Grass Valley, CA — July 28— The Center for the Arts is proud to announce the dedication of the Leo and Gayle Granucci Gallery, named in honor of two of the region’s most devoted arts advocates and community leaders. The gallery was formally dedicated during a private ceremony held Saturday, July 25, 2026 at The Center for the Arts, 314 W. Main Street in downtown Grass Valley, attended by family, friends, and members of The Center’s Board of Directors and donor community.
As part of the ceremony, County Supervisor Lisa Swarthout presented Leo and Gayle Granucci with the County’s challenge coins, special metal medallions provided in honor of community achievements. Yolanda Cookson presented a Joint Resolution on behalf of Senator Megan Dahle and Assembly Member Heather Hadwick recognizing the occasion as Leo and Gayle Granucci Day in honor of their lifelong contributions to the arts, culture, and well-being of Nevada County.
Extraordinary supporters of The Center since 2000, Leo and Gayle Granucci have played a vital role in the organization’s growth and success for more than two decades. Their generosity has helped make the arts accessible to audiences of all ages and backgrounds, and their leadership has strengthened the cultural fabric of the entire community. Naming the gallery in their honor is a lasting tribute to their vision, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the community they love.
“I have known Leo since his son-in-law, Mark Vieaux, introduced us at a show they both attended. Leo wanted to learn more about The Center, so we met to talk further. Before long, he joined the Board of Directors and became a model board member–a business leader who genuinely loved and supported the arts.
With the encouragement of his wife, Gayle, the artist in the family, Leo became one of The Center’s greatest champions. For many years, Leo and Gayle were my “partners in crime,” providing unwavering support, exceptional leadership, thoughtful mentoring, and invaluable insight from both the business and artistic worlds.
We are thrilled to honor their generosity and philanthropy. They are simply the best friends the Center could have asked for.” said Jon Blinder, President of the Board of Directors of The Center for the Arts.
The Granucci Gallery is currently home to Ripple Effect: ART + MUSIC + PSYCHEDELIA w/ The Chambers Project, curated by Sarah Coleman. Future exhibitions include the legendary rock ‘n’ roll photography of Henry Diltz, whose iconic images include Woodstock and more than 250 album covers, along with a talk by the artist, and the work of local artist Denise Wey. Each year, the gallery also serves as the launch space for the annual Open Studios Tour, a county-wide event inviting community members to discover local artists across Nevada County, home to two of our state’s designated Cultural Districts. The Leo and Gayle Granucci Gallery has been and will continue to serve as a vibrant exhibition space showcasing works by regional and nationally recognized artists, furthering The Center’s vision of bringing the world to our community and our community to the world.