2008 Woodie Awards
Muckenthaler Improves Culture Throughout Fullerton College
Cultural Center near downtown wants you to stop by and explore.
Courteney Uraine
Issue date: 10/17/07 Section: Local
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At first, it might be hard to figure out that this hilltop building is not just another neighborhood home.
It was built in 1924, for the Muckenthaler family, who were prominent citizens of Fullerton and Orange County, and was their home until 1965.
It was at that time that the Muckenthaler's chose to donate the house and surrounding land to the city of Fullerton.
Today, the former family residence now serves the city of Fullerton as the Muckenthaler Cultural Center.
Walking up to the Muckenthaler Center, there is an explosion of nature that is hard to find in the heart of Orange County.
A vast lawn surrounds the house where people are encouraged to picnic and make use of the area.
A blooming rose garden greets visitors as they walk up to the entrance, and a 250-seat amphitheater allows the center to hold shows open to the public during warm weather.
Upon first entering the Muckenthaler Center, a plushly carpeted grand spiral staircase draws the eye of the visitor.
The house itself is minimally furnished with all kinds of beautiful antique furniture.
Hardwood floors add more charm to this already captivating setting.
The tile floors throughout the galleries, yellow walls and arched doorways give off a Southwestern feel. The decor is a great display of the Tuscan villa and California mission influence on the house, and on the architecture of the time throughout Southern California.
The first stop on a tour throughout the Cultural Center is the former garage, which has been transformed into a ceramic studio.
According to the Muckenthaler Center's Director, Zoot Velasco, "the ceramic studio is the hub of the Center" and is where all of the ceramic classes are held.
Mosaic classes are also available in the Visual Arts Studio, where classes are taught by Katherine England.
The Center has succeeded in reaching out to the Asian community in Fullerton through two current ceramic teachers that they employ, Willie Tabata and Young Shin Kim.
According to Velasco, these classes have become very popular and are continuing to grow.
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