GoggleWorks Center for the Arts announced a series of community events this fall, kicking off with a Sneak Preview of the nearly completed GoggleWorks Art Park “Phase 1” on Thursday, September 26, followed by a Ribbon Cutting on Friday, October 4 in downtown Reading.
These events celebrate the transformation of neglected spaces in downtown Reading into a vibrant, interactive greenspace and community hub for arts, culture, food, and education. Phase 1 will include two new outdoor cultural spaces on the campus–The Courtyard and Thorn Alley–and a renovated restaurant space on the ground floor of GoggleWorks’ main building.
“The Art Park is a testament to the power of art and community coming together,” said Sandy Solmon, GoggleWorks Board Chair. “It’s more than just a public greenspace and cafe—it’s a place where people of all backgrounds can experience the transformative potential of creativity. We’re excited to celebrate this milestone with the community and look forward to the many memories that will be made here.”
The Sneak Preview event will be held on Thursday, September 26 from 5:30–8:00 p.m., offering an exclusive opportunity for supporters and partners to get a look at the Art Park before it officially opens to the public. Guests will enjoy cocktails, delicious bites, art demonstrations, and the chance to fund a season of 2025 programs.
The Ribbon Cutting will take place on Friday, October 4 at 5:30 p.m. in the new GoggleWorks Courtyard, marking a soft opening of the Art Park. Attendees will be invited to view the new designs, which feature seating areas, enhanced lighting, installations, and the renovated cafe. Following the ribbon cutting, guests will be treated to food and drink, interactive art activities, and a 7:00 p.m. performance by the world-renowned Bread and Puppet Theatre, known for its large-scale puppetry, 20+ piece brass band, and visually striking performances. In partnership with Lauer’s Park Elementary School and Laura Reppert’s MSH Productions, the event is free to attend, and all ages are welcome to join in the celebration.
While Phase 1 is nearly completed, Executive Director Levi Landis noted that Art Park programming will not proceed in full force until the spring. “We took our time with this project. We wanted to make sure to carry out robust community planning and to design the Art Park in coordination with GoggleWorks 2, which opens on the campus in 2025 with expanded GoggleWorks studios and classrooms and a great first-floor anchor partner, Helping Harvest, the incredible regional food bank.”
Landis said next year will feature performances on the new stage in Thorn Alley and a full season of outdoor events, but GoggleWorks still boasts a roster of premier 2024 events that will be enhanced by the soft opening: ReadingFilmFest on October 10-13, Pumpkin Palooza on October 13, Soil + Stage Open Mic Night on October 17, Reading Roots Market on October 18 and IX Art Show: Imagine This! on October 23-27.
“We are thrilled to introduce the Art Park as a space where the community can gather, create, learn, and connect through art, said Landis. “This project represents our deep commitment to making downtown Reading a place where creativity thrives and everyone feels welcome. The Art Park will serve as a vibrant hub for artistic expression, collaboration, and cultural engagement.”
