The non-profits goal is to raise $1.5 million in the next eighteen months

ATASCADERO — The Atascadero Printery Foundation has a clear and ambitious vision for the beautiful old printery building on Olmeda Ave. According to the President of the Atascadero Printery Foundation, Karen McNamara, she explained “The vision for the Printery is a site for the entire community to use. There are a total of eleven large and small areas, plus a large outdoor space that can host everything from artists in residence to private parties to large fundraisers. Many uses will involve the arts—bringing a true Community Theater for the North County. Historic displays throughout the building will point back to the amazing international influence of publications produced at the Printery and the influence on Women’s Suffrage.”

On Jul. 31, the foundation hosted a free Family Skate Demo and Movie Night at the Printery to raise funds for the project.

“I wanted to plan a community event that would attract the ‘kids’ that used to skate there,” said Sheila New, Printery board member and the organizer of the event. “We partnered with 805 Board Shop who brought the ramps, skaters, and the movie, ‘Ban This,’ a 1989 Powell Peralta video. The video was shown on an outdoor screen. Many groups came together to put this on—805 Board Shop, The Printery Foundation, Questers, APACC, and Quota Club all assisted us. With the help of generous donors, we were able to hold a silent auction, and we sold food and drink and made over $4,000.”

New is a member of the Questers, which is a group that raises money for historic buildings and artifacts. New, along with the local Questers chapter, decided to take the Printery on as their own project. They presented the project at the State Quester’s meeting in March of 2020, and the project was chosen as the Quester’s State project as well.

“We are out to raise $1.5 million in the next eighteen months,” said McNamara. “When we do so, we will be able to remove the red tag on the building, allowing events and activities inside. The plans are complete, and permits have been submitted to the City. We just need funds to bring in the contractors. This would include the special plaster reinforcement of the walls, anchoring the roof to the walls, and re-roofing the entire structure.”

The next fundraiser event is scheduled for Sep. 10 at 6:30 p.m. and will be a talent show open to the entire community, with food and drinks available for purchase.

Brenda May is accepting applications for the talent show via email at dbmjmay@aol.com. Tickets can be purchased at the Printery’s website atascaderoprintery.org.