Plaza Diane Community Center of the Arts

The Plaza Diane Center for the Arts is the heart of downtown Powell. The gallery, gardens, and splash pad offer places for fun and relaxation for all ages. Workshops, gallery shows, and other events bring life to downtown Powell.
Plaza Diane Community Center for the Arts is the result of collaboration among multiple community organizations and citizens who worked with the City of Powell to create a center for arts and culture in the heart of our downtown shopping district.
2001 – The outdoor space at the corner of 2nd and Bent Streets is named Plaza Diane in honor of Diane Elmer Bonner, a city councilwoman, community builder, and artist.
2002 – The City of Powell completes the first renovation of the 1945 gas station building at Plaza Diane using $150,000 from Community Development Block Grant funds. The hope is to attract a high-tech business to lease the space.
2007 – After five years with no lease, the City considers selling the building. A group of citizens steps forward and asks the Council to consider converting the land and building into a community arts facility.
2008 – The City of Powell receives a Community Facilities Grant to further renovate the building and outdoor space at Plaza Diane. The LEED certified project added a kitchen, accessible public restrooms, solar panels, a roof for the stage, raised gardens, and a splash pad.
2009 – The City contracts with a nonprofit organization to operate the community arts center. A grand opening celebration is held in August of 2009.
Plaza Diane Community Center for the Arts is a nonprofit organization. We lease the Plaza and building from the City of Powell for $1 annually. All maintenance and operational expenses are the responsibility of the nonprofit and we are grateful for the community donations and grant funds that allow us to carry out our mission.
Fine Art Exhibits
Providing access to a variety of quality fine art exhibits is a priority for Plaza Diane. Our gallery is rarely empty. We invite individual artists, or small groups of artists, to exhibit with a new show opening about every six weeks. Preference is given to local or regional artists, but any artist may submit an application.
We offer artists a professional venue to share their work and provide full gallery services including promotion and marketing, an experienced exhibit design crew, exhibit labels, an opening reception, and the opportunity to sell their work with only a 15% commission.
Arts Education
Elementary students gather at Plaza Diane on early-release Wednesdays for art instruction and a variety of adult classes are offered throughout the year. Beginning art, drawing, watercolor, and oil classes, life drawing sessions, textile arts, creative writing and drama, and plein air are a few of the offerings in 2015.
Community Events
As a community center, we want Plaza Diane to be a gathering place for public events and celebrations. We actively partner with other community organizations in events such as the 100th PHS Reunion, Homesteader Days, Sample the Season, and Country Christmas.
Rental Venue
Our facility is available for private rentals when art exhibits allow. Details and a rental application can be found on our website www.plazadiane.org.