Grass Valley arts center reopens after nearly two years of closure

The Center for the Arts in downtown Grass Valley has reopened its doors for the second time this year.

Following 18 months of renovation, the 21,000-square-foot, multi-use facility stayed open for a mere two days in March before the coronavirus forced another closure. But as of last week, the public is finally welcome to enjoy The Center’s inaugural fine arts exhibit and new bar.

Every Thursday and Friday for the rest of the summer, The Center will host Open Gallery Happy Hours in its Granucci Gallery from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Visitors can explore Nancy Mintz’s “Strata” exhibit, which interrogates “the diversity of natural biological communities, and the processes of growth, decay, and succession,” according to a news release from The Center. With a focus on “forms of memory,” like husks, pods and shells, Mintz’s sculptures use lighter materials to achieve an “ethereal presence.” The exhibit accompanied The Center’s brief March opening, but has been extended for a full run.

Rick’s Bar & Cafe also lends itself to the “artful happy hour.” Visitors can sip on canned beers, bottled wines and other drinks from the full bar service.

The Center calls the open gallery the “first phase” in its reopening, with measures in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. To allow for social distancing, only 35 visitors can occupy the bar and gallery at a time. Each must wear a mask and remain 6 feet away from members of other parties.

This story was originally published June 24, 2020 at 8:01 AM.