For the past three years, Open Space for Arts &Community has been planning a spectacular new act now slated to open on May 22. That’s when renovations to the 15,000-square-foot building will begin. The organization received the green light — its King County building permit — in January.

Several long-needed changes to the cavernous space will be included in the renovation. New bathrooms and a new HVAC system will bring greater comfort to the venue; the Grand Hall will be re-oriented, and five new classrooms plus an atrium will be added, but the jewel in the construction crown will be the new black box theater, a 100-seat flexible space that will allow for more intimate performances.

“The black box is a first for Vashon,” Amanda Westbrooke, executive director of Open Space, said. “We’ve already had numerous inquiries about it.”

Two days before demolition starts, the organization will hold its second annual fundraiser, the O-2 Auction, to help fill the construction coffers.

“We have raised $800,000 out of the $1.8 million needed, so we are continuing our fundraising efforts” Westbrooke said.

Once construction begins, the Grand Hall will remain off limits, but, not being deterred, Janet McAlpin and David Godsey, founders and artistic visionaries of Open Space, have organized Kinetic Explosion, a four- to six- week camp of kinetic movement based in the large lawn area south of the building. Funded by a grant from 4Culture, movement artists will build kinetic sculptures along with ongoing exhibits and camps.

“It will culminate with Open Air, and before you know it, we’ll be back inside,” Westbrooke said. “Our first big event will be in November, but we won’t give away too many of the surprises for the big reveal.”

Three new professionals have been hired to help the organization achieve its renovation goals. Amy Wigstrom of Wigstrom Consulting was hired as capital campaign consultant and will also serve as auction event coordinator. Creative islanders Allison Halsted and Sy Novak have come on board to help with the visual outreach, while Janice Randall will provide the voice and narrative.

McAlpin and Godsey are spearheading the capital campaign.

“Janet and David continue to give the community what they want,” Westbrooke said. “We say they are ‘up, out and next.’ They want more programming for families and for youth. That’s a message we’ve heard, and another driving force for more space.”