Feature Article: Lifestyles

IN SEPTEMBER, THE GILROY INTERIM CENTER FOR THE ARTS HOSTED A GAA-LA CREATIVE BLACK TIE CELEBRATION, which showcased the remodeled Gilroy Interim Center for the Arts. It was a fun night highlighting the remodel, largely funded by a generous donation from the Christopher family.. The new floors, lighting, storage and restrooms make for a much more usable facility. Other elements of the remodel include a paved parking lot, and outside lights. There was a little of everything there that night — from search lights to a red carpet and formals and tuxes to t-shirts and feathers! Some great wine, wonderful hors d’oeuvres, gorgeous flower arrangements and short speeches made for a wonderful evening.

Not long after, the art supporters of Gilroy gathered for the 2nd Annual Arts Roundtable Forum & Panel. Representatives from the City of Gilroy Arts and Culture Commission and the Public Art Committee gave us a look at the official city perspective. Members of the Gilroy Arts Association (GAA) gave another twist. And finally the Gilroy Foundation Cultural Center Task Force provided an update on progress of the new Center. A panel of eight community leader each gave his or her perspective of the arts in Gilroy.

The conclusion: there IS a lot going on! Much of that renaissance is attributed to the Gilroy Arts Alliance, a coalition of many local artists and the Theater Angles Arts League (TAAL). The Gilroy Arts Alliance manages the Interim Center and pays the taxes on the building, formerly the Salvation Army Store. The building was scheduled to be torn down but, because there is no permanent center in the near future, this has become the “interim” home for the arts. Three old buildings between the Center and Porcella’s

Music will be torn down soon and a grass field planted. This will serve as a pleasant entrance to the Demonstration Garden, in the back, and an area that can be used for outdoor performances. Don’t forget that the Gilroy Arts Alliance was a major supporter and contributor to the Gilroy Demonstration Garden and the Farmers’ Market.

As for the open area after the buildings are down, the City of Gilroy will do the basic landscaping and the Gilroy Arts Alliance will be responsible for the ongoing maintenance and upgrades.

The resurgence of art in Gilroy has many contributors in addition to the GAA. There is a strong tradition of performance in the community: Pintello Comedy Theater, Limelight Actors Theater, South Valley Community Theater, El Teatro Compassion in San Juan Bautista, John Bisceglie Productions, and drama productions at both high schools. The Gilroy Unified School District has a marvelous program of the arts at all levels…elementary, middle and high school. Gavilan College continues the program with numerous productions and special programs like the long-running summer STAR program for kids. Local schools have band and choir programs that produce championship bands and choral programs at the high schools’ level. Of course we cannot overlook the various youth violin groups, dance studios and church performers. Adult local artists and performers round out the local program with talent and professionalism. On almost any given night there is live music somewhere in Gilroy, mostly in the downtown area.

Hats off to all these programs. Back at the Gilroy Interim Center for the Arts, there are a series of upcoming productions and events. If you want to keep up with Center events, subscribe the GAA monthly newsletter on the Gilroy Art Alliance website Contact Us page: www.gilroyartsalliance.com.