Plano Profile August 2010 : Page 6
gallimaufry The opening of new doors A n intriguing e-mail from suzy sloan Jones, Executive Director of the ArtCentre of Plano, sent my mind spinning last week. “Can we get together?” the sub-ject line inquired. “i would love to come by one day next week to visit with you…want to catch you up on big changes (new loCaTion!) at the artCentre… and tell you about a great idea i have!” Plano Profile’s office was already abuzz with tidbits of information about the sale of the artCentre of Plano’s building. i was eager to hear the particulars and to learn how Mike and i might help promote the artCentre’s transition to a new facility. Too, “the great idea” intrigued me. More about that later but first, for newcomers to our fair city, here is a timeline of this essential, and highly resilient, nonprofit arts organization: ⊲ founded as the Cultural arts Council of Plano. inc. in 1981, CaCoP’s mission was to promote the growth and develop-ment of emerging community arts groups. ⊲ in 1982, JMB Management Company donated 1,400 square feet in Collin Creek Mall for CaCoP’s Plano Cultural arts Center. Using the space for general offices, visual arts exhibits, performing arts rehearsals, classes, lectures, local arts organizations’ meetings, and other special cultural events, the Center provided quality arts programming for the community in this location for the next ten years, until expansion plans for Collin Creek Mall required CaCoP to relocate. ⊲ in July 1991, to meet the need for a larger and more cen-tralized, multi-discipline, community arts facility, the CaCoP purchased the old Harrington furniture Store, a 100-year-old landmark at 1039 e. 15th St. in historic downtown Plano. ⊲ in 1992, renovation of the warehouse annexed to the furniture store was completed for the artCentre Theatre, a 160-seat proscenium auditorium. ⊲ The artCentre opened for arts programming in the spring 6 Plano Profile August 2010 jean ellis newman of 1994. Unfortunately, a structural fault developed on the building’s east exterior, forcing the CaCoP to move to temporary offices and to cancel or postpone all programs scheduled in the building. new funding had to be raised to completely rebuild the east side of the building. ⊲ Through generous support of corporate and individual donors, the renovation was completed and the artCentre of Plano reopened to the public on September 30, 1995. now, after nearly 20 years as a vibrant anchor in down-town Plano, the artCentre of Plano has sold their building and will be relocating a few blocks north and west to the olney Davis House at 901 east 18th St. This beautiful, blue Victorian-style home, which graces the northeast corner of 18th Street and ave H, has a rich history of its own. it was built in 1890 by olney Davis, a re-nowned businessman, civic leader, two-term mayor of Plano, and the first official president of the Plano School Board after the establishment of the independent School District. Davis elementary School was named in his honor. one renovation of the house added the impressive front porch columns. another, in the mid-1980s, converted the build-ing to office use. Today, small renovations are underway to render the olney Davis House a perfect venue for the artCentre of Plano to continue its mission. When we met, Suzy brimmed with excitement as she shared an overview of changes for the center. “We are elated to remain close to the downtown area. all of us at the artCentre of Plano look forward to welcoming gallery visi-tors and guests to receptions and events at our lovely, new space,” she enthused. “and, we would like our inaugural exhibition to be the art of Jean ellis newman, September 17–october 30, 2010.” That was Suzy’s great idea…an exhibition of my art at the new facility! i could hardly believe my ears. Just when i’ve decided to devote more time to my art, the artCentre of Plano presents this incredible opportunity. i am living Joseph Campbell’s quote, “follow your bliss and doors will open where there were no doors before.” i hope you will save this date, friday, September 24, and plan to attend The artCentre of Plano’s public reception for the Jean ellis newman exhibition from 6–8 p.m. This blissful artist will be thrilled to greet you at the door! ■ Jean Ellis Newman is the publisher of Plano Profile.
Gallimaufry
Jean Ellis Newman
An intriguing e-mail from suzy sloan Jones, Executive Director of the ArtCentre of Plano, sent my mind spinning last week.
“Can we get together?” the subject line inquired. “i would love to come by one day next week to visit with you…want to catch you up on big changes (new loCaTion!) At the artCentre… and tell you about a great idea i have!” Plano Profile’s office was already abuzz with tidbits of information about the sale of the artCentre of Plano’s building.
I was eager to hear the particulars and to learn how Mike and i might help promote the artCentre’s transition to a new facility. Too, “the great idea” intrigued me. More about that later but first, for newcomers to our fair city, here is a timeline of this essential, and highly resilient, nonprofit arts organization: . Founded as the Cultural arts Council of Plano. Inc. in 1981, CaCoP’s mission was to promote the growth and development of emerging community arts groups.
. In 1982, JMB Management Company donated 1,400 square feet in Collin Creek Mall for CaCoP’s Plano Cultural arts Center. Using the space for general offices, visual arts exhibits, performing arts rehearsals, classes, lectures, local arts organizations’ meetings, and other special cultural events, the Center provided quality arts programming for the community in this location for the next ten years, until expansion plans for Collin Creek Mall required CaCoP to relocate.
. In July 1991, to meet the need for a larger and more centralized, multi-discipline, community arts facility, the CaCoP purchased the old Harrington furniture Store, a 100-year-old landmark at 1039 e. 15th St. in historic downtown Plano.
. In 1992, renovation of the warehouse annexed to the furniture store was completed for the artCentre Theatre, a 160-seat proscenium auditorium.
. The artCentre opened for arts programming in the spring of 1994. Unfortunately, a structural fault developed on the building’s east exterior, forcing the CaCoP to move to temporary offices and to cancel or postpone all programs scheduled in the building. New funding had to be raised to completely rebuild the east side of the building.
. Through generous support of corporate and individual donors, the renovation was completed and the artCentre of Plano reopened to the public on September 30, 1995.
Now, after nearly 20 years as a vibrant anchor in downtown Plano, the artCentre of Plano has sold their building and will be relocating a few blocks north and west to the olney Davis House at 901 east 18th St. This beautiful, blue Victorian-style home, which graces the northeast corner of 18th Street and ave H, has a rich history of its own. It was built in 1890 by olney Davis, a renowned businessman, civic leader, two-term mayor of Plano, and the first official president of the Plano School Board after the establishment of the independent School District.
Davis elementary School was named in his honor. One renovation of the house added the impressive front porch columns. Another, in the mid-1980s, converted the building to office use. Today, small renovations are underway to render the olney Davis House a perfect venue for the artCentre of Plano to continue its mission.
When we met, Suzy brimmed with excitement as she shared an overview of changes for the center. “We are elated to remain close to the downtown area. All of us at the artCentre of Plano look forward to welcoming gallery visitors and guests to receptions and events at our lovely, new space,” she enthused. “and, we would like our inaugural exhibition to be the art of Jean ellis newman, September 17–october 30, 2010.” That was Suzy’s great idea…an exhibition of my art at the new facility! I could hardly believe my ears. Just when i’ve decided to devote more time to my art, the artCentre of Plano presents this incredible opportunity. I am living Joseph Campbell’s quote, “follow your bliss and doors will open where there were no doors before.”
Hope you will save this date, friday, September 24, and plan to attend The artCentre of Plano’s public reception for the Jean ellis newman exhibition from 6–8 p.m. This blissful artist will be thrilled to greet you at the door! ¦
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