Swag

GET 'ER DONE
702 Main Street
Silk-screened tee
$20

Limited supply, sizes m - xxl
All proceeds go directly to renovation costs.

riva@rivervalleyarts.net

Phase One

Amy, Kate, and I have been picking away at this blog for the better part of 15 months now. In that time we've experienced some pretty major road blocks.

Between the time -- in autumn of 2008 -- that we discovered that a good friend and supporter of ours owned an old run-down house in our hometown, and now -- really, really for real on the edge of truly tangible progress in turning that house into a community hub -- we've battled with logistics, plans, scope, and vision; signed an agreement to pay $3600 per year to make up for non-existent parking spaces; hosted the first, second, and third of many fund raising events to come; and agonized over the reconciliation of dream and reality.

In short: we've struggled.

We've struggled in part because of environment, in part because of attitudes. Mostly we've struggled because of precedent -- that is, there is none. Our informational resources are disparate, varied, and sometimes contradicting. Our project is a unique one; unique to us, unique to this place, and to this time. Each movement cuts through unbroken space. Every gesture is new -- to be carefully considered and recorded with due diligence. Mark my words: if there is ever someone traveling this path again, we will carry them.

Tracy Anderson made a wonderful video for us, highlighting this project and providing a glimpse at what we are all about. If you've had trouble conceptualizing 702 Main Street up until this point, hopefully watching this will help. If you're easily intimidated you may want to close your eyes at the financial bit.

As I sit here in my freshly silk-screened Get 'Er Done t-shirt (see next post), I still feel just as excited about what we're doing here as I did fifteen months ago. Maybe more. Now that we have the go-ahead to develop, we've started collecting quotes from plumbers, electricians, contractors, and exterminators (raccoons, skunks, and rats, oh my!) What has long been one of the first few steps in the renovation process -- an energy efficiency audit -- is scheduled for Monday afternoon. I expect the results to be horrifically comedic.

Our goal for phase one is to complete the public gallery space and prepare the building for permanent tenants. Watch for more frequent updates -- photos, video, incidental sundries, and cautionary tales -- starting now.

Public: youtube and t-shirts

Here is the video as promised, taking you on a two-part tour of 702 Main Street.  Please help us spread the word! 

Also, we have t-shirts with a picture of 702 on them with the caption "Get 'Er Done" underneath if anyone would like to buy one.  They are $20, with a portion of the proceeds going toward this massive undertaking. 

Thanks to everyone for your continued financial support and encouragement, it means a lot. Today is a very exciting day for artists in the River Valley and for the RiVA team!

I was at 702 last Wednesday with an electrician while the Weslyan Church was being demolished. 

It was a powerful contrast - hearing what it will take to create a useable community space at 702 and seeing what the consquences will likely be if we fail to mobilize enough support.  It was very sad to see the old church go, but extremely motivating.  There is no doubt in my mind it will take a whole community to make the 702 dream a reality.

So far, we've had a plumber, electrician, engineer, building supplies man, energy efficiency crew and foundation examiner in to have a look.  Although the building is old, it has very good bones and the engineer commented that he had never seen a rock wall basement in such good condition.  So far, so good.

Now we are waiting for the quotes to come in so we can determine precisely what "Phase I" of renovations will include.  Tracy has prepared a great promotional video that will be uploaded here and to youtube soon.  It will take you on a walk-through and get you fired up to help out.  Cheers!