Cotuit arts center's new building is a work of art

By Meridith Baier
reprinted with permission from
The Barnstable Patriot
February 6th, 2004

Wow! Perhaps you've noticed the spectacular new building on the grounds of the Cotuit Center for the Arts. If not, take a peek the next time you drive by on Route 28. And, once inside...double wow!


OPEN SPACE-James Wolf, executive director of the Cotuit Center of the Arts, stands above the performance space in the sunny new building off Route 28. The 9,000-square-foot building has room for a soaring gallery as well.
  
 HEY, MICHELANGELO! A worker touches up the walls of the double-high art gallery at the new Cotuit Center for the Arts.

The Cotuit Center for the Arts may be the best kept secret in this part of the Cape, but with its recent expansion and exciting prospects, it won't be for long. The new 9,000-square-foot space, designed by Cape architect Mark Hutker, is absolutely beautiful. This splendid design, perfect for education, exhibition and performance, is tremendously functional and versatile. It features a 130-seat theater with a flexible performance space that can be reconfigured to suit many needs, allowing music, dance, art, film and theater to coexist. From an artist or audience perspective, who could ask for anything more?

The CCftA, a non-profit corporation, opened in 1994 to offer art and music studios as well as gallery and performance space. When the former location behind the Cotuit Grocery burned to the ground in April 2000, sets, costumes, lighting equipment and props were destroyed. The search for another space brought the center north to the state highway.

The mission of the center is to supply the community with an array of programs that encourage individual artistic development, exploration, and experimentation. In addition to art classes there are music, theatre, writing and photography workshops for all ages, offered on a year round basis.

"Education is a primary focus of the center," said James Wolf, executive director. "This is about art in the trenches. It's important for people to know that we're here and moving forward. We've had an interesting history, but it's time to focus on what we're doing now and what we'll be doing in the future."

With the future comes an even bigger focus on the performing arts. The company is growing and its pool of actors, directors and playwrights is expanding. Poor Dead Celia, an award-winning work by local playwright Tara O'Keefe, has been chosen as the first play to inaugurate the opening of the new building. Charming and irreverent Celia was murdered by her husband. Following his 17 years of imprisonment, he returns home to the family where Celia is now a residing spirit with dismal plans for him. Seriously funny and very dark, it's just what Cotuit should expect from this talented troupe, which has presented works by talents ranging from Edward Gorey to William Shakespeare.

The show is expected to open March 11.

There are many other events on the horizon for CCftA. The annual Chili and Poetry Contest will be on Feb. 28. This is a multifaceted event beginning with an art show at 6 p.m. In April the Cape Cod Jewish Federation is hosting a film festival.

The enthusiasm and passion of those contributing to this project is infectious and exciting. It's just about time to pop a cork, clink glasses and toast to the new Cotuit Center for the Arts. Now that you know the secret ­pass it on!


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