Our New Venue
The Occidental Center for the Arts (OCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to building a HOME FOR THE ARTS IN OCCIDENTAL. Until recently, it was assumed that the Center would have to be built from the ground up, a very costly and time consuming venture. A wonderful gift has changed all that. Orrin Thiessen, who is planning a mixed-use housing development on the former site of Harmony Elementary School, has gifted the auditorium, outdoor amphitheater, and office space to OCA.
With this gift from Orrin Thiessen worth several hundred thousand dollars, OCA is now embarking on a multi stage plan to reach its dream of a complete center for the performing arts in Western Sonoma County. Plans include, but are not limited to, a comfortable performance venue with good site lines and excellent acoustics to be a home for the Redwood Arts Council, the Occidental Choir, small theater presentations, film showings and an art gallery.
OCA's board of directors is actively working to recruit new members to help make this great vision a reality.
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Quotes
"I love Occidental. What I find unique and remarkable is that the Redwood Arts Council and the Occidental Choir are here. It's so wonderful to have in this tiny little town these two remarkable cultural resources. I was thrilled to hear about Orrin Thiessen's gift. This represents such a huge leap forward for OCA's mission of providing a home for these and other cultural activities."
generous Redwood Arts Council supporter and long time community member
“The Chamber music series needs a facility to call home. We need a comfortable and intimate space with fine acoustics..”
Director, Redwood Arts Council
“We live in such a vibrant community we need a place in which all the arts can showcase their talents.”
Director, West County Theater Arts Guild
“I think it is a great idea because it will benefit children as well as their parents. It will be built right across the road from the Y and children will get used to the idea that there is music and art over there.”
Director, Occidental YMCA
“There is enough money in our area to finance the building of an arts center. We must convince those who can to donate to the building fund so our dream for the arts will be realized.”
Executive Director, Occidental Health Center