The Marion Art Center unveiled its newly-refurbished theater on Monday, Oct. 23 with a dedication to the patron who made it possible.

"I don't know when the last time any of you were here was," said the Art Center's president, Shelly Richins, "but you probably would've been sitting on some creaky seats!" Now the seats are new, the curtains are new, and the lighting system is new.

All of the refurbishments owe themselves to Anne Webb, who paid for the theater's new and improved appearance. During a brief ceremony, Richins unveiled a plaque that reads "The Anne Webb Theater" in Webb's honor, which will grace the wall of the theater.

Webb was not able to be at the dedication, as she is currently ill with pneumonia. However, several family members did attend the ceremony. Davis Webb spoke in her stead about the importance of the theater and the arts.

The new Anne Webb Theater's first production will be "It's a Wonderful Life," which will be performed on Friday, December 8, and Saturday, December 9 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday December 10 at 2 p.m. Visit www.marionartcenter.org for more information.