The Ohnward Fine Arts Center is celebrating 22 years of bringing live music, theater, comedy, and the performing arts to the Maquoketa area—and now the nonprofit is asking the community for help securing its future.

The Ohnward Fine Arts Center has received a commitment from an anonymous donor for a $25,000 charitable gift, with one important condition: Ohnward must raise $35,000 in additional donations by December 31, 2026.

If the $35,000 goal is reached, the anonymous donor will fulfill the $25,000 gift.

In other words, every dollar donated toward this campaign helps Ohnward get closer to unlocking an additional $25,000.

“We are extremely grateful for this generous challenge,” said Richard Hall, Executive Director of the Ohnward Fine Arts Center. “This is an opportunity for our community to come together and help ensure that Ohnward remains a strong and vibrant part of the arts community for many years to come.”

The funds raised will help Ohnward address some of the significant expenses involved in maintaining and operating a 22-year-old performing arts facility.

Recently, Ohnward invested more than $15,000 in new gravel for its parking lot. The center’s 58 auditorium lights are outdated and need to be converted to LED lighting, a project estimated to cost approximately $30,000. In addition, one of the building’s heating and air-conditioning units is failing, with repairs expected to exceed $12,000.

At the same time, the cost of utilities, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and other operating expenses continues to increase.

“Like many nonprofit organizations, we work hard to make every dollar count,” Hall said. “But there are expenses that simply cannot be avoided when you are operating and maintaining a performing arts center. This challenge gives our community a chance to make a real difference.”

The Ohnward Fine Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on the generosity of businesses, patrons, friends, and community members. Contributions help provide the resources necessary to maintain the facility and continue bringing quality entertainment and arts programming to the area.

Donations of $25, $50, $100, $500—or any amount—are important. Every contribution moves Ohnward closer to its $35,000 goal and helps unlock the additional $25,000 charitable gift.

But the campaign is about more than maintaining a building.

For 22 years, Ohnward has provided a place where people can gather, enjoy live performances, support local young people, experience theater, listen to great music, laugh together, and create lasting memories.

“We want Ohnward to be here for the next 22 years and beyond,” Hall said. “This is about protecting a place that belongs to our entire community—a place where memories are made and where the performing arts can continue to enrich the lives of the people we serve.”

The Ohnward Fine Arts Center encourages supporters to consider making a tax-deductible contribution before December 31, 2026, and help the organization meet its $35,000 challenge goal.

For more information or to make a contribution, contact:

Richard Hall, Executive Director
Ohnward Fine Arts Center
Maquoketa, Iowa
563-652-9815
di******@*******************er.com

Help Ohnward meet the challenge. Help unlock $25,000. Help secure the future of the Ohnward Fine Arts Center.