Mission Statement:
Providing diverse cultural programming of the highest quality by presenting international and regionally produced works to underserved audiences in eastern New Mexico communities.
Clovis Community College - Cultural Arts Series History
The Mesa Theater was built in 1925 to show movies but was damaged soon after opening by a fire. Reopening in August 1931, the theater had 1,000 seats and was designed by architect E.C. Parker. It was badly damaged by another fire in 1949 with only the walls surviving. Designed by architect Jack Corgan, the theater reopened in December 1948 and now seated 784. It closed as a movie house in November 1960. 
The theater then became the home to Norman Petty’s radio station and recording studio, known for its acoustical greatness, and producing many famous title tracks including LeAnn Rimes hit “Blue” in 1994 and hits from the Fireballs. 
Thanks to the generosity of the Lyle Walker, Kenneth Broad, Julian Bivins and the estate of Violet (Vi) Petty, the Mesa Theater was donated to the College in 2003. The theater was renamed the Norman & Vi Petty Performing Arts Center and was designated to be used as the main venue for the CCC Cultural Arts Series as well as a classroom for the college’s theater, fine arts and music programs. The College also received a $500,000 grant from the Joe and Charlyne Sisler Foundation for renovations to the theater in 2011. At least $250,000 has been contributed for additional funding sources at the college and this year $125,000 in capital outlay was allocated by the New Mexico Legislature.
Looking ahead, the College is interested in seeing this historic space become a viable and functioning addition to Main Street.
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