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Neighborhood Center for the Arts urges support for artists with disabilities, outlines services and needs
Summary
At the Oct. 1 Nevada City Public Arts Commission meeting, Neighborhood Center for the Arts Executive Director Amy Maderas described the nonprofit’s 42-year history serving artists with differing abilities, detailed operating constraints and invited the public to upcoming open studio events.
Amy Maderas, executive director of the Neighborhood Center for the Arts, told the Nevada City Public Arts Commission on Oct. 1 that the long-running nonprofit provides studio space and programs for artists ‘‘who just show [their ability] differently.’’ She said the center has been part of the community for 42 years and that staff and many artists have multi-decade ties to the program.
Maderas described how the Center operates with modest participant reimbursements and constrained staff pay: she said participants receive reimbursements ‘‘about $12 an hour’’ while she pays staff ‘‘$20 an hour.’’ She credited a county resiliency grant that covered a year’s rent after the COVID-19 period and said the organization remains financially fragile, relying on small grants and local partners.
Maderas recounted individual artist stories to illustrate program impact. She introduced artists including Laura G., a Deaf painter; Spencer McClelay, a longtime weaver; Paul, who enjoys drawing; and Robert, who recently experienced an on-site medical emergency the staff helped manage. ‘‘We have about 65 currently,’’ she said of the artists served.
Commissioners praised the Center’s work and asked practical questions. In response, Maderas said the Center is open Monday through Friday with shorter hours (roughly 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.), will participate in upcoming open studio tours and maintains a gallery where artwork is available for sale year-round with artists receiving a percentage of proceeds.
Maderas asked the commission and community to help increase visibility and support for the nonprofit, noting staffing and funding limits. Commissioners offered to help promote visits and programming through commission channels and local networks.
The commission did not take formal action on funding during the meeting. Maderas encouraged commissioners and members of the public to visit the Center and to watch for its participation in open studio events and a holiday show planned for a weekend timeframe.
