Painted Sky Center for the Arts now owns the old “Madden Building”
By Logan Bagett on Thursday, November 2nd, 2023 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
JOHN DAY – The Painted Sky Center for the Arts are the new owners of the old “Madden Building” at 116 NW Bridge Street in John Day. On their Facebook page, Painted Sky wrote, “PSCA would like to thank the Roundhouse Foundation and the Oregon Community Foundation for the down payment of the building.” The space will continue to house Child Care Resource and Referral, Umatilla-Morrow Head Start, Intermountain ESD and OSU Extension, and of course, Painted Sky Center for the Arts. Find the full press release below:
(Press Release from Painted Sky Center for the Arts)
PAINTED SKY CENTER FOR THE ARTS IS THE NEW OWNER OF THE BUILDING LOCATED AT 116 NW BRIDGE STREET IN JOHN DAY
Painted Sky Center for the Arts (PSCA) is pleased to announce that they are the new owner and operator of the building located at 116 NW Bridge street, formerly known as “the Madden Building.” Having a permanent facility dedicated to arts and culture in John Day will be a breakthrough in sustainability and access for arts education, performing, and cultural opportunities for residents of Grant County. PSCA is dedicated to making the new building a great community facility and meeting space that will be open to everyone. Located next to the Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site, this facility will provide year-round livability and economic benefits to the region.
While PSCA is the new building owner, they will continue to house Child Care Resource and Referral, Umatilla-Morrow Head Start, Intermountain ESD and OSU Extension. “All of these organizations will be great partners for the art center and will help sustain PSCA in the long term, making this building a great community facility. With more space to operate, we also plan on expanding our programs and services and making the gym space available to rent for private parties or community events. It has been our top priority to acquire this multi-use, permanent space in John Day to serve Grant County residents and visitors with art and cultural offerings ”–said Valerie Munyon, PSCA Executive Director.
All the Work is Not Done Yet
PSCA has had a huge outpouring of support since its inception in 2018 to make it this far. However, this journey is not over yet. PSCA received gap funding to secure the building and still needs to raise funds to make this dream a reality, which is why it is critical to have community support for this building acquisition. PSCA would like to thank the Roundhouse Foundation and Oregon Community Foundation for the down payment of the building. This project would not be possible without their help.
Another significant source of funding is slated to be funded by the Cultural Resource Economic Funds (CREF) in the upcoming legislative session. PSCA is asking that you reach out to your legislators and write letters to the Senate President, Senator Rob Wagner, and Speaker of the House, Representative Dan Rayfield, to advocate for this project and others in the CREF slate.
The art center really needs your support and advocacy, so stay tuned for the PSCA Capital Campaign Kick-off announcement for this project! In the meantime, please contact Valerie Munyon at paintedskycenter@gmail.com or 541-575-1335 to find out other ways to donate and help the art center make this project a success!
About Painted Sky for the Arts
Painted Sky Center for the Arts is a 501(c)3 that was founded in 2018. Since then, PSCA has grown exponentially, serving the people of Grant County. PSCA’s mission is to advance arts education and entertainment, enhance the quality of life, and promote cultural development in the community. The art center also provides art education and performances for youth and adults and offers classes in ceramics, writing, painting, theater, drawing, leatherworking, and after-school programming. For more information, please visit paintedskycenter.com.
