New owners, new look and new mission for downtown space

As one chapter of an anchor building in Medford’s downtown ends, a new one is being written.

After 35 years of offering the Medford area fine art and framing services, as well as collectables, gifts, antiques and clothing, Black River Art Gallery located at 178 S. Main Street officially closed on October 13.

The closure will only be temporary as new owners Doug and John Gasek of Medford have begun work renovating the building for use as a children’s theater and performing art space to be called Yucca Club and continuing the custom framing under the Black River Art Gallery name.

Doug and John Gasek praised Dick and Marilyn Miller for their support of the arts community through Black River Art Galley over the years. They are working with the Millers through the transition.

“Thank you to the Millers for being so wonderful with us and thank you for your unwavering support of our wonderful downtown. You have made our downtown stronger with your 35 years of business and your wonderful spirits,” Doug and John Gasek said.

“We are so excited to be the next owners of the Black River Art Gallery and the future Yucca Club. We are so privileged to take over this building that has been such an integral fixture in downtown Medford,” they said.

Doug Gasek explained that the name for the Yucca Club came from them having a Yucca tree in their front yard and it being a fun word to say. Gasek said the arts and the performing arts in particular are important for young people to be involved with.

He noted that in the schools the number of children in performance arts in some way exceeds the number in athletics. He said one of the goals in opening the theater space is to give more opportunities to those interested in theater and performing.

The plan is to convert the main level of the building into a theater space. Doug Gasek envisions a modular stage sized at 12 feet by 24 feet wide being toward the rear of the space with seating for about 65 people. The storage room area in the back of the main floor will be used for dressing room and backstage spaces.

He explained that the modular stage and seating will be able to accommodate different sized groups and uses. While the primary focus is on providing a dedicated children’s theater space in the community, he said they have also been in contact with Medford Area Community Theater and others to look at ways the space can be used for smaller performances or as a venue to bring in a performer, comedian, speaker or other event which would benefit from having a smaller space. They would also be open to working with other businesses or groups who would benefit from that sized space. Their goal is to have a reception area in the upstairs where wine and beer can be served during events in the building.

John Gasek explained that the upstairs area will be used primarily for the Black River Art Gallery space with the framing business to be based there as well as offering display space for area artists. He noted there will be two entrances to the upstairs, either through Main Street and up the stairs or through the alley side with handicapped accessible parking and access directly to the upper level of the building.

Doug and John have begun the renovation work, removing the drop ceilings to expose the original high ceilings and crown molding in the main floor space. Doug Gasek said he hopes to have the theater area completed in 2023, but they are looking to have the Black River Art Gallery space and framing business reopen before the holiday season continuing to offer high-quality framing options for the Medford area.