|
|
|
|
Welcome....
|
|
|
|
In 1961 Marion Gathercoal, Corinne Woodman and a group of dedicated volunteers founded the Corvallis Arts Council - the first in Oregon and the 21st in the United States. Two years later, the organization found a home in a vacated Episcopal church, loaned to them by the Elks Club, and on January 26, 1963 the Corvallis Arts Center was officiallyd. For those of us who have grown up with arts councils and arts administrators, it is hard to imagine that only 40 years ago this was pioneering work. Letters poured in from all over the country, asking Marion and her collaborator, Corrine Woodman, how they had done it. Eventually, they had to type up a standard letter of reply, but at first Marion answered each letter individually. The following excerpt is from one of her personal letters:
|
|
"Now permit me just one more moment. May I tell you what to me seems to be the most important reason why we have the success we have and which may prove valuable to you in forming a council? Everyone - heads of departments at Oregon State University, business and professional people, housewives - all worked together for the one common goal--an Art Council for the coordination, cooperation, and encouragement of the arts in our community. No one had petty differences; no one thought of what can I get out of this for my particular field of the cultural arts. There was a constant feeling of friendliness and cooperation. Everyone worked hard and long for the organization of our Arts Council. It paid off--for we have this lovely Arts Center for the education, enjoyment, and use of people of all ages in our community. You too can do this. We stand ready to help you."
|
|
-Marion Gathercoal, Art Center founder
|
We are proud of the legacy expressed in this excerpt and strive to live up to the ideals it expresses.
|
|
|
|
|
|
