Building toward the future to become a true center for all the arts
We sat down with Christine Scott, President of Suze’s Prescott Center for the Arts (SPCA) Board of Directors, to learn why she supports the arts in Prescott.
PWM: How long have you been the President of the Board of Directors, and what are your goals for your term?
Christine: This is my second one-year term as board president, and this is my sixth year on the board. I’ve been involved with SPCA as a patron, an actress, a volunteer, and a board member for more than 30 years. I remember when it was the Prescott Fine Arts Association; now that is going way back!
My first goal for my current term is to finish the capital campaign. We have broken ground on the new studio theater building and are currently 75% funded for the project. SPCA still needs to raise around $1.5 million to open the building, which will include a 99-seat theater, an additional art gallery and box office on the top level, and classrooms, rehearsal, and storage space on the bottom level.
My second goal is to continue to clarify the vision of SPCA as a true center for all the arts — performing and visual. Theater will always be our core, but we have so much opportunity to expand our visual arts program. This might include classes, exhibits that educate and diversify our perspectives and awareness, and youth programmings such as a Youth Arts Congress, educational opportunities (like internships with practicing artists), and more robust scholarship opportunities. The new center will be an economic and community development stimulator in Prescott and the Northern Arizona region.
PWM: Are you an artist as well? If so, what is your medium?
Christine: I have many mediums! I was an art teacher at Bradshaw Mountain High School and taught 2-D and 3-D fine art courses, as well as graphic design, so I dabble in many things out of necessity and curiosity. I am fond of saying that I can teach anyone to draw because art is not a “have/have not” talent; It is a learned set of skills that include being aware of the world around you and intentionally observing and noticing. It’s really an affirming feeling to see someone succeed in something they never thought they could do!
PWM: How can the community help SPCA meet its Capital Campaign goals?
Christine: Our community can contribute to our success in a variety of ways. Any donation, no matter the size, gets us closer to closing the final funding gap. Community members can purchase a seat in the new theater (there are only 99 of them, so move quick), a paver for the amphitheater and courtyard (a great memorial opportunity), and courtyard benches (with a memorial plaque). This is also the time of year when people plan their year-end giving and SPCA would love to be considered for such generosity.
PWM: What do you do when not involved with PCA (hobbies, family, groups, etc.)?
Christine: I love to ride ebikes with my husband. Our daughter and her family live nearby, so we spend as much time with them as possible. My 96-year-old dad and siblings live in Michigan, so I try to get back there as much as possible. I also love to sew and work in the yard. No boredom in my life!
For more information about Suze’s Prescott Center for the Arts and how to contribute visit www.pca-az.net or call SPCA at 928.445.3286 for more information.