2018
Nov 8 2018Camp Fire
Fire razes the Ridge and surrounding area, including the Gold Nugget Museum and Norton Buffalo Hall facilities. Theatre on the Ridge and Paradise Art Center survive.
Before Nov 8 2018Pre-Camp Fire
Paradise enjoys an unusual concentration of artists and there are many arts and culture organizations in town that have operated for decades. All are financially viable; each has a dedicated audience. Collaborations are infrequent.
Dec 12 2018Resilience
Paradise Community Guilds and Norton Buffalo Hall present Greenland-Denmark star Simon Lynge & the Martial Hearts at Chico Guild Hall. Though held in Chico, it is the first cultural offering by an arts organization from the Ridge since the fire.
2019
Jan 17 2019KEY MOMENT
First informal discussion between GNM and NBHF Board members about collaborative rebuilding in order to survive and thrive.
FEB 4 2019Resilience
Theater on the Ridge presents “Radioland’s Return to Paradise,” the first cultural offering by an arts organization on the Ridge since the fire. A love letter to Paradise, performances run for three weeks and the house is packed every night. TOTR is back in business.
FEB 21 - MAY 25 2019Long-Term Community Recovery Plan
Collaboration idea grows during the Town’s Long-Term Community Recovery Plan process led by Urban Design Associates. An arts and culture stakeholders meeting attracts the interest of more potential organizational partners who recognize the need to collaborate in order to survive and thrive. First discussion of co-locating in an arts district, potentially in the walkable downtown of Paradise. Public feedback at two events exceptionally positive, online survey positive as well.
JUNE 25 2019KEY MOMENT
Town adopts Long-Term Community Recovery Plan that features GNM+NBHF project, Tier 3 “Partner-led.” A key graphic depicts the “Paradise Cultural Center” on Almond Street.
July 2019Resilience
GNM acquires the old Ridge Transmission shop.
Aug 20 2019Grant application
With help from Regenerating Paradise, Gold Nugget Museum collaborates with Norton Buffalo Hall Foundation and Theatre on the Ridge to apply for a National Endowment for the Arts “Our Town” grant to fund community engagement.
Sep - Oct 2019Resilience
First drawings created for a new Gold Nugget Museum campus by Melton Design Associates.
Nov 8 2019Resilience
Paradise Art Center opens its doors to the public with an art exhibit and re-launch of art classes and workshops.
Nov 10 2019Pre-PATCH Collaborative Event
Joy Will Find a Way: Experience Butte County’s Resilience through the Arts at PPAC.
The first collaboration between all eventual PATCH partners, the “Joy” event involves 150 artists, including an art exhibit and a 22-act performance. Grant funding of $20,150 provided by North Valley Community Foundation.
2020
Q1 2020Pandemic
Pandemic begins first quarter.
Q1 - Q3 2020Advance
Conversations toward PATCH grow to include several partners. By fall, 8 orgs in.
April 2020Learning through disappointment
NEA “Our Town” funds, applied for in August, are not granted. Too early. We’ll try again.
Nov 1 2020Community Partner
Regenerating Paradise (RP) agrees to facilitate PATCH exploration process
Nov 10 2020Resilience
The film of Joy Will Find a Way: Experience Butte County’s Resilience Through the Arts debuts at Chico’s Meriam Park Drive-In to mark the second-year commemoration of the Camp Fire and to celebrate our recovery.
Nov 19 2020KEY MOMENT
Memoranda of Understanding initiated to explore collaboration between eight organizations: Gold Nugget Museum, Norton Buffalo Hall, Theatre on the Ridge, Paradise Art Center, Paradise Park & Recreation District, Paradise Center for Spiritual Living, Paradise Community Center, Paradise Performing Arts Center.
Dec 1 2020Advance
MOU process begins with Resource Inventory Survey led by Regenerating Paradise. RP presents findings by Zoom on 12/29.
2021
Q1 2021Advance
We begin to explore collaborative working models
Jan 26 2021Advance
Regenerating Paradise leads Speed Dating by Zoom for our organizations to discuss potential connections and address concerns. The takeaway: “Let’s do this!”
Feb 1 2021KEY MOMENT
MOU participants agree to form a separate, collaborative nonprofit organization to focus on capital fundraising and making PATCH a reality.
FEB 1 2021Advance
Early Research & Development begins. Ideas shared on space needs, design. We discover “lookalikes and cousins” to study.
Mar 9 2021MILESTONE
Wrap up first MOU phase.
Mar 10 2021Governance Work
Work begins on drafting bylaws for the new collaborative organization.
