The arts year in review

For the past few days, I've been working on the arts year-in-review story that will run on Dec. 26.

Perhaps the biggest story was the arrival of 67 Steinway pianos to the Columbus State University Schwob School of Music. A gift of Maxine Schiffman, it was truly an astounding sight to see all those pianos on the Bill Heard Theatre stage.

Another significant event was the transfer of the Singer-Moye Indian Mounds from the Columbus Museum, who has been caring for the sight for more than 40 years, to the University of Georgia, who will use it as a working lab for archaeology students.

Another was Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard, who created the "Tuna" series, allowing the Springer Opera House to be the only theater to tour "Greater Tuna" and "A Tuna Christmas." In the past, only Williams and Sears toured the shows. And the Springer will be the first theater to present the third "Tuna" show, "Red, White and Tuna," in the spring.

And, of course, one of the biggest concerns for all the arts organizations in town is the economy.

Already, the Springer's Paul Pierce said many of the donors are cutting back the amount they're giving this year. Fortunately, attendance is up, but ticket proceeds do not begin to pay for the upkeep of the 137-year-old building.

That's the story for all the other arts organizations as well.

The Liberty Theatre is trying its best to keep the theater open. Managing director Gayle Daniels said while attendance is up, it could be better. So she's collaborating with the Columbus Jazz Society and the Chattahoochee Shakespeare Co. to do more shows there.

Maybe it's time the arts organizations work together and do more collaborating like Gayle's doing. After all, they are all going for the same donors and patrons.

Let me know what you thought the most significant arts event was this year. It'll be interesting to see what you think.