The Facility:
- 1947-1984 – was home to Hartman Chevrolet, Hartman Toyota, Chevrolet and Oldsmobile, Hansen’s Subaru and a Yamaha dealership.
- Late 80’s – Jerry Lee purchased the building and created the Metropolitan Beauty School.
- Mid 90‘s – was home to Gold Cities Gymnastics and Dance center and then a brief stint as a video production facility.
- 1998 – Northern California Center for the Arts leased the building from Jerry Lee.
- 2001 – Building was purchased by Jon Blinder with funding from Gold Country Lenders.
- 2002 – Building was repaired and remodeled installing new bathrooms, the Off Center Stage, and the upstairs dance studio occupied by Sierra Dance Institute. Electrical, plumbing and heating and air conditioning were all upgraded.
- 2003 – Building was donated by Jon Blinder to the Center for the Arts.
- 2004 – Front and Center campaign began in order to raise the funds for the new facade, storefront and entry.
- 2005 – The California Downtown Association presented Grass Valley with the Golden Eagle award for Adaptive Reuse of the building and it’s new design.
- 2009 – Received the first of its kind grant from the City of Grass Valley, $250,000 in Redevelopment Agency funds for capital improvements on the Facility.
- 2016 – Voted to proceed with a major renovation and launched capital campaign.
- 2018 – Broke ground on an extensive multi-million dollar renovation project.
- 2020 – Renovations complete and preparing for grand re-opening.
The Organization:
- Late 1990’s – Pat and Mari Tierney (father and daughter) and Mari’s friend Uwe leased the building with a vision of creating an art center. Dave Iorns (founding President), Russ Kneeland, Bill Snell, Marci Wolfe, George Jayne and Anita Wald-Tuttle were the founding board members. Russ Kneeland acted as Artistic Director.
- Late 1999 – Jon Blinder became President and remained in that position for the next 8 years.
- August 31, 2001 – The Center for the Arts received its 501 (c) 3 status under the corporate name of Northern California Center for the Arts. With control of the building and the organizations future the board began to expand.
- 2002 – Peter Wilson and Paul Emery became the first paid management staff, business manager and Executive Director respectively.
The Board grew bringing in long term members such as Leo Granucci, Richard Baker, Peggy Levine and John Bush. - 2003 – Board President Jon Blinder donated building to the Center.
- 2004 – John Bush was hired as Executive Director with Paul Emery serving as Artistic Director.
- 2005 – Krista Thomas was hired as Executive Director (the first to hold this position full time). In 2005 The Center’s budget had approached $500,000 and in 2006 grew to over $800,000.
- 2008 – Pam Comstock was hired as Executive Director
- 2009 – 2017 – Julie Baker served as Executive Director
- 2015 Purchase California WorldFest
- 2015 Annual revenue surpasses two million dollars
- 2018 Amber Jo Manual appointed Executive Director
Awards & Grants
- 2004 – California Downtown Association Honoring Achievement in Physical Improvement
- 2008 – Certificate of Recognition for Exceptional Design, Grass Valley
- 2008/2009 – Redevelopment Grant from the City of Grass Valley
- 2010 – Finalist for the Sacramento Arts & Business Council Prelude to the Season
Excellence in Arts Management for organization with budget over $250,000 - 2010 – City of Grass Valley Mayor’s Non-Profit Award
- 2010 – Voted Union Readers Best Theater
- 2013 – Voted Union Readers Best Theater
- 2016 – California WorldFest wins the Fest Forums Music Innovation Award
- 2016 – Creative California Communities Grant from the California Arts Council