After an extensive multi-million dollar renovation project, Grass Valley’s Center for the Arts is preparing to reopen with a series of concerts and events designed to familiarize the community with the remodeled venue.
The building in which the Center for the Arts resides was originally a car dealership when it was built in the 1940s and with time the need for extensive renovations was proven necessary. The community came together to successfully raise over 3 million dollars for this project. After the recent restoration, the main theater will now hold 492 seats and allow for the seating and dance floor arrangements to be customized for each event. The theater also includes a state-of-the-art Meyer Sound system, larger stage, and an expanded lobby and bar.
The official ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on April 2 at 10:30 a.m. in The Center’s newly renovated theater with Grass Valley mayor Lisa Swarthout presiding. Invited attendees will have the opportunity to tour the new facilities and entertainment will be provided. Center members, city and county dignitaries, local press, and community art leaders will be gathering to celebrate the culmination of 18 months of renovation.
The celebrations will continue throughout April, and include a volunteer reception on April 3, the Donor Wall reveal party on April 11, and the Find Your Seat party on April 15 for those donors that bought a seat. The latter event will offer those who purchased seats in the theater an opportunity to locate their seat and to commemorate their donation with a celebration.
Center for the Arts members are invited to a members-only tour on April 18, while the public is welcome to tour the renovated facilities on April 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Guests will explore the Kerby Lobby, Granucci Gallery, Rick’s Bar & Cafe, the auditorium, tech gallery, stage and support areas that have been restored throughout the nearly two-year long remodel process.
The first public event will be a gallery opening for Nancy Mintz: Strata on Thursday, March 12 from 5:00 – 7:00pm in the Granucci Gallery.
The Center has a solid and growing schedule of performances by renowned artists such as blues musician Tinsley Ellis, who will mark the first concert in the “new” Center on March 13. Comedian Tom Papa will take the stage March 14, and rockers The Allman Betts Band will perform March 15. A full schedule and tickets for all shows are available at thecenterforthearts.org.
The Center for the Arts is a nonprofit organization that typically presents around 150 events per year. To learn more, to donate, to become a member, or to purchase tickets please visit their website at thecenterforthearts.org or call 530-274-8384.
