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September 2021

Access to the Arts
A capital campaign for the enhancement of the
Duson-Hansen Fine Arts Building entrance

The Duson-Hansen Fine Arts Building, which holds the Horton Foote Theatre, sits nestled amongst the oak trees on the east edge of the Wharton County Junior College campus in Wharton, Texas. For many years it has served as a central hub for arts education and cultural enrichment in our community through the annual offerings of artistic performances produced and sponsored by the college’s fine arts department. The Horton Foote Theatre is located within the building at the end of a long sidewalk that patrons travel down each season to attend choir, band and drama performances. The theatre bears the name of Wharton’s own Horton Foote, whose contribution to American Theatre and Film earned him numerous honors and awards, including a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, a place in the history of American Literature.

The WCJC Foundation is dedicated to supporting and expanding the opportunities for local students and residents to enjoy the benefits of this unique space and the performances offered each year. Students in performing arts programs benefit enormously from the opportunity to perform in front of live audiences. The Access to the Arts initiative seeks to enhance the building’s entrance through the development of a driveway and porte cochere that connects the building to Horton Foote Drive, allowing visitors safe and easy access to the building in any weather.

The building’s current configuration has made attendance challenging for many visitors in the past. We believe this enhancement will benefit the students, the college, and the community at large for decades to come by facilitating attendance to performances and events that enrich people’s lives.

This project is anticipated to be completed in Spring 2023.