Keeping Tabs: Stitching Together a Vibrant Art Scene

Gilroy Patch caught up with Kevin Heath, president of the Gilroy Arts Alliance, to find out what's on tap at the in the upcoming weeks.

The center is currently hosting their second quilt exhibit, on now through Feb. 22. Thirty quilts are dangling from the ceiling throughout the exhibition space, Heath said. Each was created by Gilroy residents who shop at , a local quilting store.

"The selections this year are just as stunning as last year," Heath said. "I can't help but think 'How do they do that?' when I look at these pieces of art."

Beginning Feb. 17, the Limelight Actors Theatre will be performing their first show of the year, "Alone Together Again."

"[It's] a 'dramedy' about empty nesters who get their world turned upside down when their older, but active, parents move in," Heath expalined. "It offers something that everyone can relate to: aging parents, a couple being alone after the kids move out, and three characters who are near 80 years old."

The show runs through March 10.

Cultivating Connections

Heath said that the center collaberates with a myriad of local businesses and organizations, including the Gilroy Foundation, the City of Gilroy's Arts and Culture Commission, and the Public Art Committee. Grants also allow the center to work with various organizations to bring children in for art classes.

"We are firm believers in business partnering with the arts and have worked with local businesses such as Dennis Daniels Company, Inc., the and the former ," Heath added.

The center also partners with the Downtown Business Association in several ways, including co-producing the 5th Street Live event every summer.

Looking Ahead

In the upcoming weeks, Heath expects the final piece of last summer's renovation at the center to be installed. A new marquee will soon be in place, too, complete with a lighted background.

March will see a showcase of young artists. Applications for the exhibit are currently available at the center.

As the center finds more funding, Heath said that there are plans to build an outdoor space for art, performances and more.