Art About Town: 5 Things You Should Know About the Center for the Arts

Over the last few months, I've had the pleasure of meeting people at the who walk in the door for the very first time. As we shake hands and talk about the current exhibit or show, I’ve found myself giving them some bullet-point information about the history and operations of the building while I answer their questions. I feel a little bit like a teacher, and it's very rewarding.

Eventually, it occurred to me that there are many other people who would like to learn more about the center. So, I took the five most popular questions I’ve been asked, and thought I would share them with you. Pay attention class, there will be a quiz after this. OK, not really, but I’ve always wanted to say that!

 #1: Does the fund the center?

The city does not fund the center. This is a common misconception and I can see why there is a little confusion. We’re in a city-owned building and have a great relationship with city management. I actually meet with them at least once a month because we partner in our common goal of making the arts and the center successful in Gilroy. They are a great team to work with, and sometimes people think we are part of the city. Hopefully, this clarification helps debunk that myth.

The Gilroy Arts Alliance (GAA) is the nonprofit organization (not a city organization, by the way) responsible for the building we know as the Gilroy Interim Center for the Arts. Although we lease a city owned building, like many tenants in our position, we are responsible for funding the operations of the building. This includes utilities, maintenance, landscaping, taxes on the building, insurance, the renovation, etc.

So, how do we do it? Through your donations, membership, fees from craft shows and exhibits, concessions and donations from theater performances, an annual fundraiser and a yearly endowment from the Gilroy Foundation—to name the key sources.  

But, what about programs at the center? Good question! In addition, we are able to put on art classes and specific events through grants we applied for and received. Occasionally, a grant is received for something very specific, like 5th Street Live or new chairs. The GAA board works tirelessly to make sure there are exhibits and events year round at the center. The aforementioned resources make that happen. 

#2: Who helps run the center? Volunteers?

The center is currently a 100 percent volunteer-based operation. In 2010 GAA received funding for a contract-staff position to help run the center for one year. We hope to receive funding again this year, so that we can have a contract staff position in a larger role to accommodate the growing needs of the center. In the meantime, we rely on volunteers, or "art ambassadors," to help keep the center open during business hours and assist in maintenance, exhibit set-up and events. The coordination of these volunteers can be a monumental task. Sylvia Myrvold, past president of GAA, takes on that responsibility with lots of enthusiasm. She’s the one to talk to if you’d like to volunteer. Call the center at (408) 842-6999. Or stop in on Tuesday or Wednesday and meet Beth Dewey, our superstar volunteer who donates her time twice a week and keeps the center organized and spotless.

#3: Does the center provide multi-cultural art exhibits?

Yes, the center offers multi-cultural art experiences. We're very proud of the participation and attendance we’ve had. In 2011 we hosted numerous events including Cinco de Mayo, Art of our Mothers & Fathers, Dia de los Muertos, diverse youth art classes, theater classes with El Teatro Campesino, and a wonderful theater performances, too.

This year we have already hosted the Gilroy Historical Society with a presentation on the local Amah Mutsun Tribe. Throughout 2012 we have plans to repeat some of last year’s events and add a Haru Matsuri Spring Festival, a St. Patrick’s Day event, and more.

We represent all cultures through art, music and performance. Many of our programs are free and open to the public.

 #4: Is the annual fundraiser, Divas/Divos, changing this year?

Still with me, class? We’re almost done.

Starting this year, our annual Divas/Divos event will be paired down to a concert only. The event will still offer an exciting evening of song and entertainment with talented singers, but the silent auction and fundraiser components will be spun off into their own event.

Our fundraiser this year will be an art sale fundraiser, complete with an art auction, silent auction, delicious food and wine. Both events promise to be nights that you don’t want to miss. 

#5: Do you advertise and promote every event and exhibit?

We’re on the home stretch, class.

Once in awhile I hear someone say, “I didn’t know this event was going on. You should have advertised it.” The good news is, we did and we do!

So where should someone look? Well, there are lots of choices to choose from. Right here in the Gilroy Patch events calendar is a good place to start. We’re always in Out & About Magazine, The Dispatch calendar, on facebook under the Gilroy Arts Alliance facebook page and the Gilroy Center for the Arts page, in our monthly email newsletter, on a banner downtown, on our website and at the center itself.

Speaking of advertising events, I’m thrilled to announce that our beautiful, lit, non-digital marquee sign is going to be installed in the courtyard of the center by the end of February. It was designed and executed by local artist Richard Young of Young Signs. This is the final piece of last summer’s renovation and it's been worth the wait. It's spectacular and will give us an additional spot to promote art events at the center and light-up downtown Gilroy!

OK. If you are still with me class, you passed. Now, for homework, I want you to visit the center and see it for yourself. Through YOUR eyes.

That is where Art begins, after all. See you at the center!