Kirkland Fine Arts Center is located on the Millikin University campus just off of Hwy 48 in Decatur, Illinois. Since its grand opening in 1969, Kirkland Fine Arts Center has played an integral part in continuing the arts in Decatur and central Illinois. The Center is home to a 1,903 seat auditorium and houses several music and choral facilities, lecture halls, art galleries, and other multipurpose rooms. Kirkland Fine Arts Center has brought in many nationally acclaimed musical tours including Rent, 42nd Street, Greese, Godspell, Side by Side, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, and many others. World renowned entertainers such as Trace Adkins, Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, Little Richard, Vicki Lawrence, and others have also performed at the Center. For a full list of past Kirkland events click here.
About the Benefactor:
Kirkland Fine Arts Center is named after Eva and Ernest Kirkland. Ernest Kirkland was the owner of a Decatur pharmaceutical company. When Ernest passed away, his wife Eva took over the company with flourishing success. Years later, Eva’s health began to fail and she was forced to sell the company in the early 1960’s. $500,000 from the sale of the company was given to the Kirkland Fine Arts Center build project. After she passed away, another $100,000 from her estate was given to Millikin University for continuing the arts and education. She also gave money to build a cancer wing at the Decatur Memorial hospital.
Eva Kirkland was permanently hospitalized during the construction of the center, but was able to attend the opening gala in 1969 along with many of the following music and theatre events. With the help of private nurses and Kirkland staff members, Eva enjoyed many Kirkland Fine Arts Center events. She met such personalities as Pete Fountain and Duke Ellington. Because of Eva’s devotion to the arts, Millikin University, and Decatur, Kirkland Fine Arts Center has blessed the Decatur community with years of entertainment. Both Eva and Ernest Kirkland’s portraits are hung in the Center just off the main foyer.
About the Staff:
Barry Pearson- Director (2005-Present)
Shilling Hall, Room 211 217.362.6499
Barry Pearson is Director of Kirkland Fine Arts Center and Associate Professor and Dean of the College of Fine Arts at Millikin University. He holds a Masters of Fine Arts from Indiana University in Directing. He has directed professionally throughout the Midwest. Barry has been at Millikin University for 18 years and as the Director of Kirkland for three.
Bryan Diver- Technical Director (1996-Present)
Kirkland, Room 205 217.424.6341
Bryan has facilitated and produced over 650 events since becoming the Technical Director (TD) for Kirkland Fine Arts Center. In his capacity as TD, he serves as chief resident technician for all Fine Arts and Series events and is also responsible for maintaining the physical plant of the Center. A theatrical designer, Diver received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Scenic Design from the University of Illinois and an Associate Arts degree from Illinois Central College. He was an assistant designer with the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, Illinois.
Sarah May- Assistant Technical Director (2002-Present)
Kirkland, Room 113 217.424.6224
Sarah’s responsibilities support the technical functions of the Center for all performances including the Performing Arts Series, College of Fine Arts events, and other student and community uses. Sarah is a graduate of Millikin University and also holds the position of Production Manager for the Department of Theatre & Dance.
Jan Traughber- Patron Relations & Box Office Manager (1999-Present)
Kirkland Box Office 217.424.6318
Jan has over nineteen years of experience as a business manager and supervisor. As the Box Office and Patrons Relations Manager at Kirkland she is responsible for subscription and single ticket sales for the Series, as well as handling ticket sales for the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra and College of Fine Arts productions. Jan oversees the box office and front of house staff for the facility. Additionally, she spearheads Kirkland’s patron relations area by organizing and hosting the handful of customer appreciation events the Center holds annually and is available to handle patron concerns at almost all Kirkland events.
Mary Lynn Arnold- Events Coordinator (2003-Present)
Kirkland, Room 115 217.424.6227
Mary Lynn is responsible for scheduling the many and varied facilities housed within the Kirkland Fine Arts Center. She tracks all events, schedules rooms, and interfaces with outside clients to insure clients’ needs are met. Mary Lynn handles over 1,000 building uses per year, and maintains the information flow for all users of the Center. Mrs. Arnold also maintains budgeting for the half-dozen accounts under the jurisdiction of the Kirkland Fine Arts Center. She also holds the position of Department Secretary for Art at Millikin.
B.J. Warren- Marketing Coordinator (2007-Present)
Shilling Hall, Room 211 217.362.6499
B.J. is a recent graduate of Millikin University holding a B.F.A. in Theatre Administration and oversees marketing and media related activities for the Center including program design, advertising campaigns, and Center presentations. Mr. Warren also assists in planning and execution of KirkOut events. Grant proposals for the Center are compiled and partially composed by B.J. He also holds the position of Administrative Assistant to the Dean of the College of FIne Arts and Director of Kirkland FIne Arts Center.
What People are Saying:
“Kirkland enriches the Decatur Community adding to its quality of life. There is something for everyone and every taste at Kirkland and a place you can feel good about taking your children.”
- Millikin University President, Doug Zemke
“Kirkland Fine Arts Center and Millikin University programs are great assets to the Decatur community. We’re proud to recommend Kirkland’s excellent programs to thousands of visitors who attend conferences and meetings in Decatur each year.”
-Decatur Convention and Visitors Bureau
“THUMBS UP! To the Kirkland Fine Arts Center for taking a new approach to entertainment and education that will give audiences that chance to move beyond the stage. The new program, called KirkOut, will give people a chance to connect to an event in a larger fashion.”
-Decatur Herald & Review
About Our Sponsors:
The Kirkland Fine Arts Center would like to thank its sponsors. Their continued support makes it possible for us all to engage in the arts, engage in our passions, engage it all.
Facebook:
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