Rancho Cordova, CA (MPG) - This year for the first time the Holiday Pop-Up Art Gallery can be found in the newly renovated Mills Station Arts and Culture Center at the Mather Field Light Rail Station.  It is open 4-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec 8 and 9.  There will be a Second Saturday Reception all day Saturday the 8th.  In previous years the Pop-Up Art Gallery was in the Capital Village Center.

The original Mills Station Building was built in 1911 by John Studarus Jr., one of the 13 children of John Studarus, an early settler of Rancho Cordova.  It was originally a general commercial building with a tavern and grocery store and a second story ballroom.  The building also housed the post office. 

After being moved 1000 feet from its original location to the present location at the Mather Field Light Rail Station, The City of Rancho Cordova invested nearly $700,000 to transform the first floor into, “a stunning contemporary gallery space,” said Shelly Blanchard, executive director of the Cordova Community Council.  “Gallery lighting, new durable and quiet flooring, a rail system for hanging of art, climate control . . . creamy white paint and a new attitude all come together for a surprising venue meant to inspire.”

The space will now be known as the MACC, short for Mills Station Arts and Culture Center, and will be used to host public events and available for private rental as well. 

“The Holiday Pop-Up Gallery, featuring 17 Rancho Cordova artists, has presented an opportunity to take the MACC for a test drive,” Blanchard said.  It is also an opportunity to see the growing work of local artists just in time for Christmas.