The Chehalem Cultural Center is a really fantastic community space in Newberg! The historic building was constructed in 1935 and was actually the old Newberg school house. It was constructed during the Depression era as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project. The outdoor community space hosts all sorts of events including the First Friday Art Walk, Tunes on Tuesday, and the Newberg Farmers Market, and it’s located just one block off of Highway 99W as it runs through downtown Newberg.

Last Friday the Chehalem Cultural Center celebrated the Grand Opening of the Ballroom! The new Ballroom is 5,200 square feet, and it’s envisioned that the venue space will host business conventions, weddings, banquets, and other community events. The ballroom is actually phase two of a three phase plan to convert the 1935 brick schoolhouse into a cultural center for the entire region. And for those of you who are curious phase three will include more studio and flexible use space, a movement studio, a kitchen, and a 250 seat theater!

When I arrived after work, a presentation was being made by the Chehalem Cultural Center’s Executive Director Robert Daily. Robert spoke about the effort and vision it took to be standing in front of the crowd that had gathered to celebrate. To date, the Chehalem Cultural center has raised over $5.5 million dollars to renovate the building!

In doing a bit of research, I happened upon a great interview with Robert Daily. Listening to the hard work of the community members and the vision for the Cultural Center is really inspiring. Their aim is to put the “Arts” back into the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Program, making it STEAM! Very cool idea!!!

The evening events were concluded with cutting the cake provided by Sugarhouse Cake, live music by Gill Reynolds and the Deep Blue, and of course wine!

For those of you who might be curious about renting the Ballroom, it can be rented for as little as $75 per hour with weekend wedding packages starting at $1,500. As they finish off the space it will be fully outfitted for audio-visual and will feature a stage for performances or presentations. The space is stunning and the windows bring it beautiful streams of light that really make the place glow with warmth.

It was a great event and I’m so excited to get more involved with the Cultural Center!