We have officially signed a lease with the City of Chico to take over the additional spaces on the south end of the historic Southern Pacific Railroad depot, which has been vacant for many years. This expansion will allow Chico Art Center to offer more arts-related opportunities to its members and the broader community.
To celebrate this exciting milestone and gather community input, the Chico Art Center will host an open house on Sunday, March 23rd, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Community members are invited to tour the newly acquired spaces, share their ideas, and help shape the future of this expanded arts hub.
“For over three decades, the depot location of the Art Center has been a creative home for artists and arts supporters alike,” said Lisa Freeman-Wood, President of the Chico Art Center board of directors. “This expansion opens the door to new possibilities and more opportunities to engage. We’re eager to hear from our community about how we can best use this space to serve and inspire.”
Since its founding, the Chico Art Center has played a vital role in fostering artistic expression through rotating gallery exhibitions, a vibrant gift shop, hands-on workshops, classes, and special events. The additional space at the depot will enable the organization to expand its offerings, develop new programs, and further enrich Chico’s cultural landscape.
The Open House will be an interactive event, where visitors can explore the new areas, provide input on potential uses, and connect with fellow artists and community members. Whether you are a practicing artist, an arts enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of arts in Chico, your voice matters! Join us as we embark on this exciting new chapter and help shape the future of arts in Chico.
Event Details:
📍 Where: Chico Art Center, Historic Chico Train Depot,
450 Orange Street, Chico, CA
📅 When: Sunday, March 23rd, 2025
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
