Marion Art Center begins 'brick and mortar' campaign
With its 60th anniversary looming, the Marion Art Center's Board of Directors is looking to spruce up the place, starting with the “bricks and mortar.”
Cassy West, a member of the board, said besides restoring the bell tower, there haven’t been any significant repairs to the structure since the 1980s, and it’s long overdue.
The exterior needs a fresh coat of paint and new windows, while inside the wooden floors could use some attention and the furnace should be replaced. Additionally after "thirty years of wear and tear," the community theater has seen better days.
West, a Mattapoisett resident, is in charge of the first phase of what the board is calling a “comprehensive campaign,” that will focus on repainting the exterior of the building and improving the interior.
West had hoped to have the windows replaced with Community Preservation Act funds, but the Art Center was turned down this year due to another request. She plans to reapply at a later date.
Inside, the theater’s rigging from the 1970s needs to be replaced, and the seats, though they have a vintage charm, are not particularly comfortable. The board would like to install new lighting and add comfortable seating.
The two art galleries are in need of better lighting, security and storage.
All of these plans make up the first phase of improvements, estimated at $125,000. That does not include making the historic building handicap accessible, which would be approximately $100,000. The board is still considering the viability of adding that into the campaign.
No mater what, significant fundraising needs to be done if renovations will be complete in time for the Art Center’s 60th anniversary in 2017.
“Currently the membership dues and program and event revenue cover the cost of day to day operations,” said West.
She said some funds have already been donated, but two parties are planned to scale up the effort. An '80s-themed shindig is scheduled for May 6 at the Music Hall.
“It’s ironic this building hasn’t been renovated since the '80s, why not put those two together,” West said of the idea.
The cost is $50 in advance and $60 at the door. Guests are invited to wear their best '80s-themed outfits.
The annual summer fundraiser will be July 8.
“It’s one of the nicest parties in the summer,” said West. More details will be available in coming months.
Once the first phase is completed, the Art Center will begin phase two, a focus on improving and expanding programming.
“We really want to see more classes offered,” West said. “We need to be more creative and offer some really different types of programs.”
Formerly a church, the footprint of the building won’t be expanded, but West said when it comes to the theater program, “We’re trying to think bigger. We want to definitely do more performances.”
In the past, productions such as ‘101 Dalmatians’ brought children and adults together on stage, something the theater program is reviving with ‘Oliver!’ in the fall.
Phase two will also be a push to get the word about the Art Center and its programs as they become more diverse to meet the interests of the community.
West said Marion’s community has long supported the Art Center, and she looks forward to more involvement during this campaign and long into the future.
“We’re very passionate about preserving the building for future generations,” said West.
To purchase tickets for the '80s party or to donate to the Marion Art Center, a nonprofit organization, visit www.marionartcenter.org or call 508-748-1266. Donations can be sent to Marion Art Center, 80 Pleasant Street, P.O. Box 602, Marion, MA 02738.
