Corvallis Arts Center facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan
|
|
Historic building (2009)
|
|
 Location in Corvallis OR
Location in Oregon
|
|
| Location | 700 SW Madison Ave., Corvallis, Oregon |
|---|---|
| Area | 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) |
| Built | 1889 |
| Architectural style | Gothic, Carpenter Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000677 |
| Added to NRHP | September 10, 1971 |
The Corvallis Arts Center is a special place in Corvallis, Oregon. It's a nonprofit organization, which means it's a group that works to help the community, not to make money. Its main goal is to inspire creativity and make the community a better place through art.
The center offers many different art shows, fun cultural events, and educational programs. They have art classes and workshops for all ages, especially for young artists. Over a dozen talented artists teach classes and show their work there. The Arts Center is located in a historic building that was once a church. This building is so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
How the Arts Center Started
The Corvallis Arts Center was created by the Corvallis Arts Council. This council began in September 1961. Their idea was to make a special place where people could see and enjoy visual arts. About 20 people helped start this group. Marion Gathercoal was the first president of the council.
The Corvallis Arts Council officially became a non-profit corporation in March 1962. It was the very first Arts Council in Oregon and the twenty-first in the entire United States!
The Historic Building's Story
The Arts Center found its home in a beautiful old building. This building was first built in 1889 by the Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan. The church moved to a new location in 1962. After that, another group, the Corvallis Elks Lodge, thought about using the building. But they found a different spot instead.
In late 1962, the Arts Center was able to use the building. They borrowed it from the Corvallis chapter of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
The building is famous for its unique style called Carpenter Gothic architecture. You can especially see this style in its roof.
The Arts Center immediately started raising money to fix up the inside of the building. They wanted new paint, carpet, and furniture. People in the community helped by buying "patronages" for $10 each.
The Elks Club let the Arts Center use the building for only $1 a year. But keeping the building running cost about $15,000 each year for things like maintenance and utilities. Because it was so expensive, people suggested as early as 1963 that the city's Parks and Recreation Department should help manage the building.
In 1970, the building was moved about one block north. It now sits on city property overlooking Central Park, on a new concrete foundation.
In September 1971, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Arts Center has been using this building continuously for over 50 years!
Grand Opening Celebration
The Corvallis Arts Center officially opened its doors on January 26–27, 1963. Many artists showed their work during the opening. This included a famous graphic artist named Junichiro Sekino from Tokyo. Artists from the Art Department of Oregon State University also displayed their creations.
Local art groups, like the Corvallis Weavers Guild and the Clay Clan, were there. They showed how they made their art. There were also musical performances. Over 7,000 people from all over Oregon visited the center that weekend!
What the Arts Center Does Today
Today, the Arts Center is known as The Arts Center, Inc. It features changing art exhibits in its Main Gallery and Corrine Woodman Galleries. It also has an ArtShop gift gallery. This shop sells art from over 60 local and regional artists from Corvallis and Oregon.
The center continues to offer many art education opportunities for people of all ages. It also has programs to support artists who are working on their craft.
See also