Mar 26 2021Research
Research Meeting with Isla Vista Community Center
Apr 12 2021Research
Research Meeting with Conejo Recreation & Parks District
Aug 10 2021Research
Research tour of Crocker Art Museum & Quarry Park
Aug 15 2021Grant Application
Second round try for a National Endowment for the Arts “Our Town” grant to fund community engagement to develop design and operation concepts for PATCH.
Sep 1-30 2021Advance
Map of downtown properties created and ideal locations for PATCH identified.
Dec 11 2021Grant Application + Grant Win
Grant application + Grant win. $50K - 50% match grant from North Valley Community Foundation for community engagement to develop design and operation concepts for PATCH. NBHF serves as fiscal agent.
2022
Feb 16 2022MILESTONE
Officially form and name PATCH as a collaboration between Gold Nugget Museum, Norton Buffalo Hall Foundation, Theatre on the Ridge, and Paradise Art Center, with guidance from Paradise Park & Recreation District and Mechoopda Indian Tribe.
Adopt bylaws, elect officers, etc.
Mar 2022Advance
Develop PATCH logo.
April 2022Learning through disappointment
Once again, NEA “Our Town” funds, applied for in August, are not granted. Still too early. We’ll try again.
May 2022MILESTONE
Retain our first contractor.
May 24 2022MILESTONE
File as a business in California, apply for Charitable Trust status with California Department of Justice and for IRS 501(c)(3) designation
Sep 14 2022Advance
PATCH presents vision to PRPD Board and is directed to work with PRPD Executive Director Dan Efseaff to develop an MOU for consideration.
Oct 1-2 2022Collaborative Event
First PATCH-branded event collaboration supplying music and visual art for Paradise Pumpkin Patch at Johnny Appleseed Days.
Oct 11 2022Grant Win
$15K from Center for Spiritual Living, Paradise.
Applied toward match for NVCF grant.
Nov 5 2022Collaborative Event
PATCH presents music talent on stage for Paradise Revival Festival.
NOV 16 2022Collaborative Event
+ New Branding
Extending the PATCH brand to our collaborations, PATCHworks presents Greenland-Denmark star Simon Lynge in concert at Theatre on the Ridge.
Dec 14 2022MILESTONE
501(c)(3) status granted. PATCH is now an official nonprofit, tax exempt organization.
2023
Mar 10 2023Advance
PATCH bank account opened.
Mar 18 2023Collaborative Event
PATCHworks presents world-acclaimed Canadian guitarist
Don Ross at Theatre on the Ridge
Mar 24 2023Collaborative Event:
First Annual Daffodil Dance, Duets & Fine Art Auction
Inaugural event held at Veteran’s Memorial Hall featuring the Apologetics, duets and exquisite original art by locals,
Apr 11 2023Key Moment
Town of Paradise recognizes PATCH as a cultural partner in proclamation declaring April as Arts Month
Apr 27 2023Boost
Town of Paradise provides sterling letter of support to PATCH for grant applications
May 9 2023Grant Win
Grant win: $10K from Feather River Health Foundation applied as final match to NVCF grant.
Jun 15 2023Collaborative Event
PATCHworks presents the critically acclaimed enviro-songwriter Alice DiMicele at MONCA.
June 29 2023Learning through disappointment
UCCC funds applied for in April are not granted.
“Joy” event put on hold.
Jul 9 2023Collaborative Event
PATCHworks presents prize-winning Americana artist Rooster Blackspur & the Wilderness at TOTR.
Jul 18 2023MILESTONE
MILESTONE: Charitable Trust status granted by CA Department of Justice.
AUG 9 2023Progress
PATCH-PRPD Staff meets to develop MOU for consideration of both boards
AUG 12 2023Collaborative Event
PATCH featured at PRPD 75th anniversary party at Bille Park.
SEP 9 2023Collaborative Event
PATCH presents Americana legend Dana Cooper at TOTR.
OCT 3 2023Land Inquiry
Working with Warren Bullock of American Homes & Land, PATCH sends Letter of Interest to a selection of property owners in the walkable downtown area.
Oct 7-8 2023Collaborative Event
PATCH and collaborating orgs table in the Paradise Pumpkin Patch during Johnny Appleseed Days.
OCT 27-28 2023PATCH All Boards Summit
All board members from all six PATCH organizations (about 60 total) invited to gather for progress reports and re-alignment. Nonprofit consultant Laura Cootsona led Saturday workshops to facilitate new alignment for PATCH aims.
Week OF NOV 8 2023Camp Fire Commemoration Events
PATCH member orgs hold separate events marking recovery post-e Camp Fire
NOV 11 2023Collaborative Event
Drawing the Future of Paradise. With a grant from the Camp Fire Collaborative, PATCH invites Ridge community to the campus of GNM to engage in arts-based healing and envisioning of our local future.
