Arts Council Finally Moves to New Home

After more than three years of operating from boxes and car trunks, the Arts Council’s board of directors finally has a home.

The former flower shop at 203 W. Harbor Place opens today as a public center “where people can go to find out what’s going on in the arts,” board member Elsie Reed said. About 40 organizations are represented by the council, including the Boys & Girls Clubs, the Pacific Symphony Orchestra and various theater groups.

“We’re excited to be getting our own space again,” Reed said of the new office. “We hope people will use it to stay more connected with everything [the Council] has to offer.”

The Arts Council has been homeless since 1993, when it lost its lease at Horace Mann Elementary School to make room for more classrooms and parking. Since then, Reed and other board members have been storing records and art work in their cars, closets and garages.

“We’ve had stuff everywhere,” Reed said. “It hasn’t been a very efficient way to run things.”

Arts Council President Shirley McCracken said the new office, in the Koll Center across from City Hall, will be a much-needed resource for people who want to know more about upcoming community events.

Artwork, projects and other displays by the various Arts Council groups will be set up at the office, along with a “What’s Happening” board for fliers and announcements, McCracken said.

The office also will be used for board meetings and to plan fund-raisers and other projects that directly benefit the city, she said.

“We have the opportunity to make it a very viable resource center,” McCracken said. “We couldn’t be more thrilled.”

Board members will begin moving into the new office today. An official dedication and grand opening may take place later, McCracken said. In the meantime, volunteers are needed to help staff the new office during the afternoons and evenings. Information: (714) 280-0772.