Arts Center is Born

It’s been a long journey for the building at 801 Magnolia Ave. It was built in the 1880s as a farmhouse, became a Christian Science church, then a neglected eye-sore, and is now the Piedmont Center for the Arts (PCA). All in attendance at Sunday’s grand opening agreed the building has finally come into its own.

For a project that only , the outcome is over the top, with fresh paint, carpets, gallery lighting, and green grass out front. 

“Suddenly we have a beacon, attracting all kinds of artists,” exclaimed PCA Board member Ray Perman. “Piedmont is full of all kinds of artists, commercial, professional, working locally and around the world. The city is packed with musicians!” 

A had mounted an eye-catching exhibit of paintings, photographs, and sculpture for the opening.

First grader Nathan Elliott showed off his rendering of a colorful butterfly, which was also on display along with other student artwork curated by PAINTS (Promote Arts in the Schools). Nathan was accompanied by his mom, Alicia, President of PAINTS, and sister Clarke, a sixth grader who plans to sign up for theater classes to be offered by Bay Area Children’s Theater at PCA.

Becca Posamentier, Education Director for the children's theater, said they'd be rehearsing "The Aristocrats" for a performance at Freight and Salvage in Berkeley.

As Piedmonters looked around the newly painted space, they were serenaded by professional French Horn players Jonathan Ring, Stuart Groningen, and Tom Reicher. Then, the main stage was filled with members of Pro Musica Quartet, who performed Stephen Whitehead’s Count Dracula, narrated by Jim MacIlvaine, and composed especially for the auspicious occasion.

Outside, PCA President Nancy Lehrkind schmoozed with residents and visitors from nearby East Bay cities who were thrilled to have a new venue to add to the region’s considerable arts resources.

“I hope the entire community will use it, enjoy it, and share their talents,” said Lehrkind.