Dougherty Station Community Arts Center Opens In San Ramon

The much-anticipated grand opening of the Dougherty Community Arts Center marked a momentous occasion for the local arts community. The vibrant event, attended by artists, art commissioners, city council members, and enthusiastic community members, showcased the center's commitment to fostering creativity and artistic expression and providing a home for artistic endeavor.

The facility is located at 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon, CA 94582.and the ribbon cutting was held yesterday afternoon and was followed by an Open House that featured dance performances, instructor booths and a student gallery. The main gallery featured artist Mario Navasero and a Community Batik project by YJ Malladi. Visitors enjoyed refreshments and demonstrations and had the opportunity to network with artists in attendance.

"Having dedicated spaces for different art forms under one roof is a dream come true," remarked Recreation Supervisor Adam Chow. "This facility will foster collaboration and innovation among artists in San Ramon like never before."

The San Ramon Arts Foundation was a key sponsor for the event. The center's expansive new location boasts an array of features designed to cater to artists and art enthusiasts alike. Studio spaces tailored for various artistic mediums, a green room, spacious classroom areas, a soundproof music room, and a versatile multi-use space were unveiled to the public.

Attendees were treated to a feast of visual and auditory delights, as the opening festivities included a live piano performance by James Daly, owner of the San Ramon Academy of Music. In addition, the event featured on-site demonstrations by local artists like Wei Ting Chuan, an Asian brush painting specialist, providing a glimpse into the creative processes that will soon come to life within the center's walls.

Guests and artists expressed their excitement at the opportunities the Dougherty Station Community Arts Center presents. "This Arts Center is not just a destination for artistic goals, but a journey," said Ranjini Venkatachari, Chair of the San Ramon Arts Advisory Committee, “A journey that invites us all to explore and engage as individuals and as a community to foster the arts. So let’s learn, create and be inspired.” Ranjini and fellow artist Nutan Singh are spearheading the establishment of the Visual Arts Society of San Ramon (VASS) nonprofit.

The grand opening also served as a platform for community engagement. City council members and art commissioners expressed their support for the center's role in enriching the cultural landscape and providing a space for artistic dialogue and education. The Discovery Counseling Center will also be making use of some of the space at the center to make their services more accessible to residents in San Ramon.

As the Dougherty Station Community Arts Center embarks on this new chapter, it is poised to become a cornerstone of artistic expression, creativity, and collaboration in the community. The grand opening celebration was a testament to the power of the arts in uniting diverse individuals and inspiring a shared passion for creativity while bringing together artists from all disciplines, including performing arts, visual arts, and literary arts.

For more information on the Dougherty Station Community Arts Center and the City of San Ramon’s Arts programs, visit www.sanramon.ca.gov/arts.