During the past two decades, SCA leadership and family have turned an abandoned pie factory into a bustling community art center.
The pie freezer became a 410-seat theater. Coolers morphed into a gallery, conference room, art studio, and 55-seat performance space. The loading dock transformed into a lobby and deck. The production line became a pavilion and garden.
As we continued to grow, our programming expanded to fill those spaces.
In summer 2020, we were pushed outside to a part of the SCA Campus that, until recently, had a singular use: the parking lot. We quickly realized that this large outdoor space is hyper flexible and can be used for a multiplicity of purposes including concerts, films, art, farmers markets, children’s classes, special events — and sometimes parking too.
The new Plaza is the final piece of the SCA puzzle. With the completion of this renovation (or reinvention), the SCA has transformed every inch of the old pie factory. Lot line to lot line — it is now a community art center serving folks of all ages from all walks of life.
This renovation is driving us down the road of possibility to the future of the SCA. What is starting right now in 2021 is moving us forward to our 25th Anniversary in 2027, continuing the transformation of the SCA from being a place… to a set of experiences.
A refreshed and upgraded hard surface will:
- Substantially improve the visual experience for YOU at every event at the SCA;
- Create an overall SCA Campus, fully renovated/reimagined for maximum missional service to the community;
- Provide a strong, central outdoor area for hosting larger events including music festivals, art/maker fairs, weddings, SCA special events, and more;
- Enhance the SCA’s ability to provide creative experiences along the lakeshore.
Our Plaza renovation project was made possible through the generous support of these SCA family members, including a special lead gift from the estate of Bill Galligan, a longtime Saugatuck resident who had a deep love for the community, for arts & culture, and for the SCA. Bill spent five seasons as the Farmers Market Manager at the SCA, spending countless hours in the parking lot — in the rain, under the sun, during warm days and cool ones — coordinating Market vendors and guests.
Jeff Antaya & Peter Rosenfeld
Mark Davis
Skip Schipper
Bobbie Gaunt
Richard Heriford & Guy Ballard
Sarah & Murray Kessler
Vickie & Dan Bischoff
Roxanne Decyk & Lew Watts
Mary Kay & Mark Baker
Linda & Dick Riekse
Andrea & Ely Tama
Tim Straker & John Cannarsa
Gina & John Armstrong
Kirbie Petersen & Brian Stephens
Nancy Schmitt
Garnet Lewis & Vicky Cobb
Howard Rochte & Russell Lamesfeld
Doug & Deb West
Bill Baillargeon & Brent Leonard
Special thanks to JPD Design/Jason & Denise Dedic, Richard Heriford, and Bud Baty for managing the project.
We’re open through construction! Guests can visit the SCA Monday – Friday from 9 am – 4 pm to see the current exhibitions; “Fuild: An Exploration of Identity” by Gypsy Schindler and “Ink and Pressure” by Brie Moblo. Please utilize the city parking lot to the west of the building.
Your First Chance to Enjoy the Plaza
Mike Mains & The Branches | June 4
Join us on June 4th for a FREE, socially-distanced event featuring live music, visual arts, community art projects, all-ages activities, local vendors and, most importantly, opportunities to connect with community members and friends.
After a cold-weather pause on live music at the SCA, the Outdoor Plaza Stage is ready to be rocked by Mike Mains & The Branches at 6:00 pm. Texas-born, Michigan-bred and Nashville-based, this electrifying indie-pop outfit has built a reputation on intricate instrumentation, aggressive vocals, and unforgettable live performances.
Musique Noir | June 18
Musique Noire, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2018 Detroit Music Awards nominees for Outstanding Jazz Recording, head to Saugatuck on June 18 for an outdoor show.
“A very cool project – an instrumental set that’s heavy on string-based instruments – kind of an electrified string quartet, and one with a pretty funky feel at times too!” Dusty Groove Records.
They have performed with such high-profile artists as Stevie Wonder, KEM, Aretha Franklin, El Debarge, and Frank McComb among many others.
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