Fine Arts Center dedicated in honor of DeVitt sisters

by Andy Garvin, news editor

The Helen DeVitt Jones Theatre for the Performing Arts was filled with the sounds of several talented artists during the formal dedication of the Christine DeVitt Fine Arts Center, Jones Theatre, and the Vickie Wilks Wisian Recital Hall.

The evening, held on Nov. 15, kicked-off with a reception held in the DeVitt Fine Arts Center, which include food and refreshments. The South Plains College Gala Performance followed the reception, with Dan Nazworth, instructor in theatre arts, serving as master of ceremonies.

Nancy Carr, a well-known artist who attended SPC during the 1960’s, attended and greeted visitors during the pre-dedication reception. Carr’s paintings hang in the new Art Gallery, along with the Marjorie M. Post Art Collection. The Post collection, donated in 1966, has been valued around $1 million, according to Jon Johnson, chairperson of the Fine Arts Department at SPC. A second donation in 1968 expanded the collection. The official opening of the Art Gallery was held on Nov. 9, and a reception was held in Carr’s honor in the building’s Foyer.

“I have always followed my passion for painting,” Carr said. “When you write, paint, or sing, you are constantly following your passion, and I was lucky enough to study with a number of fine artists, including the instructors at SPC.”

Carr studied art under the tutelage of the late watercolorist and Fine Arts Depatrtment chairperson, Don Stroud. Stroud started the Fine Arts Department at SPC, and created a mosiac when the foyer was added.

Carr was elected as a Signature Member of the American Watercolor Society in 2005. The AWS limits this prestigous membership to the top 400 watercolorists in the nation.

Dr. Kelvin Sharp, president of SPC, began the dedication ceremony by welcoming attendees. Members of the SPC Board of Regents who attended the event were introduced, and several special guests who have served as partners, supporting the college during the remodeling and renovating, were recognized.

The Fine Arts Department presented a faculty recital featuring performances by Gary Hudson, Hye-Gyung Ji, Donna Ham, Al Gardner, Lynda Reid, Bruce Keeling, Johnson, Sally Barfield, Wilma Rhyne, and Ruby Moultrie.

Don Graf, executive director of the CH Foundation, and Jim Arnold, executive director of the Helen Jones Foundation, spoke briefly about the importance of the SPC Fine Arts Department, and the gratitude the foundations express toward the community.

“The piano played during the performances was purchased with grant money donated by the Jones Foundation,” said Johnson, professor of music at SPC. “This grant was in addition to the Building grant, and also included the purchase of three new practice pianos. Mr. Arnold commented to me how pleased he was to see pianos in the practice rooms for student use.”

Vickie Wilks Wisian, a Post High School graduate who attended SPC in the fall of 1965, spoke about her story and the stepping stones that led her to SPC. Wisian said that most people only know half of the story, and informed the audience about how, at age 16, she arrived on the Levelland campus following a tragic accident that took the life of a young child. The incident haunted Wisian who, through Harlan Bulls, finally found peace at SPC.

“Mr. Bulls guided me and showed me I had a huge range, from high soprano to contralto, and gave me the skills to go along with my musical gift,” Wisian said. “Mrs. Bulls also had a big impact on me and the music department. They were a team.”

Wisian shares her motivation through scholarships honoring Harlan and Anne Bulls in recognition of the inspiration and impact the couple had on her life. Wisian also spoke about her children’s paths through SPC.

Wisian sang in the College Choir and received a scholarship to perform with an all-women ensemble dubbed the “Sextettes.” The group travelled the area performing at high schools and other events, and for Texas Governor John Connally in Austin.

“She had a great experience with the Fine Arts Department,” said Johnson. “She enjoyed her college years here and wanted to support us. She’s very gracious.”

Mike Box, chairman of the SPC Board of Regents, read a proclamation on behalf of the Regents thanking the benefactors for their contributions, time, and support of the college.

The unveiling of a portrait of sisters Christine DeVitt and Helen DeVitt Jones was witnessed by more than 200 attendees. The portait of the sisters will hang in the Foyer of the Fine Arts Building. A portrait of Wisian hangs in the Wisian Recital Hall in honor of her generosity to SPC.

Dr. Sharp made closing remarks, and a performance by the South Plains College Concert Choir, and Moultrie, assistant professor of music, concluded the evening.

The month-long celebration in recognition of the renovations of the DeVitt Fine Arts Center and the Jones Theatre will conclude with a theatre production after Thanksgiving break. The play is titled “Curious Savage,” and will be staged Dec. 4 through Dec. 7.

Photos by Andy Garvin/Plainsman press