A non-profit arts organization for New Prague
An independent non-profit arts organization created to promote the arts, provide scholarships to fine arts students and provide family entertainment options for the New Prague community and area.
A passion for the arts
We are an organization independent from any public body in the community, such as the city or school district. Our objective is to provide programming, scholarships and support to meet the arts needs of the community – be that music, theatre, dance, speech, visual arts and more.
We hope to be a resource for the city as it prepares for the coming of the Praha Outdoor Performance Stage (POPS) building sometime in 2025 or 2026.
On the Move
The group already has its first special event organized for this summer: British Invasion II at New Prague Golf Club on July 18. The evening will include songs from the 1960s from British rock groups such as the Beatles to the Dave Clark Five to Petula Clark and more. Food and refreshments will have a “British flavor.” Little Chicago will be the featured band, along with guitarist extraordinaire Pastor Tim Price. Eddie Shimota also will be part of the evening’s entertainment. Other artists interested in performing are asked to contact Gardner. A free-will offering will be available to the public to donate to the tax-exempt NPAF. A silent auction also will be held. The event is sponsored/supported by Bruzek Funeral Home and Gardner & Gardner Communications.
Other early projects/programs include:
- A scholarship/stipend program for New Prague High School students who have been active in the fine arts during their high school years. It is hopeful this program will be implemented for the 2025-2026 school year, with scholarships being offered for a student in each of several fine arts disciplines – choral, band, theatre, speech and more.
- Grants to other arts organizations in the area.
- Other possible projects for the organization will be seasonal variety shows and acts, which may include “Christmas in New Prague,” the second year of what was the holiday show created and introduced by Gardner from December 2024 at the Park Ballroom. The Christmas variety show in December 2025 would feature four of the six main performers who were in the 2024 show: Den and Dan Gardner, plus Randy Fierst and Bill Halverson. An announcement is expected soon.
“We believe this community is ready to take the next step to promote the arts and recognize students and others in New Prague who are making contributions to provide families with entertainment regarding the arts. With our hope that the POPS building will be constructed soon, and the need for programming at the site, we believe the NPAF can also play a leading role in making New Prague a destination for those who are looking for this type of family entertainment.”
Den Gardner
Acting Chair, New Prague Arts Foundation