Our Progress
– December 2008
“If We Build It,
They Will Come!” . . .
The continued effort for
a regional center for the arts is still planned off the south Bass
Lake Road exit on a 22 acre site within the 2500 acres of an area
named Marble Valley. (Marble or limestone was mined in Marble Valley
for well over 100 years—hence the name Marble Valley.)
“Our property in
Marble Valley is truly beautiful and once people see it, they will
realize what an opportunity we have,” says Normadene Carpenter
MVRCA’s founder. The site was donated by the S.H. Cowell Foundation
in 1990 for the purpose of building a regional arts center. The surrounding
acreage is owned by Parker Development Co. and is sited for a planned
community similar to Serrano.
Despite the stumbling blocks
of raising the money to build it, enthusiasm still runs high. “A
regional center for visual and performing arts in the foothills will
open a world of possibilities,” stated Wayne Lowery, Marble
Valley Board Member and General Manager of El Dorado Hills Community
Service District.
The Marble Valley Regional
Center for the Arts (MVRCA) was established by dedicated volunteers
and community members who have pursued the dream of creating a regional
facility for major musical programs, plays, and named entertainment
as well as local art shows, dance performances and cultural events
in the foothills of El Dorado County. The Center will address a host
of regional needs by combining a mid-sized theater with a modern visual
arts wing and multi-use studio theater for smaller productions and
meetings. A Visitor Center will display and promote the rich resources
and opportunities of our region. A high tech business conference center
is also planned.
Despite the years of continual
donations by individuals, charitable trusts of various denominations,
and continual donors such Parker Development Co. and El Dorado Savings
Bank, Marble Valley (MVRCA) has millions to go. When an anticipated
large pledge failed to materialize a while back, they had to cut their
paid staff and are now back to 100% volunteers.
Are there any philanthropic
angels who would like to leave a legacy here in the foothills?!? We
would love to hear from you.
Please be sure to check out our Membership
section to find out more about how you can participate.
