Harrisburg is home to at least a dozen art galleries where the works of local and visiting artists can be viewed, studied, and purchased. Think you have to travel to the Kennedy Center or New York City for premier classical concerts? The Harrisburg Symphony and Market Square Concerts feature some of the most prominent musicians in the country, right here in Harrisburg. You get big-city entertainment at small town prices. Likewise, for Harrisburg’s theater offerings. Harrisburg Community Theatre (HCT), The Rose Lehrman Arts Center, Open Stage of Harrisburg, and Hershey Theatre are just a few of the fine theatres offering a wide variety of productions including musicals, drama, comedy, and satire. Each day brings new artists and programs as this dynamic community explodes in development. The credit for this explosion of talent belongs to the many committed patrons and artists who dedicate many hours creating, directing, performing, displaying, supporting, and patronizing the numerous arts events which are scheduled throughout the seasons … Some are celebrated for their efforts and some work faithfully behind-the-scenes, seemingly unnoticed. Occasionally, those who work faithfully but quietly and unobtrusively are recognized. Such is the case with two local arts devotees.

On May 1, 1999, the Harrisburg Community Theatre paid homage to WITF, Inc. and two men whose contributions have earned the gratitude of the entire performing arts community. In a Kennedy Center Honors-style ceremony, David Hoffman and Charles Peguese received the Eleventh Annual Arts Award for distinguished service to the arts in the Capital Region. Culture and the arts have influenced these men in their work, their home, and their life’s vision.

When David and Charles greet you at the door of their beautiful Green Street residence, you instantly recognize the old world courtliness and dignity that define both the hosts and their home. Step over the threshold and you enter rooms where old world charm and an eclectic art collection mingle seamlessly. Authentic period furniture is complemented by restored floors and woodwork. The overall impression is that of an old piece of art, faithfully restored and maintained. And indeed, that is the story of this house.

Twenty years ago when David and Charles purchased the house it was a rehab property available for “a song.” Water-stained ceilings and crumbling wallpaper told the story of long years of neglect. But David and Charles saw only possibilities. Even before they made the bid to purchase the house, Charles had already envisioned the removal of walls and doors to create larger more spacious rooms. He knew where select pieces of their joint furniture collection would be positioned. He envisioned a beautiful refuge defined by an extensive collection of art and a library of treasured books and recordings. David pictured stained glass windows, a warm comfortable den, and a gourmet kitchen. Together their visions merged to form a blueprint for a charming and spacious historic residence. Twenty years later, this completed “work of art” has become a cherished site on the Holiday Home Tour. The long hallways are lined with David’s collection of original World War I U.S. Food Administration framed posters. Photos of Charles’s and David’s families rest on table tops. Original artwork of Sam Sneeder and Lebadang add color and surprise to the décor. Subtle notes of classical music drift throughout the rooms and remind visitors of the residents’ shared passion for music.

Both men are avid readers and have had distinguished careers in library science. Both love collecting beautiful pieces of furniture and art. Although David came to Harrisburg by way of his native Texas and Charles hails from center city Philadelphia, each developed an early love for performing and visual arts, particularly classical music. Each credits his parents for the gift of musical appreciation. David cannot remember a time when he didn’t listen to classical music. As a child, he remembers listening to the Bell Telephone Hour and the Voice of Firestone on the family radio. Charles remembers the big bands his mother would listen to as she completed household tasks and the free concerts offered by the Philadelphia Orchestra. David studied piano and music history. Charles confesses to possessing a rather immature knowledge of opera when he met David and he remains impressed by David’s extensive knowledge of classical music and history. Both are admitted “opera fanatics” and have subscribed to the same two Washington Opera Season seats at the Kennedy Center for the past 23 years. They describe the opera as “exhilarating, exciting, passionate.”

