Valley arts group has new nameAuthor(s): Jeremiah Stettler Section: Local headlines Herald Journal staff |
Capitol Arts Alliance? Those who knew its significance found it difficult to explain. Those who didn't scratched their heads.
Lisette Miles found herself in the latter camp when she filled the CAA director's seat in the fall of 2000. The name didn't seem to fit.
But the question was what to call an organization charged with managing the Ellen Eccles Theatre, Bullen Center and Thatcher-Young Mansion.
The old name, though drawing perplexed looks from those outside the organization, had its story.
The word "Capitol" had been tied to the theater's early years when it was known as the Capitol Theatre. It was thought that the theater would reemerge with the same name, but when restoration was completed in 1993, it was renamed in honor of Ellen Eccles.
"Arts" needed no changing. It was a self-explanatory term, referring to the organization's role in the community.
But "Alliance" seemed a little out of date. The organization had been formed as a citizens committee, charged with returning the arts to the historic theater. It has since become more independent.
Though fitting in the beginning, Miles said it was time for a new name.
"It was difficult for branding purposes, marketing purposes and for just communicating with people about what I do," Miles said.
In May, more than a decade after the organization was formed, board members agreed to a change.
The former Capitol Arts Alliance will now be known as the Cache Valley Center for the Arts.
"I'm totally supportive of it," said John Emmett, a board member and past chairman of the board of directors. "The new name more accurately reflects what we do."
Miles agreed. Not only does it emphasize the organization's community-orientation, but it draws together the Ellen Eccles Theatre, Bullen Center and Thatcher-Young Mansion as one "center for the arts."
Though it will require new checks and a new letterhead, Miles said the change has been a positive one for crystallizing the organization's identity.
The group is also considering a change to its logo, which has been the legendary Egyptian Phoenix. Murals of the bird are still visible inside the theater.
But that change remains to be seen.
The organization's new name will be officially announced on Sept. 28 at a midday ribbon-cutting at the Thatcher-Young Mansion. The ceremony will be used to kick off the second annual Cache Valley Arts Festival. |