Couple have made mark on area arts community

Jim and Nike Lagos will receive The Founders’ Award on Friday

Jim and Nike Lagos stand in the renovated marble entry of the Bushnell Building on Thursday. The couple will receive the Clark State Founder's Award. Staff photo by Bill Lackey

Bill Lackey Jim and Nike Lagos stand in the renovated marble entry of the Bushnell Building on Thursday. The couple will receive the Clark State Founder's Award. Staff photo by Bill Lackey

ENLARGE PHOTO

State jobless rate jumps to 10.5 percent
10:12 p.m.
FAA: Cause of flight delays has been cleared up
11/19/09
Computer glitch delaying flights
11/19/09
Villa Springfield wins national BBB award
11/18/09
Report: Ohio should help companies pay for energy conservation
11/18/09
> More headlines

By Elaine Morris Roberts, Staff Writer 8:05 PM Saturday, May 2, 2009

For one local couple, what has become a passion for supporting the local arts community got its start more than 30 years ago when they agreed to help purchase some acoustical devices for a rehearsal room in the basement of Kreig Hall at Wittenberg University.

This year, after 33 years of marriage and as many years helping to bring unique arts offering to Springfield, attorney and commercial property owner Jim Lagos and his wife, Nike Lagos, will receive The Founder’s Award from the Circle of Friends of the Clark State Performing Arts Center on Friday, May 8.

“When Jim and Nike make a commitment, it’s not just financial. They put themselves into it, too. Their loyal generosity to the Performing Arts Center is so greatly appreciated,” said Kris Culp, vice president of advancement at Clark State Community College.

The award, established in 2004, honors those who have contributed significantly to the continued success of the PAC. Recipients receive a sculpture created by local artist Mike Major.

“We’ve given as much as we’ve been able to afford since we’ve been married,” Jim said.

The award identifies specific generosity toward the PAC, but it has been a love of the arts that has inspired Jim and Nike Lagos to give generously to nearly every arts organization in the community.

“It’s just sort of evolved for us. It’s a place to put our energies and efforts that can often be such a neglected area. And, we were both born and raised here, so this is a way to give back to the community that’s given so much to us,” Nike said.

Bringing the best, not necessarily the biggest

The Lagoses often focus on smaller, less mainstream offerings to bring a range of arts experiences to town.

Their appreciation of the work done by so many groups has provided the community with some shows and performances that otherwise would have passed Springfield by, said Stuart Secttor, executive director of the PAC.

Two years ago, Secttor started a dance residency program and has teamed with Thodos Dance Chicago and Dance Kaleidoscope based in Indianapolis. Each year, he takes a group of area dancers to the school for one week, providing an intensive learning experience for those attending.

“We simply could not do this weeklong dance residency without them,” Secttor said.

Springfield StageWorks, the theatre company that recently tackled a production of William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” likely wouldn’t be here without the Lagoses.

In addition to providing the legal know-how to set up the organization, Jim Lagos has given the company use of the State Theatre for performances and offices, free of charge.

“When you have amateur actors from Springfield doing such great things, it’s great to be able to help out in a small way,” Jim Lagos said.

StageWorks founder Larry Coressel sees things a bit differently.

“I don’t think I could have done this without him. ...This is allowing us to get our footing. The State is now our home and when we grow, we’ll start paying utilities. What Jim and Nike do, and not just for us, is incredibly generous. They clearly believe in the arts.,” he said.

A special place

One arts program that holds a special place in the Lagoses collective heart is Project Jericho, an organization which brings a range of artistic opportunities to at-risk youth and their families.

“The program is where it is now because of Jim and his philanthropy. We were at our wit’s end – it was either find a space or end the program,” said Beth Dixon, Project Jericho coordinator at the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center.

Since 2003, Jim Lagos has provided space for the program in one downtown building or another. The Lagoses have also donated money, supplies and tickets to events.

“Project Jericho gives kids a creative outlet so they won’t paint graffiti on our buildings,” Jim Lagos said, lightheartedly, then added, “There were kids (in the program) in serious trouble with the law that went to college. They had zero chance at graduating from high school, but they made it and went on to college,” he said.

Dixon added a bit of necessary detail.

Lagos, she said, made a special connection with a girl who struggled in a drug program. With support and a generous scholarship to Clark State provided in part by the Lagoses, she will graduate with her associate degree in a few weeks.

The Lagoses are proud of what they can help to provide, but humble, too, believing the true impact comes from the art itself.

Having grown up in musical households and never knowing a life without the arts, they see themselves more as facilitators.

“It makes such a difference in their lives,” Nike Lagos said, “but I think the arts make such a difference in everyone’s lives.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0371 or elroberts@coxohio.com.