LCCA’s executive director Richard Sorenson with dog “Vegas”.

Richard Sorenson is excited. The economic downfall of 2009 has failed to dampen his hopes for a new year at Lopez Center for Community and the Arts. In fact, he sees it as an opportunity to begin a new chapter. “Last year was our 10th anniversary” Sorenson says, “now it feels like the place is growing up”.

The developing identity of the center is the factor that informs and guides Sorenson in his job as executive director. “It’s time to step back and review”, he says, explaining how 2010 will be a year of refreshed intentions for the organization. “We need to see what is needed for Lopez”, he says. He comments that each facet of the center’s philosophy and organization, from its mission statement and vision to longterm fund raising plans are due to be enhanced. The common denominator in this new year’s review? The people of Lopez.

Every resident of Lopez is automatically a member of the community center. As Sorenson is eager to point out, this puts each Lopezian in an ownership position, with the capacity to make their input a reality. Which is exactly what Sorenson wants. “Member owned, member driven” is how he describes his vision for the LCCA. Web master Povl Lasbo seconds this with energy, accenting the importance of public input.

The center itself has evolved into a building worth the attention of the public. Sorenson touches upon the tendency of some of the community to perceive the center as a monied bastion for performing arts. “It is not a club for the wealthy”, Sorenson states. The building is testament to that. Each facet of the center has been constructed, and further developed to accommodate community activities. This is a place for participation, not exclusion.

In the last year, therefore, Sorensen has been constructing an image of how the center might best serve Lopez. “We want it to be a gathering place,” says the director, detailing how he would like to see more community dances take place. In fall 2009 the topsoil from the construction of the LoHo senior center across the road provided enough topsoil to even out the LCCA’s stage-like lawn. With the area now level, Sorenson is in the process of booking bands and foresees summer concerts held on this outside arena. The movie nights new to 2010 see the spacious front hall transformed into a cinema. “It’s not about making money,” says Sorenson, describing the fun of setting up this temporary cinema. “It’s about breaking even…we need to keep things affordable.”

The financial realities, however, are still present. Sorenson is committed to making the events available to all, yet this does come at a cost. With the community rates offered on the building standing at 50 percent of costs, that means the center has to make up the commensurate 50 percent through their endowment and fundraising. This, given the economy, is not easy. However, Sorenson remains positive about such realities and sees increased community involvement as part of the solution. He is not referring to simple monetary help, but a real involvement. Through volunteer work, using the building for events and being active in the decision making process of the center, Sorenson hopes the community will see it as a valuable resource, not a financial burden.

Inclusivity is further woven into the fabric of the LCCA with the up and coming website. Povl Lasbo details how he has added a new, interactive aspect to the site. Lopez residents will able to contribute ideas, and participate in the organization of the place.

Overall, Sorenson hopes that 2010 will herald a new chapter in the life of LCCA, a chapter that begins and ends with the most important aspect of the center, the people of Lopez.