FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- 6/25/10
Morgan Arts Council • Berkeley Springs, WV
www.macicehouse.org
Press contact only: Mary Hott -- 304-258-2300

MORE PHOTOS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST




CAPITO BRINGS BIG CHECK TO ICE HOUSE

BERKELEY SPRINGS, WV ---- U.S. Representative Shelley Moore Capito 
told a crowd of arts supporters in Berkeley Springs on Monday, June 21 
how impressed she was at the progress made on the Ice House since her 
last visit. She backed up her words of encouragement with the 
announcement of an earmarked $200,000 infrastructure grant from the 
Department of Housing and Urban Development.

"You, in your collective energy, vision and fundraising, have really 
grown this facility. I see this as the result of good hard work in a 
way that helps the community in arts, education and economic 
development," the Congresswoman said.

"Build out of the infrastructure which includes bathrooms, air 
conditioning and plumbing systems is key to enabling completion of the 
remaining portion of the second floor and the top two floors," said 
Bob Marggraf, chair of the Ice House building committee. "This check 
today goes a long way to making that possible." The HUD grant allows 
the Morgan Arts Council (MAC), owner of the Ice House, to match the 
remaining portion of a West Virginia Cultural Facilities grant 
obtained five years ago. Added to revenue from the Arts and Elegance 
fundraiser in November, Marggraf hopes to begin work by the end of the 
year with $500,000 in hand.

Jeanne Mozier, chair of MAC's fundraising committee also announced a 
naming opportunity program to help raise the $2 million still needed 
to complete the renovation. Two first floor rooms were named during 
the presentation including the Paradox Room special event space and 
the kitchen. The Paradox Room was purchased by Norberta Schoene and 
Dr. Bill Lands, while Mozier purchased the kitchen in memory of her 
mother, Marge, who was the first donor to the Ice House. Two 
additional rooms were claimed immediately following the event by Jane 
McCloud and Maureen Mylander. "We have 28 opportunities left," said 
Mozier. "including the chance to put a name on the whole Ice House. 
That would only cost $2 million."

Dr. Lands and his Forum for Arts, Sciences and Technology were further 
recognized for a donation of $2000 in professional quality computer 
equipment to be used for MAC's nascent video and music recording 
program. "We'll be using it in our Film and Video Art Camp this 
summer," said Mary Hott, MAC's Executive Director. The third floor of 
the Ice House is designated on plans to be used as an education center.

Local businesswoman Connie Perry, who was instrumental in supporting 
MAC's request to U.S. Silica for the building, was enthusiastic after 
a tour to the upper floors. "The penthouse space on the top floor is 
going to be perfect for special events," she said. Other areas marked 
out include a performance auditorium on the second floor as well as 
expanded gallery space on the first.

The Ice House is a former cold storage building constructed in 1911. 
It was gifted to the Morgan Arts Council in June 1996 by U.S. Silica 
and has been in use as an art center ever since. Nearly $1 million 
has been invested in the building to date. For more information and 
to inquire about the naming opportunities program, call 304-258-2300 
or check online at www.macicehouse.org .