Facilities
Embarking on its tenth season, the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center continues to house inspired artists and enthusiastic audiences. Over the past decade, thousands of faculty, student, and guest artists have graced the venue, treating patrons to high-quality arts experiences. When the brand-new brick and limestone facility was publicly unveiled in April 1994, the face of campus and the Indianapolis cultural scene was forever changed.
After a $3.5-million naming gift was donated to the University from former student and University trustee Christel DeHaan, plans were made to move forward with the creation of the world-class arts facility. During the planning process, former University president G. Benjamin Lantz Jr. envisioned a campus jewel and wanted the building to become a destination for visitors as well as for the campus community. “We needed a showplace. Something that could convey the image of what the University really was and what it was headed toward,” said Lantz. He also felt that the facility would fill a necessary arts niche in the city, as no other medium-sized performance hall with acoustic excellence existed. DeHaan’s gift made these dreams a reality. “There is no way to overstate the importance of Christel DeHaan’s vision, her appreciation of the arts and the University, as well as the community,” said Lantz.
On April 7, 1994, a grand opening celebration was held at the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center in honor of the new $10.2-million signature building. People walked around in amazement at the facility’s unique architecture, impressive performance hall, and new art gallery lined with works. Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Conductor Laureate and University Artist-in-Residence Raymond Leppard conducted a gala concert in front of a nearly packed house. University alumnus and staff member Peter Noot recalls his reaction as the concert began—“I couldn’t believe this was little Indiana Central,” he said. “When they played the first couple of notes . . . it really drove things home because the sound was so beautiful and it was intimate.”
The acoustic gem of the facility, the Ruth Lilly Performance Hall, has showcased some of the world’s top artists over the past ten years, including the Emerson Quartet, the London Chamber Orchestra, cellist Janos Starker, the Juilliard Quartet, violinist Aaron Rosand, and pianist Olga Kern. “Before 1994 we had stimulating performances on campus, but the Ruth Lilly Performance Hall provided an inviting and rewarding space, both acoustically and visually,” said longtime Music Department faculty member Richard Ratliff. “The existence of a first-class performing space has given students and faculty the unique opportunity to work consistently with Maestro Raymond Leppard as well.” Music Department senior Jana Schreiner recalls her first visit to the Center, on a prospective student tour. “The tour guide, a Music student, sat down at the piano [in the Ruth Lilly Performance Hall] and played on stage for everyone. The acoustics were amazing.” As house manager for the Hall, Shreiner frequently hears the reactions of first-time patrons. “I hear a lot of people saying this is the nicest place they’ve ever been for a concert.”
More than one hundred arts events will fill the 2005–2006 anniversary season at the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center, many of which are free of charge. President-emeritus Lantz expects the positive impact of the Center to keep growing. “Times have changed and people have come to know both the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center and the University in a far better way. Artists as well as the supporters of the arts have enjoyed and relished in the experiences at the Center and will continue to do so.”
William A. Pfaffenberger, Arts Outreach Coordinator
