| The Center for Arts & History provides for all citizens of the region a common ground for the integration of all art. The Center offers the opportunity for increased understanding and participation. The Staff present museum region's history with respect and clarity, maintaining goals of artistic excellence, and accessibility for all. Since 1991 the staff has been working within the scope of the museum's mission and vision to promote community exposure to, involvement in and understanding of performing, literary, and visual arts and area history.Our Historic Building The Center for Arts & History is located in the J.P. Vollmer Building. Built in 1884 by John P. Vollmer (Idaho's first millionaire), it is one of the oldest buildings in Lewiston's Historic District. Designed in the Renaissance Revival style, the two-story brick building retains its original window designs and terra cotta entrance. Our Chinese Temple As early as 1865, Chinese gold miners settled in Lewiston and in the surrounding mining districts. By 1875, the Chinese community had grown large enough to establish its first temple in Lewiston which was lost to fire, and by 1890 built a third temple that would remain in operation until 1959. In the early 1990s, the Center was gifted with the Chinese temple artifacts and established a permanent temple installation titled: Chinese at the Confluence: Lewiston's Beuk Aie Temple. This extraordinary Beuk Aie Temple exhibit is based on the temple as it existed in the 1940s and 1950s. Our Main Gallery Art in the Main Gallery excites first-time visitors to the Center. Many are surprised not only by the quality of exhibits but also by the beauty of the gallery atmosphere. Regular gallery goers enjoy a new experience each time they visit since exhibitions change often and present both Art and Cultural installations. Through 2006, the Center will feature several Lewis and Clark Bicentennial exhibits and special events. |
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