Tubac Center of the Arts Expansion and Renovation
Q: What is happening regarding the space for Performing Arts?
A: Planning for renovation of the existing space will be part of the renovation schedule. This will provide significant improvements for the Performing Arts space in the current Smith Gallery including raising the ceiling and stage areas, new and improved lighting, air conditioning, heating and installation of acoustic materials to enhance sound. We continue to seek funding for these important renovations.
In addition, a footprint for what could be a future, larger Performing Arts space has been designated on the master plan. The utilities, septic field and other requirements for this future construction have all been considered and included with the work for the new addition. Construction of this additional space will be contingent upon need and funding availability.
Q: When will construction begin?
A: That depends upon the Board of Director’s decisions in January/February. Working with the design/build team, the Board will consider options for the most cost effective ways to move forward.
We are so close! An impressive amount of donations and pledges have put us over $480,000; most have come from individual, private donors. We are looking to those who haven’t yet contributed, including businesses, to step forward in the next month as $40,000 to $50,000 in additional funds is still needed to begin construction of the new addition.
Here’s a look at where we are in number/amount of pledges and donations:
Gift Range Number of Gifts
$100,000 1
$50,000 1
$25,000 4
$10,000 9
$5,000 10
$2,500 10
$1,000 24
Less than $1,000 58
We encourage gifts in any range and hope that many more in the less than $1,000 category will help put us over the goal.
Q: Would all the work be done at once? What is the timeframe for completion?
Why build now?
A: Once started, Phase I for the new addition should be completed in five to eight months. The renovation work, Phase II, would come next and could be done in smaller steps, depending upon funding. The renovation would include work on the current office spaces, the Performing Arts improvements and the exterior work, including landscaping.
It is important to build now while construction costs are low; approvals are in place and contracts with our design/build team will give us the very best prices.
Delays may mean increased prices in the future.
Q: What about the Summer Gallery and Summer Arts programs?
A: We are already working with the local Montessori School in planning for classroom space for Summer Arts during construction. We will suspend the Summer Gallery in August until construction is complete on the new addition.
Q: Why does TCA need a new gallery? How will it be used?
A: This new gallery space will have various uses. Some exhibitions will focus on those artists that made Tubac famous as an art colony. Our Mission Statement includes “the collection and presentation of art that honors the artistic and historic heritage of Tubac and the Santa Cruz Valley”. Already we have had donations of two Ross Stefan paintings and the two missing pieces of the painting by Jean Wilson over our fireplace, which was originally a triptych. At other times there may be revolving use of the space as part of the current exhibition schedule and retrospectives of featured artists. TCA is not a museum and the gallery will change with current needs and featured artists.
