And if arts education stays "low on the totem pole," the Community Arts Center doesn't have much of a future, Moler adds. Additionally, supporting a community arts center goes beyond a one-time financial donation, he says.
"To donate money to the arts center is one thing. ... But it has to be years of support, attending shows, continued financial support. You have to continue to support it, and I don't think this community will do that, based on my experience."
Anthony Haigh, professor of dramatic arts at Centre, believes the Community Arts Center can anchor Main Street because of its prime location downtown. That location likely would draw in people to the arts center.
"It's an excellent idea," he says of the CAC. "Any venue that gives the opportunity for the arts to be expressed, to be engaged with, is important and necessary.
