Rowayton Arts Center got its start in January, 1960, when a group of
artists and authors gathered at the Bell Island home of Arno Scheiding
to discuss the idea of an arts center. Rowayton was home to a number of
exhibiting artists who showed at the village fair and in nearby towns,
but had no central base. Clearly, a physical center for the arts was
needed.
A month later, the plan was formed. Arno Scheiding, a painter and
industrial designer, together with William Gray Schaefer, head of a
noted decorating firm, and Don Craig, owner of the local liquor store,
signed the Articles of Association, marking the legal start of the new
group. Its purpose was "to provide a community cultural center for the
study, creation and appreciation of the arts. RAC's first home was on the second floor of the building known then as
Nelson's Lobster House, and now as Brendan's 101. A group of directors
joined the three founding members: Robert Course, John H. Obold, Claude
Venon, James and Jane Flora, and Paul Nonay.
That first year was a busy one.
In his first annual report to members, President Scheiding said "In one short year, the Rowayton Arts Center has evolved from an experiment to a
successful and exciting cultural center. In the first year alone,
membership has risen to 393. We think this proves that our Center's
program is responsive to the cultural interests of the area."
By RAC's first birthday, in the spring of 1961, the center had expanded
its space to include the downstairs of the building at 101 Rowayton
Avenue, and begun a program of classes.
At that time, Rowayton Library occupied RAC's present building at 145
Rowayton Avenue, a firehouse built in 1905 by Reliance Hook and Ladder
Company. Curiously, the library was the pre-RAC occupant of the 101
building. When the community bought the section of the Farrell estate
at 33 Highland Avenue, the library moved to larger quarters in the
handsome building that had housed the stables. In 1966, the Arts Center
moved uptown to the old firehouse, now owned by the Sixth Taxing
District.
Eager volunteers painted and plastered to transform the firehouse into a
functioning arts center, with office, kitchen, bathroom, studio, gallery
and storage spaces. This tradition of saving costs through volunteer
help began with the first RAC building, continued through several
renovations and is still vital today.
Art In the Park, a show and sale of artwork set in Pinkney Park, was
begun in 1968, and has become a highlight of village life, concurrent
with the Memorial Day Parade.
RAC celebrated its 25th birthday in 1985 with a major party, attended by
many of the original members. The structure of monthly exhibits,
opening receptions and classes that was begun in the early days had
proved workable, and continues today.
A major renovation took place in 1993, using funds contributed by
individual and corporate donations. The kitchen was relocated, office
and additional gallery space added, and the view opened to the river.
Again, volunteers helped offset the cost by assisting the professionals
with chores such as painting
and cleanup.
The current renovation was begun in 1998, when the Building Committee
was formed under the leaderhip of former RAC president Nancy Gramps.
They sought bids on the design, and selected David Austin of Austin,
Patterson, Disston Associates as the architect to create a design for an
up-to-date arts center. It was determined that certain structural
issues must be addressed to preserve the nearly hundred-year old
building. The upstairs studio was dramatically improved with skylights,
new windows, new lighting and loft storage space. The Little Gallery
was relocated,
The final phase of renovation was begun in summer of 2003, and concluded
with a gala opening reception on September 28. In this final effort,
the office space, kitchen and little gallery were reconfigured; a
handicapped-accessible bathroom, new lighting and movable panels were
added.
Fresh landscaping features commemorative stones, purchased by members as
part of the fund-raising effort.
In keeping with the original tradition of volunteer help, members came
in at the end of construction to paint the walls and trim of the first
floor in time for the opening reception.
Now, in its 43rd year, Rowayton Arts Center is updated with computer
technology, air conditioning, functional spaces and contemporary
design. Exciting new classes, workshops and exhibits are planned,
member enthusiasm is undiminished, and RAC is well positioned to
continue its primary focus as a community cultural center.
The official opening took place on April 24, 1960, with an exhibit of works by members. Member dues were but $10.
Paul Nonay and Jane Flora held shows,
followed by a 9-member show,
a lecture by author Kay Boyle,
a photography show, a painting and sculpture show,
and the first artists'
ball known as the Bal de Tete.
This fund-raiser became an annual
village event, and members competed for prizes for the most outlandish
headdresses.
and a triple panel of glass, that showcases the artwork hung inside, replaced the cramped front door.