Chandler had a remarkable influence on the development of an opera camp for young talents that has grown into a training program for aspiring professional singers.
This summer, Opera in the Ozarks celebrated its 70th anniversary. The celebration was delayed a year because of COVID-19.
OIO began as Inspiration Point Fine Arts Colony, Henry Hobart’s vision for a summer opera camp. Through his connections as head of the music department, Phillips University granted him property for that purpose near Eureka Springs, Ark.
Starting in 1953, a stream of young Chandler talent went to “The Point,” some even becoming opera directors themselves. Chandler High School choral director Wenonah Williams served 24 years as counsel and eventually became general director.
Jim Swiggart began as a student, went on to direct a band camp at the Point and then was executive director of the opera program for 25 years.
Between 1953 and 1966, 25 students of The Point were from Chandler, with several of them attending multiple summers.
In 1969, Chandler businessman Dewey Curry was executive director, the third director from Chandler.
A brochure with an extensive report on the Chandler connection with Inspiration Point has been produced by Dan Wright, the first person from Chandler to IPFAC. It is available at the Lincoln County Historical Museum.