Long before the Holland Theatre’s sparkling marquee once again lit downtown Bellefontaine, before state-of-the-art sound systems, packed performances, and standing ovations filled the historic venue, community members fought to save a building many feared could be lost forever.

Friday night, July 10, that same spirit filled the historic theater once again.

Hundreds gathered for the Art Upstairs Gala, an evening of music, food, fellowship, and generosity aimed at transforming the theater’s neglected second floor into a vibrant arts center for Logan County youth and community programming. By the end of the evening, supporters had pushed fundraising efforts to approximately $440,000 toward the project’s initial $450,000 goal.

For many in attendance, however, the night represented much more than dollars raised.

It was another chapter in the community’s ongoing promise to protect and grow one of Logan County’s most treasured landmarks.

“There were so many here with giving hearts, caring about our youth, caring about the arts and it showed this evening,” said Jennifer Davis, co-director of LoCo Art. “We really felt the love and support from the community here at the Holland Theatre.”

The vision for the upstairs space extends far beyond renovations. Plans call for a shared arts center where LoCo Art can expand youth programming, Windmill Productions can rehearse, artists can gather, and new creative opportunities can blossom under one roof.

“We’ll be able to use that for LoCo Art productions as well,” Davis said. “The whole theater will be able to use the space for rehearsals, so we’ll be a shared community art center-type space.”