About the Center for
Arts and History
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.
Offices for the LCSC Senior Nutrition and LCSC Continuing
Education/Community Events & Programs are also located in
the Center.
Mission
The mission of the Center for
Arts & History is to enhance the visibility of
Lewis-Clark State College through quality
programming in performing, 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.
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. New for 2009 will be the
addition of a silent auction, of not only art, but area interest gift
packages.
- Irish Tea –
An annual event occurring each March, last
year's Irish theme combined Irish teas with Celtic Dance. A highly anticipated annual event, the Tea has
become a traditional part of the spring for many area residents.
- Centerpiece
Museum Store – Highly regarded throughout the State of Idaho,
our gift/art consignment shop has offered a venue for the purchase and
rental of work from over a hundred Northwest
artists and authors since 1996. Many collectors, local and out of area, use
the Centerpiece Museum Store as a
point of purchase resource for nationally noted artists, authors and artisans.
|
