Second workshop held for new Arts Corridor

FALLBROOK – The second community meeting held to gather input regarding the development of an Art’s Corridor plan for downtown Fallbrook drew a large number of participants.

The future Art’s Corridor is to be fashioned along Alvarado Street in the center of the village connecting the new Fallbrook Library (Alvarado at South Mission) on the west end to the School of the Arts (300 block of East Alvarado) on the east end. A mid-point would be the Fallbrook Art Center at Alvarado and Main.

Renowned architect Rob Wellington Quigley and his associate, architect Wendell Shackelford, presented two proposed plans they developed after the first community meeting. Ideas included an amphitheater, public restrooms, traffic flow, parking solutions, children’s park, solar energy and lighting, a trellis walkway along Alvarado Street and areas for public art installations.

Sandi LeMasters, vice president of Fallbrook Arts Inc. and chair of the Art in Public Places Committee, talked about how the arts impact communities.

“A Princeton study found that the arts attract visitors who spend money on art and frequent local businesses,” she said. “The arts improve a community’s image and make people feel more confident about investing in the community. The study also found that the arts improve psychological well being and individual health which may be due to its ability to relieve stress. The arts improve skills, cultural capital and creativity.”

The third and final community meeting regarding the project will be held Monday, April 11 at 7 p.m. in the community room of the Fallbrook Library. Quigley and Shackelford will present their recommendations for the Art’s Corridor plan. There will be an opportunity for community members to provide final input at this meeting. All are welcome.