Arts & Entertainment
Interim Center for the Arts Offers Locals a Creative Outlet
A look at how far the Gilroy Center of the Arts has come since opening its doors in September.
The temporarily pushed off a multi-million dollar renovation for a $135,000 one that boasts its new beauty after opening to the public in September.
The center’s originally planned renovation of $25 million will be done in the future, according to Kevin Heath, president of the Gilroy Arts Alliance (GAA). Heath said economic reasons interfered with the previous renovation plans, but added that GAA staff continue to work toward their goal of giving a state-of-the-art center to Gilroy.
“I’m disappointed, as were so many hard working people who fought for decades to get an arts center,” Heath said. “However, there is a silver lining to everything. GAA was given the chance to show what we can do with an interim center, and in our first year we have exceeded every one's expectations.”
The center attracts all ages and interests with its “Bring Your Own Dinner Theater,” which is an occasion allowing attendees to bring their own food and beverages to the center while enjoying local theater productions.
The center has also become a place for individual artists to showcase their work and, thanks to several grants, now offers art and theater programs to children who had previously lacked the opportunity.
However, Heath said the biggest benefits are the fact that residents finally have a local spot to enjoy the arts, as well as the extra income the center contributes to downtown businesses.
“We are an attraction that brings people downtown, which benefits local businesses,” he said. “Until 2011, live theater had not been part of the downtown city for 20 years or more. We've given artists a chance to exhibit their work for the first time.”
The renovations are wide and varied and different people have their favorites. Heath said his favorite renovations include the new floors, the new on-site parking lot and the more conducive lighting.
Clara Fayette, a Gilroy Arts Alliance board member, said one of her favorite renovations is the new kitchen area. All the changes to the center are a work in progress, and those involved continue to hope for a larger renovation to come later.
“We are working very hard to show the city that we are very serious about having a primo arts center for Gilroy no matter how long it takes,” Fayette said.