Although Charles and David travel frequently to New York to attend the Metropolitan Opera, they agree that the offerings of the greater Harrisburg area are also praiseworthy. The Harrisburg Symphony is outstanding, they say, and Market Square Concerts hosts performers of national acclaim. Charles remembers clearly the first performance he attended at HCT. “It was so professionally done. I said to myself … this is wonderful. I was hooked on it right then and there.” He has since served on the board of HCT, as well as the boards of the Harrisburg Opera Association and the Historic Harrisburg Association. In addition, Charles has chaired the Architectural Review Board for the City of Harrisburg and currently serves as vice-chair of the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority. David has served as a volunteer and supporter of the former station WMSP and WITF, the Harrisburg Symphony Association, and Market Square Concerts.

How have these two men managed to devote so much time to the arts while both directed busy libraries? Dedication and passion are their common responses. Both possess such a strong devotion to the arts that they have sacrificed (although neither would term it a sacrifice) much of their personal time to the development of performing arts in our community. Ask Charles about David’s commitment and he will tell you that David is extraordinarily knowledgeable about music and that David has put that knowledge to practical use. Not content to just patronize the Harrisburg Symphony, David has been intricately involved with its operations. He has shared his vast knowledge base and learned much in return. Most importantly, Charles reports, is the enjoyment and personal fulfillment that David has experienced through his involvement with the Symphony and with Market Square Concerts.

“I am not at all surprised that David has been selected for this prestigious award. In fact, I have been wondering why someone hasn’t recognized him [David] before. He has done so much, always behind the scenes. He has made music his avocation and I would even say his life revolves around music. I am proud to be recognized with David but I believe our award is not being given because of me, but because of David and all he done for this community.”

David describes his co-awardee with equal pride. “Charles has always given an extraordinary amount of his time [to the arts]. When he gets involved, he is always prepared. He attends all meetings, completes all assignments, studies all proposals, and is totally committed to whatever he agrees to give time to — Harrisburg Community Theatre, the Opera. He is a true, caring person.”

You might be wondering how two men who responded so deeply to the arts at such early ages came to work in library science? For David, the answer is that at the time he was making career plans, arts management was not a recognized discipline. If it had been, he thinks he might have followed that path. But his love of art history has been well served by his library career, and his researching skills have made him a valuable asset to the organizations with which he has served.

For Charles, a love for reading led him to visit libraries regularly throughout his youth and to eventually work at a library while a college student. When he completed his Business Administration studies without a clear idea of exactly what he wanted to do with his degree, his library director suggested that he consider library science. Charles returned to school for that degree. He has been happy in his career and now serves as Dean for Instructional Resources at Harrisburg Area Community College. What other career might he have pursued? “Interior design,” he is quick to answer. Charles talents in decorating are apparent throughout his home, from carefully selected wall coverings and furnishings to meticulously arranged pieces of art. Both Charles and David have demonstrated the outstanding dedication and passion for the arts that the HCT award has come to honor.

In her 27 years in the Harrisburg area, Carrie Wissler Thomas, president of the Art Association of Harrisburg, has witnessed the phenomenal expansion of the arts in this community. She describes Charles and David as “the most gentlemanly of men I’ve ever met … such an asset to our city, and to every life they touch … It is because of very dedicated patrons and volunteers like these two men, that the arts are alive and thriving in Harrisburg.” Carrie reports that performing arts have flourished with major theaters and symphony orchestras in Harrisburg and Hershey, several prominent ballet companies, and an ever-growing number of college-sponsored events and shows.

The visual arts have not received the same degree of attention and support provided the performing arts, but still the number of galleries and exhibits in our community continues to increase. The Tangerine Gallery, Susquehanna Art Museum, and the Art Association of Harrisburg are just a few of the sites which offer changing exhibits of area and visiting artists. Art collections are frequently exhibited at Strawberry Square, Penn State Downtown Center, the City Government Atrium, and numerous other area centers. If you are new to the art world, Carrie suggests that you visit the Art Association and pick up a map of the galleries. The Annual Harrisburg Gallery Walk, which is held the second Sunday in September, is always an inspiring and enjoyable event. For details on the Eleventh Annual Gallery Walk and all upcoming arts events, check out EVENTS at the Art Association of Harrisburg on the web at: www.visithhc.com/artassn.html.