...Our Mission...
The Art Center is a nonprofit organization, staffed by volunteers. It was founded in 1967 to help promote the arts and artists in our area. We meet this goal by operating a Gallery, Gift Shop and Classes, all in an 1878 stone building. We also have fundraisers and memberships.
...Our History...
In 1965, a group of friends began meeting as an informal art club in Alturas, California. They would get together at their homes for refreshments and art discussions. On April 20th 1967, about a dozen people, many from the art group, met at Marvel Sloss' home to form the Modoc Art Association (MAA), a co-operative organization to promote the appreciation and participation in the fine arts. Those present were: Marvel Sloss, Arlene Larison, Dorothy Carstens, Rody Stains, Frances Archer, Sandy Wooten, Emmy Dees, Mae Smith, Joyce Boyden, Marion Mackey, Phillis Mercer and perhaps others. The first officers were: President - Arlene Larison; Vice President - Marvel Sloss; Secretary - Sandy Wooten; Treasurer - Emmy Dees; Historian - Frances Archer. The group met for general meetings on the third Tuesday of the month, in the homes of the members, taking turns providing refreshments and arranging artistic programs such as films about art; discussions on Op, Pop and Funk Art; and Art demonstrations. The executive board met once a month at a board member's home. The annual MAA dues were $5.00.
In 1970, Rody and Valerie Stains bought the 1878 stone building at 317 South Main Street. It was a defunct bar and cafe named the Corral, with a long bar and mirror. Rody Stains, Dick Mackey and other members of the MAA removed linoleum flooring and some walls, remodeling the building into a gallery/gift shop, a classroom, and a pottery studio in the back, with handmade wheels and a used kiln. The Stains then rented the building to the MAA.
In April 1971 the MAA was renamed the Modoc Creative Arts Association (MCAA). The annual dues were: $3.00/individual, $5.00/couple. The membership was: 1 patron, 4 families, 5 couples, 46 individuals, 5 students and 3 seniors. Meetings were on every other Tuesday. The Modoc Creative Arts Association opened at the 317 South Main Street address on July 1971. Members sold their paintings, drawings, pottery, jewelry, weaving and etc., on consignment by setting the retail price, and then paying the MCAA a 20-25 percent commission on sales.
In May of 1975 the MCAA was renamed The Art Center, to facilitate a re-application for tax-exempt status. Harold and Betty Chism donated an adding machine to The Art Center. In October a front window was put in. A year later Pat Hinchey began serving as The Art Center treasurer. From the 1970's to the mid 1990's The Art Center still had their general meetings that frequently held a pot luck dinner along with artistic programs of slides, films, discussions, or demonstrations of art or craft techniques. There were many educational and fundraising activities. Also Fine Arts Scholarships of $50-75 were given to a Modoc High senior interested in art.
In 1994 the property was bought by Alice and Ardelia Work, aunts of Margot Curtis. Margot became part owner and later became the sole owner of the property.
February - April 1995 The Art Center members, including Rody, Margot, Zeta and Ken Fogle, Joe Battram, Irene Vogt, Ellen and Don Fulcher, Betty and Harold Chism, Linda Ostoja, Kathy Franks, and Ruth Westmoreland renovated the building. The exterior remodel included Rody sandblasting the white paint off the locally-quarried stones, making and painting two new signs, adding a window and moldings to the front room, a gift shop in the next room, a classrom in the third room, and a re-organized pottery studio in the back. The work included painting the walls and bricks, refinishing the wooden floors, and hanging lights. The Art Center logo, graphics, paint colors, two signs and front door were designed by Geo Johnson.
On May 5th, 6th and 7th was the grand re-opening. The show featured pottery by Joe Battram, photographs by Duane McGarva, and rock art prints by Gerald Gates.
From 1995 - 1997 The Art Center featured artists and their art almost every month, ran the gift shop, had art classses, gave out scholarships and put on Raku Glazing parties. The Raku Glazing parties were held out at the Canyon Creek Ranch and pots were made and donated by Dick Mackey and Joe Battram. The proceeds went to a fund for upgrading the pottery studio. March 3rd, an appreciation luncheon was held for Pat Hinchey for her many years of great services as a treasurer at The Art Center.
In April 2005 Margot Curtis was appreciated for her many years of service teaching classes, organizing shows and volunteers, and minding the store. She was given a fine art book about water color (her favorite medium), signed by the members.
In 2006 Zeta Fogle began doing the Treasurer duties and organizing of volunteers as Pat and Margot became too ill. On September 10, Pat Hinchey, age 79, passed away, and Margot Curtis, age 81, followed on Sept 21.
The basic layout of the building has remained the same for decades as minor changes were made. Rody Stains and Dick Mackey have remained involved off and on over the years along with new members helping out all the time.
The tradition continues today...
