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The Firehouse Arts Center has announced that it will reopen its doors to the public on May 1, along with the facility’s Harrington Art Gallery and its 10th “Fresh Works” exhibit.
This reopening marks a major return of the creative and performing arts to Pleasanton since the venue’s closure in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re excited to once again provide a place where friends and neighbors can gather safely and celebrate the joy of art, music and theater,” said Tamara Whitney, recreation manager for the city of Pleasanton.
“The arts provide more than just entertainment,” she continued. “They are also essential to our mental and emotional well-being.
“We’re hopeful that by reopening our doors we can bring excitement and social connection to the many who have struggled during this difficult time.”
The Firehouse Arts Center, at 4444 Railroad Ave. in downtown Pleasanton, is doing something new this summer, offering outdoor performances, both ticketed and complimentary, featuring a variety of local artists. The live, in-person shows will be announced in the coming weeks at www.FirehouseArts.org.
This summer will also see the return of Pleasanton’s popular summer drama camps and youth art classes at the Firehouse Arts Center, beginning in June. They will include Teen Intensives, Improv for High School and Middle School, Lil’ Sparks program, and a new High School Cabaret program. Information will be posted online on Monday and registration will open May 5 at www.PleasantonFun.com.
The Harrington Gallery will reopen May 1 with its annual Fresh Works juried exhibit, which will run through June 26 and feature 59 works from 49 local Bay Area artists who work in various media. This exhibit, the 10th Fresh Works, will highlight works submitted for the 2020 show, which was put on hold due to the shelter in place order.
Patrons will be allowed into the gallery at a limited capacity from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Thursdays; 3-5 p.m. Fridays; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, with additional times by appointment.
“This is just the beginning of the phased reopening process ahead of us,” Whitney said. “We are eager to bring back additional programs and events when we are confident that they can be done safely.”
“Providing a safe environment for Firehouse patrons and staff has been — and will continue to be — our No. 1 priority throughout this phased reopening,” she added. “This will guide every decision we make in the coming months.”