By Marianne Lippard, Register Correspondent

DERBY — A building that for 20 years served as a temporary home to the region’s homeless population will soon become an arts center.

The Board of Aldermen recently approved plans by the Valley Arts Council to convert the space formerly occupied by the Spooner House shelter into what will be known as the Valley Center for the Arts.

According to VAC President Richard DiCarlo, the facility will offer studio space for artists and classrooms for lessons in different art techniques for children and adults.

Spooner House occupied the building at 119 Caroline St. since 1988. A new homeless shelter is now located in Shelton.

Mayor Anthony Staffieri said that he is enthusiastic about the VAC’s plans, noting that the former shelter will provide a nice place for artists to work. Studio rental space is planned for the building’s second floor.

Aldermanic President Ken Hughes said the VAC will pay just $1 a year to lease the building, but the group will also pay any utility bills, insurance and maintenance costs.

The VAC was the only organization to express interest in leasing the building.

Hughes said the arts center will have a positive impact on the downtown.

“I think it’s an excellent plan. ... It will have a trickle effect on the entire area,” he said.

Community and Economic Development Director Sheila O’Malley said that the council will be doing a lot to fix up the building, mostly using volunteers. Continued...

• 1
• 2
• See Full Story

The council will work with other non-profits, perhaps even Yale, to promote the arts.

“(The center) will create a lot of energy in that neighborhood,” O’Malley said, adding that in a small community like Derby, anything that moves in, good or bad, makes an impact.

O’Malley said that Steve Nakano, executive director of the Derby Housing Authority, also plans to work with the center to try to meet the needs of senior citizens in the area who would like to get creative. O’Malley said that her office would get involved with the center when it is time to secure funding through grants.

Staffieri said that DiCarlo has done a lot of research on creating a thriving arts center and he is also working on establishing a farmers market on the Derby Green next spring.

Besides selling fruits and vegetables at the market, Staffieri said he now hopes to see artisans showcasing their crafts, as well.

• 1
• 2
• See Full Story

• 1
• 2
• 3
• See Full Story

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• See Full Story

• Return to Paging Mode