MARYSVILLE — The Red Curtain Art Center celebrated its first anniversary in the former Dunn Lumber building on Grove Street Aug. 2, as its Foundation for the Arts prepared to stage a musical at the Allen Creek Community Church Aug. 8-10.

“We planned the play before we got the go-ahead to use the art center for public functions,” Foundation President Scott Randall said. “Allen Creek takes August off, so that worked out perfectly for us.”

“Cotton Patch Gospel” was written by Tom Key, with music by Harry Chapin, so if you take in the 8 p.m. show on Friday, Aug. 8, or Saturday, Aug. 9, or the 10:30 a.m. show Sunday, Aug. 10, be ready for what Randall deemed “folksy bluegrass” in the style of John Denver and Peter, Paul & Mary.

“It’s a retelling of the Book of Matthew, which is the life of Christ, set in Gainesville, Ga.,” Randall said.

Of the eight cast members, four are Red Curtain students. For some, this is their debut performance. There also will be a five-person bluegrass orchestra.

Randall credited the Dunn family with believing in Red Curtain’s mission, even before the foundation was able to make a down payment on the family’s former lumber facility.

“Our doors officially opened at the end of April, and we were able to conduct our first classes in the art center that same night,” Randall said. “We didn’t waste any time.”

Randall expressed his gratitude to Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring and city staff for providing guidance and support throughout the permitting process. He also noted that the Tulalip Tribes’ “Raising Hands” charity program will recognize Red Curtain as a local nonprofit that “exemplifies community support.”

In the meantime, Red Curtain’s summer workshops will continue through early fall, including kids’ and teens’ theater programs, as well as non-theatrical activities such as classes on reading sheet music.

On Saturday, Sept. 13, Red Curtain and its affiliate, the Public Servants, will present the “Made Ya Look” Arts Festival at the art center, showcasing visual artists, musicians, crafters, poets, interactive displays and more.

“And before the end of August, we’re looking to assemble a work party of volunteers to paint a mural on the front of the art center,” Randall said. “Our goal is to create never-ending opportunities for dynamic art in Marysville, because this is a very artistic community that just needs an outlet.”

For more information, log onto Red Curtain’s website at www.redcurtainfoundation.org, its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RedCurtainFoundation or its Twitter at @redcurtainwa.