The Corvallis Arts Center was created by the Corvallis Arts Council, founded in September 1961, to establish a showplace for the visual arts."Corvallis Arts Council is Formally Organized in City," Corvallis Gazette-Times, Oct. 17, 1961, pg. 11. At the time of its formation, chair pro tem was Marion Gathercoal. About 20 people participated in the establishment of the group during its first month of existence. Gathercoal was later formally elected as the group's first president by the membership of the council."Big Arts Sale Tabbed Success by 1000 Guests," Corvallis Gazette-Times, Dec. 4, 1962, pg. 7. The Corvallis Arts Council was incorporated as a non-profit corporation in March 1962."Incorporation Filed by Four Groups," Corvallis Gazette-Times, March 8, 1962, pg. 19. It was the first Arts Council in the State of Oregon and Twenty-first in the United States.
