The Edes Art Gallery will be a two-story, 6,600-square-foot building for a multi-use fine art gallery.

A rendering of the proposed Edes Art Gallery at the corner of Second Street and Monterey Road.

By Robert Airoldi

Robert Airoldi

After seven years of fun, the downtown Morgan Hill Pop-Up Park was dismantled June 22 to make way for the construction of the Edes Art Gallery. The Pop-Up Park, a temporary installation by the city, has provided a space for families to enjoy an interactive area filled with art and funded in partnership with local businesses and community organizations.

Dan McCranie, developer of the Edes Art Gallery, allowed the city to put the Pop-Up Park at the Second Street site while he designed and secured entitlements for his gallery. The Pop-Up Park has provided a home to many outdoor classes, and housed two outdoor pianos, allowing people of all ages to enjoy, have fun and share their talent in the heart of downtown. Since the creation of the temporary Pop-Up Park, the city has invested in four permanent parks, including the Railroad Park on Depot Street, the Third Street Creek Park behind Ladera Restaurant, the Nob Hill Trail Park, and the Magical Bridge Playground. As the Pop-Up Park comes to an end, the amenities, including the Big Blue Chair, will be relocated to other spots within the city.

“We are delighted to see how much enjoyment the Pop-Up Park has brought to the community” said Edith Ramirez, assistant city manager for development services. “We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to property owner Dan McCranie for hosting the park on his site, and to the many artists, businesses, and community members who contributed to the creation and maintenance of this community space that has provided a fun and safe environment for our families for the last seven years.”

The Edes Art Gallery will be a two-story, 6,600-square-foot building for a multi-use fine art gallery. Construction is scheduled to begin in late June 2022. The gallery space will consist of two open levels for art displays, a variety of art classes, and a wine bar and café.

This project is privately funded by McCranie, who is a gifted photographer and avid supporter of Morgan Hill. This site has a significant history, dating back to the 1920s as the location of the Edes Grocery Store, which was the inspiration behind the Art Gallery’s name. McCranie and his wife, Kathy, have been residents of the South Valley for almost 40 years. Beginning in 2011, the McCranie family created the restaurant Ladera Grill in Downtown, opened Colibri Art Gallery and are now in the process of creating the Edes Art Gallery. “Dan McCranie is a pioneer who is elevating the arts and culture experience in Morgan Hill,” Ramirez said. “We are fortunate for his vision, commitment, and passion for the arts.”

We’re re looking forward to the completion of this project. Can’t wait to step into the new art gallery!

Nolan Lyle with the sign in the background.

Nolan Lyle, who is entering 8th grade at Charter School Morgan Hill in the fall, and other students were asked by their teacher to work on something they were passionate about last summer. His mom said he noticed more animal activity by Anderson Dam and more deer in the field at the bottom of the hill.

“We traveled the road often and he also noticed lots of fast driving so he hoped a deer or other animal wouldn’t get hit,” said his mother, Natalie Prcevski.

He thought it would be a good idea to put up a warning sign and that would be his project. So, he wrote city officials who told him that part of the road belongs to the county. He then wrote county officials and through a long process worked with the Roads Department and a civil engineer to get two signs put on Cochrane Road. He started his project in August of 2021 and on the last day of school 2022 the signs went up.

“I’m thrilled the signs are finally up after a lengthy process and persistence,” Nolan said. “It makes me very happy to see I made a change to something in my town, that everyone can see, will hopefully abide by and can keep both drivers and animals safe.”

Wonderful good deed, Nolan. I’m sure you learned a lot.

The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority has entered a three-year lease with Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch and Fruit Stand to reopen at a new location at Laguna Avenue and Santa Teresa Boulevard in Coyote Valley. The 60 acres of prime farmlands where the festivities will be held was permanently protected by the Open Space Authority in October 2021. The fruit stand will open in July, and the popular pumpkin patch will open Sept. 26 through Nov. 6, with a variety of offerings for youth, families, and others looking for fall fun in the South Bay.

“The Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch and Fruit Stand is no longer operating on the corner of Santa Teresa Boulevard and Bailey Avenue,” said Ronda Estrada, the manager of the pumpkin patch. “But we’re thrilled to keep this tradition alive less than one mile up the road in beautiful Coyote Valley. We are eager to welcome everyone, share our rich farming history, and can’t wait to see all the smiling faces.”

Since the 1940s, Spina Farms has provided a popular and affordable source of family entertainment. As school field trips continue making a comeback after two years of COVID-19 restrictions, the patch will provide many children and teachers opportunities for in-person agricultural and environmental education. The pumpkin patch also provides seasonal employment for up to 150 local high school students each year.

“These experiences could spark a life-long interest in agriculture, and it’s important for people to learn about the many benefits local farmers and farmlands provide,” said Gary Tognetti, partner at Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch.

Hiram Morgan Hill

Extra! Extra! Read all about it. A time-honored tradition is back!

The Morgan Hill Historical Society let us know the annual Founder’s Dinner will be held from 3 to 6 p.m., Aug. 27, at Rhoades Ranch. The event pays tribute to families and individuals who have contributed to our community for more than 50 years.

This event honors some great people in our community. For more details, visit www.morganhillhistoricalsociety.