The much-anticipated Pablo Center at the Confluence, Eau Claire, Wisconsin’s first major arts center located in the downtown district at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers, officially opens its doors to the public on Saturday, September 22nd.
The Center’s impressive inaugural season line-up includes dance productions, family-friendly performances, literary and film events, as well as musical guests spanning multiple genres, staged in either the 1,200+ seat theatre or the flexible 400-seat theatre. In addition to the performing art spaces, Pablo Center also includes multiple art galleries featuring regional and national visual arts displays across a variety of mediums. The galleries are free and open to the public. For full details and to purchase performance tickets, go to www.PabloCenter.org
Pablo Center at the Confluence also includes rehearsal, dance, and community rooms; visual arts studios and galleries, labs for sound and lighting and set and exhibit design; a recording studio, multimedia production and costume design spaces; a scene shop with space to support “makers and creators” and vocational training initiatives; and administrative offices for management, University of WI-Eau Claire faculty and Visit Eau Claire staff. The new visitor center will be located on the first floor and will open its doors to the public Oct. 26th.
Pablo Center at the Confluences is the result of a public-private collaboration, with funding through investments from the state, city, and county as well as philanthropic donations and new market tax credits. As a founding partner, the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire will utilize space at Pablo for student instruction and performance opportunities.
Multipurpose spaces on the third floor offer picturesque views of the Chippewa River and the iconic lighted Phoenix Park Bridge. These rooms are fully equipped with screens, projectors, and state-of-the-art sound systems, making them the ideal rental spaces for meetings and special events.
Grand opening festivities start at noon with a free open house that runs until 5:30 p.m., followed by a ticketed theatrical and musical performance at 7:30 p.m.
Visit Eau Claire will also be providing a sneak peek of its new visitor center and have Eau Claire giveaways sporting the new visitor bureau logo.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Pablo Center at the Confluence Grand Opening Celebration
When: Saturday, Sep. 22
Where: 128 Graham Ave., Eau Claire, WI
Website: www.PabloCenter.org
Details:
- free open house from noon until 5:30 p.m.
- 7:30 p.m. ticketed event, Grand Opening Celebration Cabinet of Curiosities, includes premiere of Pablo Center-commissioned work by designer/sculptor, puppeteer Chris M. Green and musical performances by the Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra and the Chippewa Valley Sympathy Orchestra
Interview: Brenna St. George Jones, director of artistic programming, Pablo Center at the Confluence
Opportunities:
- Linda John, executive director, visit Eau Claire
About Visit Eau Claire
Visit Eau Claire is the area’s official tourism marketing organization with a role to better the city for all who live, work, study, and play here and a mission to bring visitors to the area. With encouragement and support from Visit Eau Claire and benefitting greatly from the independent spirit of those who call the community home, this northern Wisconsin university city is making a name for itself as a creative hub with a hip and homegrown music and arts scene and a robust entrepreneurial culture. This city of bridges sits at the confluence of the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers, a breathtaking backdrop that inspires originality and encourages a love of outdoors at every turn. Midwest indie? Yes, really.
