Myles Reif Performing Arts Center

For a city of its size, Grand Rapids, Minnesota stands apart for its support of dance, theater, music, and popular entertainment. As a result of years of dreams, dedication, and hard work - people throughout Northern Minnesota, during the past 25 years, have had the opportunity to enjoy some of the best talent in the world.

Nearly 45 years ago, the dream began as a group known as the Performing Arts Council. Concurrently, groups such as the Grand Rapids Players, Grand Rapids Showboat, Blandin Chorus, and others helped to bring the performing arts to the forefront. The very existence of the Reif Center, today, is a testimony of the community support that has and continues to nurture and provide a stage for performing arts in Northern Minnesota today.

Myles Reif was a general manager and plant manager of the Blandin Paper Company. He later became President of Blandin Paper and his civic leadership played a significant role in the development of the Blandin Foundation. It was Myle's suggestion to bring together an Arts Building project and a new High School Building project. The advantage was to combine the community's utilization of a new arts facility on the site of a new high school. Myles Reif, Lois Guildemeister and others approached the school board and the concept was eventually approved.

After incredible support by the Blandin Foundation, the School District and the Grand Rapids Community, construction began. Unfortunately, Myles Reif did not live to see the building completed. Because of Myles' involvement and his unwavering support of the new construction, the center was dedicated in his name at the opening ceremonies on January 31, 1981. Lois Guildemeister was the emcee, John Reif, son of Myles Reif, gave presentation remarks, and Dr. James Sauter accepted the Reif Performing Arts Center on behalf of School District #318.

Twenty-five years may seem like a long time. Yet, Myles Reif is still probably making a statement that, "this is just the beginning." Thank you, Myles.

--The above is based on excerpts of "A History of the Reif Center", authored by Dick Gustafson