their talents throughout the town.

The designs presented by the young artists did not disappoint. In fact, we were blown away by the level of their creativeness and enjoyed the exhibition every bit as much as those we’ve seen in large cities. And, as luck would have it, the house manager offered us a behind-the-scenes tour of the beautifully restored Pemberville Opera House which accommodated the event.

Built during the height of the state’s oil boom, it is the oldest operating opera house in Ohio. Completed in 1892 at a cost of $6,000, it boasted seating for 250 and welcomed a myriad of traveling shows; everyone who has ever graced its stage has autographed its walls.

Its “modern stage” offers two trap doors, one on the stage itself and one leading to the scenery loft in the attic, as well as three dressing rooms. The theater features a raked stage (which slopes upward from the footlights so everyone in the audience can see the actors in the back as well) and Old English-style scenery. Sliding a series of flats into grooves suspended from the stage ceiling allows for efficient scene transition. Hand-painted roll-drop curtains are also used to depict picturesque scenes.

The house was popular into the late 1930’s until World War II became the focus of the nation’s attention.  It lay dormant and was used to store town records until the early 1990’s when it recaptured the interest of the Pemberville Historical Society. By 1998 enough funds were raised to start restoration. Thanks to the efforts and countless volunteer hours of a core group, the project was amazingly completed in just 16 months.

Many of the original features of the opera house are intact and still in use today. As we poked around its nooks and crannies, we were transported back some 118 years to a time when entertainment meant no radio, no movies, no television.

We really appreciated the time Jim took to show us around. It was evident that he, like all citizens of Pemberville, is proud of this local treasure.