Page 23 - Fall_2017_Vallejo_Chamber_of_Commerce_Magazine

The Hub is a top when combined with on the first and third Thursdays of

the month.
Fairfield (according to
the US 2010 Census).
Vallejo has been a port
They are also open during
Hub for the is geographically set in a the Art Walk (6-10 p.m.)
city since the mid-19th
century and functioned
that takes place on the
as the focal point of
second Friday of each
month—an event that allows
trade in the region. Vallejo
art vendors with a seller’s
Community Strait, and Napa Valley (which can all be thought as the permit to share and sell their
prime location, surrounded
by the San Pablo Bay, Carquinez
wares on the sidewalk.
aforementioned “spokes”).
As a teacher, I was most struck by one of The Hub’s
and the Arts Maryjane told me about how it all started and the history events in particular: their Sunday instructional art classes.
The Hub’s art classes teach many different skills such as
simply fascinated me. Christopher (Chris) and Katie
sewing, embroidery, sculpting, water
Verdijan, along with Sean Murdock, founded The Hub.
coloring, acrylic painting, and
“Chris came to Vallejo from Marin around four years ago,
started exploring downtown and found it empty and more. Prices vary depending
on the instructor, who
dead,” she said. The three founders noticed a need usually factor in the price
Bringing the spokes of the and display their art for others to enjoy. For for a space for artists to display or perform their of materials. Among the
art, whether it be poetry, music, theatre, or
art instructors, Maryjane
example, musicians and poets can perform
Bay Area together on The Hub’s stage. “People look at The something else. teaches acrylic painting and
Hub as their beacon,” said Maryjane puts all proceeds back into
By James Quinn Etchegaray-Szalan—the Hub’s general After what Chris saw in Vallejo, or The Hub in an effort to help
manager and one of their artists and lack thereof, he made it his mission keep it running.
he Hub Community instructors. “It’s like the anchor for the to restore life to downtown Vallejo.
According to The Hub’s website,
Center for the Arts is art community.” “Chris wrote a proposal for the Because The Hub recently became
an official nonprofit organization on April
a very interesting place In addition to all what The Hub does Odd Fellows San Pablo Lodge 1st, 2016, volunteers, headed by Maryjane, help
Tthat brings positive vibes for the community, the building itself recommending building an arts keep the place running. Of course, money and supply
to Vallejo and its community. stands out in many ways. It is in the tall and community space in the former donations are strongly recommended to not only help
The Hub provides information, and historic Odd Fellows Hall, and I felt storefront—leveraging the growing keep The Hub alive, but also downtown Vallejo—this is
free restrooms, coffee, and invited just by looking at it. It has a blue number of artists coming in to Vallejo—to where we come in, folks!
bring the downtown to life. The idea being
tea. They do not sell food, awning and its lettering is mostly in blue on that, if we always had interesting things going Whether you are an artist, musician, poet, writer, or
but you can bring your own an off-white and red background, which is all
really pleasing to the eyes—of course, that is to be on, people would return to downtown again.” someone who just wants to learn more—The Hub is a
food in to eat and socialize, expected from such an artistic establishment. space and platform for all to grow and learn from. As such,
or just think to yourself within After some hard work to make The Hub a reality, it opened I encourage everyone to check it out and get involved!
an artistic environment. Plus, The Hub is located at the corner of Georgia and Marin Streets in February of 2011. It now has many great, different
they’re child-friendly, pet-friendly, in central Vallejo, an ideal corner location in downtown. So it community events that can be checked out on their website. For further information, go to
and just overall friendly! is no wonder that I felt naturally drawn to The Hub as I walked A couple examples of routine events include poetry (calling The Hub at 350 Georgia St,
Georgia Street during Saturday’s farmer’s market. all local poets and poetry lovers!) on the Vallejo. Also, visit their website at
While The Hub sells retail— second and fourth Thursdays thehubvallejo.org. Email them at
of the month (free from
such as shirts, jackets, and According to Maryjane, The info@thehubvallejo.org or call
postcards—at the front of Hub’s location inspired the 7:30-10 p.m., though them at (707) 561-6514.
the store, it is mostly known name because Vallejo is in donations are highly
for providing many artists many ways like a hub, the appreciated) and James Quinn lives in
Benicia and teaches at
with that much-needed central part of a wheel Dance Tribe Vallejo Elmer Cave Language
space to either start and/or that rotates on an axle. (i.e., ecstatic dance Academy in Vallejo. A UC
share their work. The Hub is Besides having great that is structured and Davis alumnus in English,
literally a springboard for the weather, Vallejo is among “liberating”—dancing he now studies education as part
“starving artist”—it allows artists the most diverse cities in spiritually and silently of Touro University’s Master’s in Education program.
Along with teaching, he tutors and writes often. He is
of all different types to perform the nation, and is at the without physical contact) working on a novel that takes place in Benicia. See his
website at mrquinnj.weebly.com.

Discover our community 2017 21