About the Center for Arts and History

New Gallery Open

Admission
Admission is free but donations are welcome.

Mission
The mission of the Center for Arts & History is to enhance the visibility of Lewis-Clark State College through quality programming in visual and literary arts. The Center provides educational opportunities in arts and history for students of all ages and serves as a regional resource for arts and culture.

New location.

Vision
The vision of The Center for Arts & History is to provide for all citizens of the region a common ground for the integration of all art. The Center offers the opportunity for increased understanding and participation. We present our region’s history with respect and clarity, maintaining goals of artistic excellence, and accessibility for all.

Since 1991 we have worked within the scope of our mission and vision to promote community exposure to; involvement in; and understanding of; Performing, Literary, and Visual Arts and area History. To this end we offer the following programs and events:

• Center Galleries – Housed in its current location since 1991, ours is the second largest exhibit gallery in the State of Idaho. The gallery rotates exhibits of Visual Art works, showcasing the talents of regional, national and international artists. In addition to Fine Arts exhibitions the Upper Gallery also houses permanent historic exhibits.

• Humanities Readings – Over 50 authors have participated in this series which encourages interaction with the public on a personal level with discussion of current and past literary works. Notable participants include best-selling humorist Patrick McManus, Idaho’s Writer In Residence William Johnson, Margo Aragon, and John MacLean.

• Confluence Grape & Grain – A wine and beer tasting event featuring Northwest wines and microbrews. This event is held during the Valley's Annual Spring event, the Dogwood Festival. Music and refreshments accompany a look at our annual High School Art Invitational and Stephen Lyman Memorial Children's Art Exhibit, which displays the work of area children from kindergarten to 12th grade.  Nearly 300 people attend this annual event.

• SweetART Tea – An annual event occurring February 13 this year in the Orchid Room at Morgan's Alley. This year's theme is cupcakes and a cupcake competition is in the works. A highly anticipated annual event, the Tea has become a traditional part of the spring for many area residents.
   

History
The Lewis-Clark State College Center for Arts & History is located in the heart of historic downtown Lewiston, Idaho. The 12,000 square foot building, designed by renowned Western architect Kirtland Cutter, was built in 1884 as the Vollmer Great Bargain Store and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The First National Bank of Lewiston occupied the facility until from 1904-1946, when it was sold to First Security Bank which continued operations until 1989.

In March 1991 First Security Bank of Idaho donated the building to the Lewis-Clark State College Foundation for use as a center for arts and culture. Since opening in October, 1991 the Center has welcomed more than 75,000 visitors from all fifty states and 38 foreign countries.

On March 5, 2009, the Center for Arts & History experienced a fire that has closed the Main Street location until further notice.  Renovations have started on the space.

The Center opened its doors in a temporary location at 721 Seventh Avenue in Lewiston, on Friday, July 31.  The gallery is open Tuesday thru Saturday, 11am - 4pm.

When the Main Street location was open offices for the LCSC Continuing Education/Community Events & Programs was located on the second floor of the Center. Currently, CECE is located in the Sam Glenn Complex on campus.