About Us

We are an arts cooperative in the heart of downtown Cottage Grove. From humble beginnings as a small group of artists and volunteers, an artistic community has developed at Opal that has created fantastic theater shows, fashion shows, and parades, and has hosted affordable community classes covering fitness, computers, crafting, and more.

Opal is based in the historic Lawson Building in downtown Cottage Grove, which we have renovated to create a performance venue, as well as an educational resource center, and an art/music/film co-operative. In 2011, we became an official 501(c)3 non-profit in order to better serve the community.

Our mission at the Opal Center for Arts and Education is to create a diverse community through artistic discovery.

Our goal is to engage individuals from the local and surrounding communities who seek cultural enrichment, personal development, and community connections. We accomplish our mission through creative projects, workshops, and programs that inspire learning and creative expression in an environment that values the unique skills and contributions of each individual.

We believe art makes a community dynamic. Everyone needs to play and everyone should get to play. Opal's goal is to nurture creative expression for everyone, to inspire and empower children and adults through artistic pursuit, and offer each individual a way to engage the arts at every level.