A community arts center will open in downtown Redmond later this year.

The Dry Canyon Arts Association will operate the gallery and classroom space in one of the largest buildings in Redmond’s downtown core: the 20,000-square-foot Rogers & Lynch Building located at the corner of SW 6th and Deschutes Ave.

The historic brick building, which dates back to 1917, is currently occupied by Housing Works and other tenants. Housing Works is in the process of moving to a new headquarters in its currently under construction housing development on the west edge of Dry Canyon.

The new space will be called the Dry Canyon Community Arts Center. It will include 3,000 square feet by summer and will add another 1,500 square feet once Housing Works fully moves out of the property. DCAA will take possession on August 1 and hopes to host a grand opening sometime that week.

According to Mel Archer, current president of the arts association, the new space will include three classrooms for art instruction, a gift shop and 2-3 galleries. Archer said there will eventually be art studios and workshops as well.

According to DCAA, the organization will be funded through a combination of public grants, private foundations, individual donations and corporate sponsorships. Membership fees, program fees and commission on art sales will contribute to the revenue stream to support the new arts center.

Another tenant will operate the north half of the building, but that deal has not been finalized by press time.

The arts association delivered the news after receiving the Ben Westlund Memorial Award from the The Deschutes Cultural Coalition on May 1, then spread the cheer during its spring art show last weekend at Redmond High School.

The $1,000 Westlund Award will be used toward renovation costs. According to Archer, the renovation is likely to cost about $80,000. About $38,000 has been raised so far, and grants and donations are being accepted. Archer said that DCAA is selling donor plaques that will be displayed at the center, and corporate sponsorships will be available as well. The majority of the renovation work will be done by Dry Canyon Arts Association volunteers, he said.

DCAA has been working for years to offer a brick-and-mortar art center in Redmond, allowing the organization to showcase its members and offer more classes and connections. As far back as 2004, a previous incarnation of DCAA named High Desert Society of the Arts was frustrated by the lack of galleries in Redmond and decided to take matters into their own hands. 

Construction and renovation is expected throughout the summer. While that’s being done, the organization’s popular First Friday Art Walks and the Lend Me Your Walls program will continue at partner institutions including the Redmond Senior Center, Pangaea Guild Hall, Bend Dermatology (Redmond Clinic), Feast Food Company, Birdie’s Brows and Spa, St. Charles Hospital Redmond and High Desert Vision Source.