It has been nearly a decade since the auditorium at the former Phillips Middle School was regularly filled with the sounds of music and laughter. The site of plays, musicals, concerts and the occasional speech by presidential candidates making the rounds in advance of the Iowa caucuses has been mostly still and empty since the school closed in 2014.

The classrooms up and down the hallways have been replaced by apartments, but the auditorium remains basically intact, awaiting its chance to again become a performing arts venue.

Local residents will have the chance to help make the site come to life once more by participating in a fundraiser called Home is Where the ART Is which will begin at 7 p.m. Friday in the auditorium at what is now known as the Phillips Luxury Apartments, 1015 Fifth Ave. N.

The fundraiser is being conducted by the Fort Dodge Study Club and the Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association.

It will feature performances by the Gabriel Alves Jazz Trio and Nell Anders and the Merritt Brothers. There will also be art demonstrations, a silent auction and food. Tickets cost $25 and can be bought by going to one.bidpal.net/studyclub.

A completely online version of the fundraiser held last year raised more than $20,000.

Home Is Where the ART Is promises to be a fun evening that will help restore an iconic venue in the community. We encourage everyone to attend.