Inversion Art
The M.O. Podcast
The M.O. Podcast Episode 24: Building a Cultural Hub: Dan McCranie and Ellie Honl Herman's Vision for Cura Contemporary Gallery.
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The M.O. Podcast Episode 24: Building a Cultural Hub: Dan McCranie and Ellie Honl Herman's Vision for Cura Contemporary Gallery.

How Cura Contemporary is transforming Morgan Hill into a vibrant cultural destination through art, community, and fine dining.

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In this inspiring episode of The M.O. Podcast, hosts Joey Flores and Jonathan Neil sit down with Dan McCranie and Ellie Honl Herman, the driving forces behind Cura Contemporary, a groundbreaking art and hospitality project in Morgan Hill, California. Cura isn’t just a gallery; it’s a cultural destination merging fine art, dining, and community engagement in a beautifully redesigned historical space.

Dan McCranie, a former tech industry leader turned cultural pioneer, shares how his experiences founding Ladera Grill and Colibri Gallery laid the groundwork for Cura. He reflects on lessons learned from transitioning Morgan Hill into a fine dining destination and his ambitions to do the same for its arts scene. Ellie, an accomplished printmaker with a background in academia and gallery management, recounts her journey from Midwest art spaces to leading Cura's curation and community engagement efforts.

Listeners will gain insights into:

  • The evolution of Colibri Gallery and how its successes and challenges informed Cura’s vision.

  • Cura’s innovative approach to blending art exhibitions, workshops, and fine dining into a single immersive experience.

  • How Dan and Ellie envision transforming Morgan Hill into a regional arts destination, complete with artist residencies and expanded gallery spaces.

  • Ellie’s passion for creating welcoming, family-friendly spaces that demystify the gallery experience and invite community participation.

  • The dynamic interplay between fine dining and art as a model for sustainable cultural development.

The episode also dives into the Bay Area art scene, the importance of fostering artist connections across regions, and how Cura’s inaugural exhibition—featuring over 40 artists—set the stage for a thriving future. Whether you’re an artist, gallery owner, or cultural enthusiast, this conversation offers a wealth of inspiration and practical insights.

Don’t miss this fascinating exploration of how thoughtful planning and bold vision can redefine the role of art in a community.

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