HOMETOWN HERO

SPRINGFIELD – For Brian Hale, guiding the Bing Arts Center to its potential has been a mission that has been part of his life since 2002.

Although the Bing since its opening in June 2010 has been alive with activities – art exhibitions, music performances, spoken word events, an annual comic book show and classes – there is much left to do.

“I see it more than an art space. It really is a regional thing in my view,” Hale told Reminder Publications. “It’s a unique focal point for arts creators, supporters and consumers.”

Hale has a full-time job – he is the owner of The Design Studio in Indian Orchard – but the Bing has become a second full-time job for him.

His programming reflects his goal of bringing something for nearly every taste to the Bing.

Upcoming events include acclaimed guitarist Peter Blanchette on April 16, a reception for the exhibit of sequential art by Marc Lapierre, Dillon McGuire, Michael Valade and Sabrina Zarema on April 23, an Independent Filmmakers’ Short Film festival on April 30, and a cabaret night on May 12 with Vickie Phillips.

He wants to make the Bing an arts space that is both “welcoming and open” to new ideas as well to make it sustainable. A new movie-making class for children and teens is among the latest efforts to broaden the scope of offerings at the center.

Hale has been able to renovate the front half of the former movie theatre that had been abandoned by its owner, but the auditorium still requires substantial work to be used again. He is currently reviewing options on at least gutting the auditorium as the first step to redesign.

“Nothing has the capacity to bring people together like the arts,” he said.

For more information on the Bing Arts Center, go to www.BingArtsCenter.org.

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