The Taos Center for the Arts had a grand re-opening of the much-loved performing arts facility March 6.

Executive Director Ron Usherwood said the reopening is more than a gift to the community, it's a promise he's fulfilled to the Taos Community Auditorium itself, which he describes in very personal terms.

"She's very lonely over there," he said in early February under slate-gray skies, a muddy parking lot and with workmen still putting her innards back together. "Some of her energy is gone that this community instills in her ... We need to recharge her. We need to revitalize her, because you can just feel it when you walk into the space. She has a certain sadness about her right now that is going to change one we get people back in there."

That effort is already happening. As soon as the dust settles from the grand re-opening, auditorium manager Dancer Dearing said events are already stacking up. A Taos High School production, a youth talent show, TheatreWorks USA and singer-songwriter Holly Near In Concert are lining up to bask in the spotlight.

Plus, for those film fans who have been eager to see new independent and non-mainstream pictures will be happy to note that the Movies at the TCA series will commence once again March 27.

A lot of these offerings, including those planned for the Stables Art Gallery and Encore Gallery, can be gleaned in detail at the center's newly designed and user-friendly Web site at www.tcataos.org

Usherwood has been employed by the TCA since 2006.

He is a graduate of Illinois State University, where he earned a master's degree in directing theory and criticism; and of Illinois Wesleyan University, where he received a bachelor's degree in directing for the theater. After having taught at the university level in the Midwest, Usherwood came to Taos and has directed dozens of performances at the TCA and other venues, all of which made him the perfect choice to lead the organization into its next act.

The town of Taos bought the building in 2006 and the arts association contributed $100,000 to the project through its lease, while the Legislature paid for the bulk of the work. The work so far has cost
$1.4 million.

"We came in under the wire, that's for darn sure," Usherwood said. He added, though, that he's been encouraged to request more funds from the Legislature to finish the project. "We're hoping to get another $400,000 this year to be able to finish our heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for the existing auditorium and to put in an (American With Disabilities) access hallway from the lobby directly to the stage."

That's Phase I. Usherwood said Phase II, which includes the addition of a black box theater and backstage area on the rear of the existing building, will have him and his staff again going to Santa Fe for a capital-outlay request. "That's almost $4 million," he said.

"I don't know if we'll get it, but, hey, we may as well ask."

Among improvements are expanded restrooms. Plus, there are newer booths for projection and technical direction, which will help provide even more professional presentations.

The Taos Center for the Arts is the oldest arts nonprofit organization in New Mexico and is the officially designated arts council for the Northern New Mexico region. The Taos Community Auditorium is at 145 Paseo del Pueblo Norte. For more information, call 575-758-2052 or e-mail ron@tcataos.org.