People You Need to Know: Gretchen Bond

Gretchen Bond

The Miners Foundry Cultural Center hosts more than 250 events a year. On Sept. 27, the building celebrated its 150th anniversary in Nevada City. Gretchen Bond has been the executive director since August 2005. Here's her thoughts on the Foundry's past, present and future.

 What makes Miners Foundry a popular venue?

  Where else can you have a prom, listen to a jazz concert, dance the night away to rock music, have your wedding, enjoy a fabulous sit-down dinner during a non-profit event, learn at a conference, honor a loved one who has passed away, celebrate the induction of a judge (or the election of a President), attend a film festival, or experience a Madrigal dinner?

  I think the building is well-loved because of all the memorable events that take place here.  It might sound strange, but I do think that all the good feelings are somehow absorbed into the great walls so that when you walk into the building you just feel...wonderful!

 How would you describe the Miners Foundry? Is it a historical, cultural or an event center? 

 It is all three, and each is as significant as the other. The Miners Foundry was integral in the success of the gold-mining industry in Nevada County. Today, we are a hub of the community. We are a destination for our historical significance and for the multitude of events we have each year.

What are some of the bigger events that are coming to the foundry in the next year?

 The SYRCL Film Festival and Wedding Fair in January, Psychic Fair in March, Nevada City Film Festival in August, Fright Night in October, Artisans Festival in November and Madrigal Dinners in December.

What is the Foundry doing to prepare for the future? What is your biggest challenge as you look ahead? 

 We have all been dealing with the down economy and the board and I decided to take this time to plan. So in a sense, the slow economy has been a blessing as it has given us time to reflect and prepare for the upturn in the economy.  Right now the board and I are in the middle of a strategic planning process, which began last spring with input from the community, staff and board. In my opinion, fundraising is our biggest challenge. As a nonprofit, the support of the community is essential to our growth and sustainability. The maintenance and care of this historic building is important and cannot be forgotten.   

What has been your most significant accomplishment as the executive director?

  I believe I have brought new life to the Miners Foundry.  I love to hear people talk about how much is going on at the Foundry, how excited they are, and how much fun everyone has when they are here. My personal goal as Executive Director was to bring the Foundry back into the lives of the people who live here, for everyone to recognize what a fabulous place this is, how lucky we are to have such a beautiful historic building in our midst, and for them to be able to come to events and enjoy themselves.

What is Nevada City's greatest asset?

  Nevada City’s greatest asset is the fact that it is a beautifully preserved historic town, with a unique character. It is a living town, and by that I mean it is a place where people live, work, recreate and enjoy life. It is not a museum for people to walk by and see for a day on their journey.  I love living in a place that other people visit and either come back to live or wish they could!