Pictured are samples of papers from the ceiling and walls of the Delphi Opera House carefully removed by Nashville, Tenn., paper conservator Christine Young as part of a project to analyze the decorative art elements in the theater and entryways. Most of the patterns seen here are from the ceiling in front of the stage where designs were cut into geometric patterns surrounding a large plaster medallion. Nearly 30 different patterns and borders were found on the ceiling. Samples of the other papers await cleaning, mending, and encapsulation in acetate before they can be displayed. Comet photo by Jennifer Archibald Delphi Preservation Society is one of seven arts organizations to share $200,000 in grants funded by North Central Health Services and administered by the Tippecanoe Arts Federation. Grant awards were presented last week.

DPS received $24,800 to finish the interior design plan for the Delphi Opera House restoration and prepare for a capital fundraising campaign. Anita Werling, chairman of the Opera House Advisory Board, said $14,800 of the award provides the match needed for a grant previously awarded to DPS by the Jeffris Heartland Fund and administered through the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

She said the grants will fund an analysis of the decorative arts elements in the Opera House and entryways, including wallpapers, a painted backdrop, decorative plaster medallions, stenciling, and faux grain finishes.

She added that one of the products of this research will be an interior design plan showing what the Opera House will look like when it is restored.

“This is the missing piece of the puzzle for the Opera House restoration plan,” Werling said.

Design schematics for the historic Assion-Ruffing City Hall building, a three-story addition, and the Opera House itself, were completed in 2008 and show the layout to incorporate an elevator, fire stairs, dressing rooms, a banquet room, rehearsal space, and a museum and archives.

With all of the pieces in place, Werling said DPS will be ready to begin fundraising activities for the restoration of the Opera House as a performing arts and community center for Delphi and the surrounding area.