The digs are humble, but the idea is grand.

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Councilwoman Esther Melendez Lopez and the Nogales Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce hosted the grand opening of the Cultural Arts Center located in what used to be a dance studio/multipurpose room at the Anza Apartments on the corner of MacNab Drive and Western Avenue.

“This is a dream I have to provide more outlets and opportunities to local artists and promote our culture,” Melendez Lopez said during the event held Thursday, Nov. 12.

The debut exhibit was 40 photographs by shutterbugs from the border to Green Valley for the first Discover Magazine Photography Contest organized by the Nogales International and Green Valley News and sponsored by the Nogales and Green Valley-Sahuarita Wal-Marts.

Chamber Director Olivia Ainza Kramer noted in an interview that the center, which is just larger than a double-car garage, is another step toward community and economic development. “We need to showcase the talent in our community,” she said.

On hand at the event were Vice Mayor Arturo Garino and Councilman Nubar Hanessian. From the City of Nogales standpoint, they supported Melendez Lopez’s efforts and marveled that she had found a location.

“I didn’t even know this place existed,” Hanessian quipped, referring to the hall across the street from the Circle K on Western Avenue and the Camp Little Park.

Rio Rico resident Georgia Conroy, a musician and artist, congratulated all those involved in establishing the center and encouraged the concept of perpetuating and encouraging local talent.