“If We Build It,
They Will Come!” . . .
Land is being Cleared for Marble Valley Regional Center for the Arts
Placerville, February 2005 – 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. Approximately five acres of the land was recently cleared
by Gregg Drummond of Xtreme Builders in Cameron Park.
The land, which was full of manzanita bushes and other brush, was
cleared to accommodate upcoming events planned by the Board of Directors
of the Marble Valley Regional Center for the Arts. A series of small
events ranging from hikes to musical performances, theatre and art
shows — gatherings are being planned for this spring and summer.
Due to limited parking and access, the number of attendees is will
be limited until further expansion.
“We want the public to see just how beautiful this property
is. Once they see it, they will realize what an opportunity we have,”
stated Board President Normadene Carpenter. The site was donated by
the Cowell Foundation in 1990 for the purpose of building a regional
arts center. The surrounding acreage was purchased by Parker Development
in the spring of 2001 and is sited for a planned community.
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 name entertainment as well as local arts, dance 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 of 1,000
seats with a modern visual arts wing and multi-use studio theater
for smaller productions and meetings. A 2,500 square foot 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 as El Dorado
Savings Bank, Marble Valley (MVCRA) has millions to go. When an anticipated
large pledge failed to materialize awhile back, they had to cut their
paid staff and are now back to 100% volunteers.
Watch for further details!
Please be sure to check out our Membership
section to find out more about how you can participate.
