Chehalem Cultural Center

The Chehalem Cultural Center lies in the heart of the city of Newberg, housed in a repurposed elementary school built in 1935.  According to Loni Parrish, local artist, owner of ART Elements Gallery, and one of the founders of the center, the project was conceived of nine years ago.  “It took years of talking to the community, finding out what they wanted,” she recalls.  In 2010, the doors opened.  Over time, Loni expects the center’s scope to be grand and far-reaching.  Thanks to an active outreach program, the center serves the smaller towns of Yamhill County as well as Newberg.  “It’s going to touch the lives of every student in this community,” Loni vows.

Because creating and sustaining a cultural center is a large and costly task, the Chehalem Center has opened in stages.  “I’m really proud of the way this organization has planned its future,” says Rob Dailey, Executive Director.  Unlike most non-profits, which rely largely on donations to survive, the Chehalem Cultural Center was founded on the concept of sustainability.  “A non-profit is a business,” explains Rob, noting that the founders of the center deemed stability to be a vital factor for consideration in all phases of development.  “What we have most of is space – 40,000 square feet of space – and we’re developing all of it to be multi-purpose.”  Once completed, the 5000-square-foot grand ballroom will be available to rent as an event venue, providing a significant stream of revenue for the center.  The Parrish Gallery, which is housed in the lobby, operates as a retail gallery, with a portion of sales helping to cover costs.

On any given day, there are classes, activities, events and performances that fill the center with energy.    The center’s mission is to connect community and culture, and each activity is designed to celebrate the arts, community, heritage, or education.  “The best things we do combine all four,”notes Rob.

Today, several drummers settle around the building entrance, patting out rhythms that slowly build in decibels and intensity.  Dozens of donated children’s bikes parked outside are waiting to be adopted and taken to new homes.  Inside, an Earth Day Expo is just getting under way.  And Rob Dailey is delighted.  “When people drive down the street in Newberg, they’ll see activity going on here almost any day of the week,” he says.  “That’s not just signs of life.  It’s a celebration of life.  That’s what we do here.”