SANTA PAULA, CA – A ten-year dream to establish a permanent home for Santa Paula’s renowned art collection is about to become a reality. The Board of Directors of the Santa Paula Art Museum (SPAM) announced Monday that the doors of the historic Limoneira Building, having been magically transformed into a showcase for great art, will swing open to the public on Sunday, February 13, 2010.

“We are absolutely thrilled”, said a beaming Mary Alice Henderson, Chair of the SPAM Board of Directors, as she announced the Grand Opening date. “We’ve come so far, and overcome so many obstacles to reach this point. None of this would be possible without the vision and support of so many people and organizations, not the least of which is the Limoneira Company, whose historic building will be our new home”.

History is alive as the transformation of the iconic building takes place. Chris Wilson and Chuck Teague, General Contractors on the project, have ties that reach deep into the building’s bones. Chris’ grandfather, Roy Wilson, Sr., designed the building for Limoneira’s headquarters in 1923, and Chuck’s grandfather, C. C. Teague, was Limoneira’s General Manager for over 50 years.

It has not been an easy path for the museum’s organizers. Hopes were dashed twice over the years, as potential locations for the museum proved unworkable, and funds to keep the effort underway were scarce. “The Grand Opening is a real turning point in our long-awaited project”, said Jennifer Heighton, the Museum’s Executive Director. “We have been at it since 2001, and thanks to the support of the City, the School Districts, the citizens of Santa Paula and the Limoneira Company, we are finally on our way”.

“I am elated and relieved”, added William L. Orcutt, SPAM Board Member, arts patron and a member of the early organizing committee. “Finally, we are going to preserve the Santa Paula Collection, and we will now be able to do it with great quality and care”.