New drawing of Cultural Arts Center marks just one step of many to come. Advertisement

The PAC has now reached their funding goal for the new Cultural Arts Center and approached the Nye County Commission.

The commission not only granted approval but provided (by unanimous vote) 3.2 acres at the Calvada Eye located on Calvada Boulevard near the duck pond.

Planning for a center began in 1993 when it was called the Vision Arts Center. The current architectural drawing was completed in 1996 when money was initially put into a building fund.

The Pahrump Rotary became an integral part of the planning by having foresight in the need for a performing arts theatre. A joint steering committee was initiated in early 2007 to work on the project and identify any other related efforts that may be required. Erin Forte, chairman of the Public Relations Committee, said, "It's nice that two organizations can join forces toward one goal."

The committee consists of two representatives from both the PAC and Rotary, and final makeup will include community representatives to ensure community input. Early surveys reflect definite support. Members will establish the vision for the committee to reach the ultimate goal of a new center.

For now research is being done defining use of funds and whether funds will be available after the facility is open to continue its use as well as continuous maintenance.

Experts have been contacted to help the group focus on what is feasible and what is realistic.

Loretta Lindell, secretary of the Steering Committee, stated, "One of the things we will need to do is obtain a Nevada Concert rider in order to hold concerts and performing arts theatre activities. We need to identify the initial need, which is a complete feasibility study to include all integral agency requirements."

"Our committee will also provide quarterly updates to the county commission which is a good way to let the public know our progress," stated Manon Rodriguez, chairman of the Steering Committee.

"A new artistic drawing of the facility is a start, because we need to make sure it's appropriate for the community," said Lindell.

She added, "Great changes for the community and peoples lives will occur, not just building a building. We need to focus on the activities, functions, not how nice its looks."

Before any actions can be taken an agreement by a consensus must be achieved by the eight-member executive and four sub-committees.

The sub-committees consist of Publicity/Marketing, chairman Erin Forte; Operations, chaired by Francine Winters; Building and Construction, overseen by Dan Wertsbaugh; and Fundraising, chaired by Patricia Cox.

All committees are seeking volunteers to participate.

Lindell and Rodriguez agree that the group needs to emphasize doing the proper amount of homework to ensure it's done right the first time.

As for the PAC and Pahrump Rotary working together, Rodriguez said, "We have a trusting and supportive group. The focus is on the center not personal agendas. Experts will be found to assist in every stage as necessary."

The Cultural Arts Center not only provides the arts with a gallery but also classes the children and adults can participate in to improve their talents or just start a new hobby. It will also be an education and arts center.

It will be quite some time before any groundbreaking takes place. All the little pegs must be placed in the right hole before that occurs.

If you have any questions about the center or would like to be a member of one or more of the committees, call Loretta Lindell at 751-6776.