Heyde Center for the Arts facts for kids

The Heyde Center for the Arts is a special place for art in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. It was built in 1907 and looks like an old Greek or Roman building, a style called Neoclassical architecture. This building was first a high school named McDonell Central Catholic High School. Today, the Chippewa Valley Cultural Association (CVCA) owns and runs the center. It's even listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's an important historical building.

History of the Building

The building that is now the Heyde Center was built in 1907. A man named Alexander McDonell, who worked with wood and trees, built it. He wanted to remember his wife and four children who had passed away. This building became the McDonell Memorial High School.

The high school closed in 1964 because a new one was built. For ten years, the old building was left empty and started to fall apart. But in 1976, some people who loved the building formed the Chippewa Valley Cultural Association (CVCA). They wanted to save the building from being torn down.

At first, they didn't have enough money to fix it. In the 1980s, they checked if it was even possible to restore the building. The study said it would be very hard, but the CVCA members didn't give up! Finally, in the 1990s, they gathered enough people and money to start fixing up the building.

While they were raising money and working on the building, the CVCA held shows and events in other places around the city. This helped people learn about their goals and see what kind of fun events the center would offer. Many people, both skilled and unskilled, volunteered their time to help. Today, the building is worth about $1.3 million, and the CVCA doesn't owe much money.

What Happens at the Center Today

More than 100,000 people visit the Heyde Center each year! They come for many different activities:

• Art shows that change with the seasons
• Workshops where you can learn new art skills
• Poetry readings
• Dance shows
• Concerts
• Theater performances

A group of 17 volunteers from the CVCA manages the center. The association has over 350 members who support the arts. The CVCA also keeps a list of actors, musicians, and artists from the area. They work with local and state groups to create art opportunities for young people and adults who need special services.