NOV 19 2023Collaborative Event
Simon Lynge & the Martial Hearts at Chico Women’s Club.
2024
JAN 12 2024Collaborative Event
Noted Americana performing songwriter Chuck Brodsky in concert at TOTR.
JAN 28 2024KEY MOMENT
PATCH publishes its inaugural edition of its quarterly email newsletter, PATCHNews Vol. 1 Q1.
FEB 14 2024KEY MOMENT
Following a presentation at a board meeting of Paradise Recreation & Park District, PRPD board votes to sign a Memo of Understanding that will allow PRPD to work with PATCH toward developing an arts and culture campus in the walkable downtown area.
MAR 23 2024Collaborative Event
Second annual Daffodil Dance & Duets with Fine Art Auction at Veterans Hall featuring Soulfistication band and local duets and artists.
APR 1 2024Growth Recognized
• TOTR presents 12 shows/year, 88 performances in all to an average audience of 70. • PAC supports 12 classes/week, six open studios. Membership far surpasses pre-Camp Fire. • GNM investments in facility renovation bring it closer to opening. • NBHF is 100% behind all PATCH events.
APR 11 2024New Staff
After almost 18 months of exemplary and energetic organizing of PATCH infrastructure, Missy Barnard answered a new career calling. Grant expert Nicole LaJeunesse stepped in as our new Administrative Director. Welcome, Nicole!
APR 11 2024ADVANCE
PATCH completes study of current and projected foot traffic for TOTR and PAC (currently 18,000 combined), GNM and NBHF (16,000 projected). Highlight: Built as envisioned, PATCH would generate over 34,000 annual visits to its campus.
APR 15 2024Research
A treasure trove of resources found, including 12 business plans for other arts organizations and two books based on University of Chicago research into best practices for arts & culture facility construction projects in the years 1994 through 2008.
APR 25 2024Land Inquiry
Second letter sent to downtown land owners inviting to open house at PAC for PATCH presentation.
MAY 5 2024PATCHNews Vol. 1 Q2 is published.
May 8-9 2024Land Event
Open house held at PAC for PATCH presentation and discussion.
MAY 22 2024RFP for Operational Feasibility Consultant
PATCH identified and requested proposals from six firms that consult on arts & culture facility projects.
May 24 2024Collaborative Event
Greenland-Denmark star Simon Lynge in concert at MONCA.
JUN 11 2024Presentation to Paradise Town Council
At the invitation of Town of Paradise staff, PATCH Executive Director and Chair David Leon Zink offers a slide presentation to the Town Council on the PATCH foot traffic study and other progress.
JUN 26 2024RFP - Proposal Review
Proposal Review Committee studies proposals for operational feasibility study. Reviewers: Bruce Yerman (Camp Fire Collaborative), Mark Adams (NorthStar), Al McGreehan (PRPD Board), Zack Connell (GNM), Laura Cootsona (Good|Well Consulting).
JUL 19 2024Consultant Selected
Operational feasibility study consultant selected by Review Committee. Recommendation forwarded to PATCH Board.
JUL 19-20 2024PATCH All Boards Summit
Over 60 board members are invited to participate in this progress review and workshop weekend aimed at surfacing issues, identifying opportunities and keeping our orgs aligned. Saturday workshops led by nonprofit consultant Laura Cootsona.
JUL 22 2024KEY MOMENT
PATCH board moves to retain Webb Mgmt. to conduct a community needs assessment to begin in August, followed by an operational feasibility study.
AUG 1 2024Collaborative Event
Adam Moezinia’s Folk Elements Trio in concert at MONCA.
AUG 9 2024Webb Kick-off Meetings
Duncan Webb tours Paradise and meets with PATCH organizations.
AUG 10 2024Community Open House on Downtown Development
Town of Paradise works with Urban Design Associates to gather community preferences on how the downtown area should be developed. Space for arts and culture offerings ranked high. PATCH introduces Duncan Webb to Town staff, councilmembers and UDA professionals.
AUG 31 2024Collaborative Event
Americana artist Rooster Blackspur performs at MONCA.
SEP 17 2024Webb begins community needs assessment
Over sixty Ridge residents responded to invitations to be interviewed by the Webb Mgmt. team, representing a healthy cross-section of Town government council members and staff, Chamber of Commerce, service clubs, PATCH member orgs, school board members, realtors, PRPD and more.
SEP 19 2024PATCHNews Vol. 1 Q3 is published
SEP 25 2024Last update: Sep 25, 2024
Come back again to follow our exciting progress!