November opening in sight
By: Nick Norlen
Not quite a blank canvas, the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts is more of a work in progress.
In the coming months, it will become a work of art.
At least that’s the hope of The Arts Council of Princeton, whose new facility is scheduled to be completed in mid-September.
But because construction of the site on the corner of Paul Robeson Place and Witherspoon Street is far enough along to walk in all areas, Executive Director Jeff Nathanson led a "hard hat tour" Thursday.
When it opens, the center will boast a contemporary art gallery, studios for ceramics, photography, painting and children’s art, a theater for dance, drama, music, film and literary arts, and a community space.
Mr. Nathanson said architect Michael Graves’ "ingenious" design situates five levels in three stories, and maximizes the space of what is a "relatively small footprint.
"There’s a multitude of reasons why we’re excited. First and foremost, the programs of the Arts Council that have served the community for 40 years will now have an expanded and improved home. But beyond the facility’s ability to allow us to have improved and expanded programs, this building, designed by Michael Graves, will be a signature piece of architecture for him," he said, referring to the acclaimed architect and long-time Princeton resident.
And the nonprofit organization isn’t skimping on the equipment, which will include four kilns, sound and video recording capabilities, equipment for digital imaging, and even a high definition projector.
"We’re thinking about the future, so we can be constantly updating as new technology becomes available," Mr. Nathanson said.
And although none of that is there yet, Mr. Nathanson said he can see past the sawdust, dirt and drywall to the forms of creativity that will soon occupy the building.
"Walking through the spaces I’m just imagining chairs or equipment or whatever we need in the various spaces, and people actually doing the activities," he said. "I think it’s a little leap of imagination when you’ve got a stack of (construction) stuff in here, but I can see it in my mind."
And the reality isn’t far off, he said.
"It’s almost done. You can see you just need light fixtures, and to finish the floor, and finish what’s happening in our office and on the lower level in the ceramic studio. It’s a matter of three or four weeks," he said. "And that’s really exciting."
Depending on construction, programming could start as early as mid-October, he said, with an opening ceremony tentatively scheduled for November.
But there’s still money to be raised.
The council’s capital campaign has raised $6.5 million to date from more than 1,600 donors, but still needs $1.5 million to reach its goal.
Mr. Nathanson said donations of at least $25 will be marked on the donor sculpture planned for the reception area.
More information is available at www.artscouncilofprinceton.org.

