2025 Wrap Up

A Message from Our Board President

Dear Patrons, Art Lovers, Supporters, Volunteers, and Friends, 

Over twenty-six years ago, a small group of passionate community members came together with a shared belief: that the arts could be a powerful force for connection, creativity, and community life in Nevada County. I was honored to be part of that founding group, and to serve the Center for the Arts as Board President for many years. Helping bring this organization to life remains one of the great privileges of my life.

As we reflect on 2025, I do so with deep gratitude for the people who sustain the Center every day—our artists, staff, volunteers, donors, and audiences. Together, you ensure that the Center remains a place where creativity is nurtured and where our community can gather for meaningful shared experiences.

The Center’s impact extends far beyond our stage. A recent analysis of our operations (including artist fees, staff salaries, and community spendings) shows that the Center generates nearly $5 million annually for the local economy, reinforcing the essential role the arts play in the health and vitality of our region.

As we look toward 2026, our focus remains steadfast: to steward this remarkable organization with care and to ensure it continues to serve our community well into the future.

Thank you for believing in the Center and for standing with us.

As I enter the Center, I often pause outside the front of the building at a plaque honoring my father, which bears his simple and enduring words, “It’s the arts that make a community.”

Thank you for making ours.

With tremendous gratitude,
Jon Blinder, Board President
The Center for the Arts

19883

Tickets Sold
From world-class entertainment in the Marisa Funk Theater, to Open Mic Night and theater performances in the Off Center Stage, the Center is always bustling with activity.

58

Shows played at the center
SOLD OUT SHOWS! Tommy Emmanuel, Ani DiFranco, Iron & Wine, Wailin Jennies, Tom Papa, Starling Arrow, Wood Brothers, Larkin Poe, Robert Cray, Josh Blue, Robert Earl Keen, Steve Earle, The Steeldrivers, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Vienna Boys Choir, Pink Martini, Brothers Comatose

1000+

Artists supported
$12,528 of income generated for artists in 2023

1320

Visitors to our Granucci Gallery
Visitors bought 127 pieces of artwork this year.

295

Visual artists displayed art in our gallery
$17,012 total gallery sales in 2023.
With student group shows, fine art exhibitions, and the Open Studios Nevada County West Tour, our gallery is filled with art year round.

17

Teaching artists work at The Center
Dance, Visual Arts, Theater, Aerial Circus Arts and more. We are so grateful to have these artists in our community teaching future generations at The Center!

1511

Annual members
Membership is the backbone of The Center's success. Let's keep growing together!

67

Students performed on our stage
Performances of Shrek Jr and Annie lit up the Main Stage!

887

Students attended our free matinee series
The Center for the Arts is proud to host FREE theater as part of an award granted by the California Arts Council. The award covers 2 years of FREE student matinees, and so far each has been a huge success and greatly appreciated by our local community, and educators. The Center looks forward to our next “sold out” matinee, Charlotte’s Web in March of 2024, and continuing to bring free live music and theater to young audiences in Nevada County.

1200+

People attend our FREE Family Fun Days each year
Popular with our local families, we strive to bring quality entertainment to kids twice a year. It is our generous sponsors who make this event free!

45+

Youth arts education programs
Our Center has daily classes, ranging from visual arts to dance, aerial circus, and theater. Each year we secure funding which provides necessary scholarships for young families who need the support, ensuring their kids get this valuable creative education.

Open Studios

30th Anniversary
Open Studios is the Center for the Arts’ largest annual visual arts program which serves on average 200+ artists, in both urban and rural studios, with an estimated 5,000 attendees every year.

96 Artists

Participated at 71 studios accross the county!

$110k artist revenue generated

Cultural, economic and energetic impact for our region: Priceless

$68k

Donated for nonprofit events
The Center for the Arts is committed to making our space accessible to further the amazing work that our local non-profits are doing in the community.