The Gilroy Center for the Arts has reopened after more than a year of closure due to Covid-19. With its reopening, the Center has a calendar full of events for the community such as art lessons for children and adults, open mic nights, family movies outdoors and exhibits from local artists, as well as new events.
“In the pandemic we were shut down and it really hurt our financial situation so now we’re doing a lot of things we haven’t done before,” said Gilroy Arts Alliance President Marianne Eichenbaum. “We are doing a lot more community-based activities.”
Prior to the pandemic, art classes for both children and adults had been popular; however they have not regained their popularity as they return, according to Gilroy Arts Alliance Public Relations Director Vangie Moniz.
She said she hopes that connecting with teachers and schools will help the art classes fill up again.
“We want to really get involved with the schools as they open, let them know we’re here and get the kids involved,” Moniz said.
Local artists are encouraged to use the center, located at 7341 Monterey St., as a place to work on their projects. The Center features many local artists throughout the year. The current exhibit, running through July 30, is from local art teacher Richard Charvet. Charvet’s art is a series of oil and acrylic paintings.
Another event the Gilroy Center for the Arts is hosting is a Viva Las Vegas Nostalgia night as a tribute to Donald “Elvis” Prieto. Prieto, the local Elvis celebrity, passed away in May. To honor him, the Center for the Arts will be having a Vegas-themed night with a tribute followed by a showing of “Viva Las Vegas” on Aug. 18.
Prieto was a supporter of the Gilroy Center for the Arts and donated his time to help raise funds.
“He was kind of an icon to Gilroy,” Eichenbaum said. “He was very important to Gilroy. He was just the nicest person you ever could come across. He was loved by many, many people.”
For information on the Gilroy Center for the Arts and calendar of events, visit gilroycenterforthearts.com.
