For 30 years South Snohomish County has dreamed of providing a center for the arts for Snohomish County and the region.
Numerous efforts, including endless mind dulling committee meetings, fabulous rhetoric and efforts at the ballot box, ended with the dream intact, but little else to show. Then a few years ago the state created the Public Facilities District legislation that provided a vehicle for projects like the Lynnwood Convention Center and the Everett Events Center to become a reality. And now, the Edmonds Center for the Arts joins these successes for the greater community.
The 18.5 million 700 seat theater, renovating the 1939 original Edmonds High School auditorium, has been finished since October and several community groups have performed in the concert hall as a “shake down” for the grand opening after the first of the year. Simply said, the reviews by the performers and audiences have been spectacular! The architect and acoustical engineer for the Center were involved in both the Seattle McCaw Hall and Benaroya Hall. The sound is amazing, the newly tiered auditorium provides a quality view from every seat and the furnishings are sumptuous.
Many people have worked tirelessly to bring the project to reality, including the Edmonds Public Facilities Board, the Snohomish County Public Facilities Board, the City of Edmonds, the Snohomish County Council, our state legislators, Edmonds Community College, and many citizens across our communities. This partnership is an example of how the success of a dream comes true.
The Center will provide a venue for community arts groups, our education community including Edmonds Community College and Edmonds School District, as well as a professional International Artists Series that will cover the full spectrum of the arts. We have recruited the finest staff available and they have tackled with enthusiasm and success the many challenges a new organization faces.
The official opening the first week of January will include a ribbon cutting ceremony on Jan. 4, the opening night gala featuring internationally known five-time Grammy Award winner Al Jarreau and his group on Jan. 6, and a community concert featuring the Cascade Symphony, Olympic Ballet and the Sno-King Community Chorale on Jan. 13. The staff had been working to book events of local, national and international talent. Remarkable performers from all art forms have been gathered, including dance and music from classical to jazz and the roots of rock and roll. Information is available by calling 425-275-9595 or at the website at www.ec4arts.org
Yet there are challenges. We still need to plan phase two and we need to raise $2 million to complete the current project. But for now, let’s take time to celebrate this stunning new addition to our communities. The dream has been realized and it is important to acknowledge hard work, cooperation and success. Please join in these celebrations.
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