Group looking to add local art center

Idaho Falls is home to many event venues, and a local filmmaking company wants to add another to the list.

Chuverdragon Entertainment is looking to possibly restore an abandoned church to house an art center, but they need a certain amount of cash to make it happen.

“We want a place for independent filmmakers, photographers, theater people, artists, musicians, bands and orchestras,” said owner Justin Christiansen.

He said it will be a modern-day art center with more than a dozen rooms.

“Anybody that has anything to do with the arts can come here and find something,” he said.

Christiansen said he found the perfect real estate at 13th and Lee Streets. It’s an old church he said has been around since the Great Depression.

“There is a screen that we’re going to install and there is a projector we are going to show films on. Hopefully we will hold yearly film festivals,” he said.

It will also be used for dances, concerts, recitals, plays and art classes.

“We want to offer a free art class every month,” Christiansen said.

He said the idea started with his passion for filmmaking.

“I grew up in Idaho Falls and I’ve loved filmmaking my entire life. I was told I had to leave if I wanted to be successful and I don’t want that to be the case. I want to change that,” he said.

He said it’s more than just a childhood dream, he wants to build the community art center for the community.

“I want people to say, ‘You know what Idaho Falls is? A place to be successful,’ and so that is why it’s so important to me. It’s a passion project,” he said.

Christiansen needs to raise $450,000 in two months. If not, he will go back to the drawing board. He also said he wants to help out struggling artists — when it opens, about 40 percent of tickets sales will go back to local artists.

Chuverdragon Entertainment will be asking city and business leaders for help. If you would like to make a donation, you can call Christiansen at 208-569-4059. You can also click http://www.chuverdragon.com/, where there is a direct link to the campaign.