Dedication of Gates Center, and the Ethel H. Blum Art Gallery.

Construction of the Gates Center was completed in 1993, with a dedication ceremony taking place in July. The building was named after Thomas S. Gates Jr, who was the United States Deputy Secretary of Defense and Secretary of the Navy under President Eisenhower. A resident of Northeast Harbor, Gates served on COA’s Board of Trustees for a total of nine years. The community center was named in his honor. Today, it is used mainly as an auditorium space, hosting the weekly All College Meeting, theatrical and musical performances and classes. In addition to the auditorium, the Gates Center is home to music practice rooms, a recording studio and a lecture hall. The Ethel H. Blum Art Gallery, which often hosts art exhibits and dance shows, can be found on the second floor. Named after Ethel H. Blum, a long-time resident of MDI, the art gallery is dedicated to the memory of her contributions to the artistic life of Maine, as well as her demonstration of a life-long spirit of Human Ecology and philanthropy. The Gates center serves as an artistic hub on campus, as well as the heart of the college’s student governance and community spirit. Having such a space at the heart of COA’s campus is a reminder that arts, creativity and expression are a vital part of Human Ecology.

To get a sense of this dynamic space, look through our Blum Gallery Collection to get an idea of Gates’ creative spirit.