The mission of the Dogwood Center for the Performing Arts is to be a creative force and community resource providing cultural experiences for Newaygo County and surrounding areas.
The opening of the $7 million dollar facility in July 2002 was a fulfillment of a dream that began with Dan and Dorothy Gerber. Scotti Merrill, the Gerber’s daughter, and long-time family friend Ted Johnson spearheaded the effort by forming the Art Center for Newaygo County, a non-profit organization dedicated to planning, building, and maintaining the Dogwood Center. Through grants from the Fremont Area Community Foundation and very generous gifts from community members, the Dogwood Center now is an incredible cultural venue and resource for the entire area.
The dedicated community members who serve as the Board of Directors include:
- Francis Stankus – Chairperson
- Emily Folkema – Vice-Chair
- Dorothy Paris – Secretary
- Jodi DeKuiper – Treasurer
- Genji Leclair
- Jim Hieftje
- Jeff Duba
- Martha Kallenbach
- Denise Hudson
- Theresa Heger
- Bill Alsover
- Carol Dawson
In grateful recognition of her dedicated service, lasting impact, and unwavering commitment to the Dogwood Center for Performing Arts, the Board of Directors has bestowed Honorary Board Member status posthumously to Danielle Merrill. Dani passed in March 2025 and is greatly missed!
Dogwood Center celebrated its FIRST 20 years in 2022! Click here to enjoy a great retrospective video by former Dogwood Board Member Tracy Streichhirsch!
View and print the current Arts and Culture calendar
The Dogwood Center provides exceptional quality programs. In past 5 years we have had performances by:
- The Grand Rapids Symphony
- Jake Allen
- B2wins
- Thompson Square
- Brian Oberlin
- John Berry
- David Anthony
- Broadway Bootcamp USA
- Brightstar Theatre
- May Erlweine
- Karen Casey
- Charlie Millard Band
- Luke Winslow-King
- Artrageous
- Ryanhood
- Jake Allen
- Presley & Taylor