History of the Colonial Theatre
The Colonial Arts Center holds rich history for many Buckhannon locals who remember attending past events at the venue.
The building itself has been around since 1924. Garland West originally managed the building as the Colonial Theater, displaying films for all ages for over three decades (1930-1966). In the early 1970s, management transitioned to Gray Barker, a science fiction author who renamed the theatre Cinema V. Barker passed away in 1984, and the building was renovated into a bar shortly after.
The bar did not remain, and the building was closed. After nearly two decades, the City of Buckhannon knew that the loss of this historic building that it would be the loss of a key element to Buckhannon’s Downtown Historic District. In March of 2017, a town hall meeting was held to seek community input, and a decision was made for the building to be renovated into a space that would benefit the community.
A grant proposal was submitted to the WV Department of Arts, Culture, and History in March of 2017 for the first phase of renovations to begin. This grant cycle awarded the theatre project $102,000 for demolition and clean-up work, such as floor replacement, roof repair, and other necessary renovations. The project also received over $5,500 from local art organizations.
The theatre hosted some “performances” to raise awareness of the project and to interest community folks of Buckhannon. Key to Adam and Connor McCauley, local musicians, played music during tours of the theatre in 2017. Buckhannon Community Theatre presented a showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show in October of 2017, ART26201 hosted a variety show and there was even a “Battle of the Bands” hosted by the City with Appalachian folk dancing.
The new Colonial Arts Center maintains this rich history and, through the City of Buckhannon’s management, continues to create more artistic experiences for the community. While the building may look different on the inside, students, artists, and audience members will all find something to love about this new space.
Trader’s Alley Arts District
The Colonial Arts Center is located at the “top” of Buckhannon’s Trader’s Alley Arts District, which continues down Trader’s Alley to Jawbone Park.
The name “Trader’s Alley” comes from an informal farmer’s market that used to take place on the same property. Architect Bryson VanNostrand presented a plan to the city in 2015 to designate this alley as an arts space that would also serve as an easier way for foot travel from Main Street to Jawbone Park. The city agreed, and plans moved forward with reconstruction of the alley and the installation of public arts and outdoor exhibits.
In the warmer months, Jawbone Park is host to Festival Fridays, weekly events starting around 5 PM, where they pack vendors and artists of all sorts into the park for family entertainment that lasts until 8:30 PM. The park connects to Trader’s Alley, where you can stroll past murals and different types of art unique to the alley. The Lascaux Micro-Theater is hidden on the left of the alley down a flight of stairs, but offers the opportunity to experience the most unique films in one of the smallest movie theater venues. The alley connects to Main Street, where Artistry On Main sits with local artists’ works for purchase. Across the street is the home of the Colonial Arts Center.
This district will showcase the art of many talented artists, including students of all ages that are learning different ways to express their creativity, professional artists of their craft, and anyone in between.
Our Mission
The Colonial Arts Center will serve as a community arts hub, facilitating and providing venues for creative and educational opportunities for students, artists, and audience members through diverse programming.
At the Colonial Arts Center, we aim to provide a creative outlet to inspire all types of artists with multiple venues and programs. Through partnership and collaboration, we intend to expand local culture and the arts scene of Buckhannon.
VISION STATEMENT
Staff
Colonial Arts Center Board of Directors
Erika Kolenich, Chair
Randy Sanders, City Recorder
John Waltz, Board Member
Morgen Miller, Board Member
