Woodland, CA – On Friday, March 15 the Gibson House in Woodland opened up for a sneak preview of the newly renovated campus and upcoming activities and events including school tours, art and historical exhibitions, and expanded gardens.
Visitors toured the mansion’s first floor, the newly renovated “Barn Gallery,” the farm implement and blacksmith shop, a climate controlled historical collection storage facility, new walkways, gardens and outdoor gathering spaces.
YoloArts Executive Director Alison Flory and Yolo County Supervisor Gary Sandy welcomed visitors to explore the campus. Representatives from the Yolo County Historical Collection, YoloArts education staff, and Gibson gardeners were on hand to answer questions for visitors.
“We are on a journey with the community laying a foundation for increased culture and arts programming at the Gibson House, creating engagement for people of all ages, including youth and young adults, establishing the Gibson House campus as the place for diverse experiences,” said Flory.
Last June, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors and YoloArts entered into a management agreement to launch a cultural center at the Gibson House campus in Woodland. Over the last 6 months, improvements to the building and grounds have been made to increase accessibility, create public multi-use indoor space, and establish climate controlled areas for the Yolo County historical collection.
YoloArts reached out to the community last fall in an effort to design programming and spaces for the renovated campus. Several “design challenge” workshops were hosted and were centered around the question, “How might we create the future of the Gibson House property as an art, history, and cultural center championed by YoloArts and embraced by Woodland and the Yolo County community.” Top ideas from the 80 participants were: multicultural recognition, public art, nature garden, art classes, and living history.
Beginning March 26, third grade students will be welcomed back for field trips and historic experiences with guided tours and hands-on activities such as butter churning, corn husking, and art making. These tours are conducted by docents, continuing a longstanding tradition.
The Gibson House is located at 512 Gibson Road in Woodland and is a Yolo County park operated by YoloArts. For information about events and programs at the Gibson House email ya@yoloarts.org or call 530-309-6464.