Our History

In January 2003, CAST and the Columbia Art Gallery announced that they both were in search of new locations.   With both of these organizations facing a similar situation, they began working on a solution together. 

In February 2003, that solution arose. The American Legion Hall, a 10,000 square foot building located in the heart of historic downtown Hood River, was put up for sale. Because the two groups did not have the funds necessary to buy the building immediately, a small group of local art supporters stepped forward and offered to purchase the building and hold it until the groups could raise the funds needed to purchase and renovate it to suit their needs. In order to turn this idea into reality, a separate 501(c)(3) called Columbia Arts was formed in order to represent the collaborating partners and to work to raise the necessary funds. 

Shortly after Columbia Arts was formed, discussions with Gorge Arts, the regional arts council began. Because most of the successful arts councils around Oregon operate a facility in conjunction with their councils, both Gorge Arts and Columbia Arts saw this building project as an excellent opportunity to strengthen the efforts of both groups. 

Timeline

This project began in late 2002 when CAST and the Columbia Art Gallery began searching for a new home. The project goal was to purchase and renovate the building in approximately two and a half years in order to open the Center in 2005.

We would like to thank the community that made the renovation possible, not only for us to purchase the old American Legion building, but to help us renovate it into a state of the art facility. Our goal was to create a cultural destination, with showcase facilities to enable the arts to thrive in the Gorge.

Our goal was to draw a variety of artists and art groups that will not only enhance and improve the arts, but which will also help boost the region’s economy as well as improve our overall quality of life.

In addition to the gallery and theatre space, Columbia Arts has multi-purpose rooms which will be utilized by smaller art groups, individual artists, and the community as well as the schools for educational art-related activities.