Our History

 The Carpinteria Valley Art League (CVAL) is established.

CVAL members Karen Browdy and Eddi Hastings recognize there is no local venue for Carpinteria artists to show their work. They are immediately joined by ten other artists who agree that the problem should be remedied.

Several members of the CVAL sign a lease on a store at 657 Linden Avenue in order to establish a nonprofit co-op gallery. One month later, "Step One: A Gallery" opens during the California Avocado Festival. The gallery is called "Step One" because step two eventually will be an arts center!

"Step One: A Gallery" leases 855 Linden Ave. at the invitation of co-owner and artist Patti Sim, gaining a larger and more visible space. Moving uptown!

With the financial assistance of "Step One: A Gallery", the nonprofit Carpinteria Valley Arts Council (CVAC) is established.

Artist Patti Sim and her sister, Delme McIntyre, offer to sell 855 Linden Avenue to CVAC for a very reasonable $450,000. Fundraising begins!

At the urging of local artist Jack Baker, the Hal Wallis Foundation donates $150,000 to help purchase the site of the future arts center.

CVAC purchases 855 Linden Avenue outright and debt-free.

"Step One: A Gallery" moves from the site, and the Carpinteria Valley Arts Council fully takes charge.

Next door, the Cajun Kitchen restaurant at 865 Linden Avenue closes. Immediately, CVAC leaders begin a fundraising drive for $3.1 million to purchase it, remodel it and provide arts center endowment.

CVAC changes its name to the Carpinteria Arts Center (CAC). Ultimately, $3.5 million is raised! The remodel of the former Cajun Kitchen begins. Numerous Carpinteria contractors donate their time and material for an additional $401,050 being donated in-kind. The CAC is renamed the Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center, acknowledging her generosity and leadership.

The newly remodeled and re-landscaped Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center opens!