GRASS VALLEY, CA, April 30, 2026 — The Center for the Arts is proud to announce the launch of its Spring Membership Drive, a five-week effort to strengthen arts and culture in Nevada County. Running May 4 through June 7, this year’s drive sets a $50,000 goal under the theme “Art Lives Here.”
The campaign kicks off with a generous $10,000 matching gift from Mimi Simmons, made in memory of her late husband, Phil Ruble, a longtime supporter of the arts. The gift honors his legacy and invites the community to carry it forward: joining or donating during the Spring Membership Drive doubles the impact of your membership dollars.
“I’m honored to support The Center for the Arts and the role it plays in bringing people together,” said Simmons. “This gift is made in memory of my husband, whose love for music and this community continues to inspire me. I hope it helps ensure the arts remain a vibrant part of life here in Nevada County.”
Have you ever walked out of The Center for the Arts after listening to a favorite musical legend? Felt joy watching your child or grandchild’s first theater production on stage? Discovered a new artist through a unique performance or found a piece of art on the Open Studios tour that now hangs in your home? Membership plays a pivotal role in keeping the lights on and making all of this possible.
“The Center brings people together in a way that’s increasingly rare,” said Operations Director Conrad Sisk. “We live in a time when it’s easy to stay home, stay comfortable, and stay inside your own bubble. What we offer here is community and exchange, in real time — live performances, shared experiences, a room full of your neighbors all present for the same moment. Membership is one way to sustain this gathering space and help ensure it’s here for years to come.”
To celebrate this year’s drive, all new, renewed, or upgraded memberships during the campaign will be entered into weekly drawings for local gift packages, ticket bundles, and a grand prize “Night on the Town” experience. Membership levels range from entry-level to sustaining tiers, with options for every level of engagement. All members receive early access to tickets, discounts, and flexible exchange options up to 48 hours before a performance — making it easy to stay connected to the arts year-round.
Membership at The Center for the Arts offers more than access. It’s a commitment to sustaining a vibrant, creative ecosystem. “It’s not just about attending a show,” said Board President Jon Blinder. “Membership is how our community shows up for the arts in a lasting way, it’s what ensures The Center remains a hub of creative expression built by, and for, the community. As my father always said, ‘It is the Arts that make a community’ — words that ring as loud and true today as they did when he first spoke them. Phil and Mimi have been generous supporters of the Center throughout the years, and we continue to be grateful.”
For more information, to become a member, or to support The Center for the Arts through donations or sponsorship, visit thecenterforthearts.org/membership/.
WHAT: Spring Membership Drive
WHERE: The Center for the Arts | 314 West Main Street, Grass Valley, CA 95945
WHEN: Monday, May 4, 2026
MEMBERSHIP: thecenterforthearts.org/membership/
WEBSITE & INFO: thecenterforthearts.org | (530) 274-8384