There are a ton of incredible arts orgs in this community, but we can’t say it enough about the landmark Throckmorton Theatre, a rarity that does it all: top-notch theatrical productions, live music, classical concerts, Djangofest, some of the best comedy in the Bay Area.
Lucy Mercer founded the non profit organization Milll Valley LiveArts, which does business as 142 Throckmorton Theatre, more than 20 years ago. She purchased the building at 138-144 Throckmorton Avenue and then built a dynamic arts organization that spans just about every artistic medium on the planet.
Recently, Mercer, who will turn 70 this year, has been thinking about how to best ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization for future generations.
The organization has leased its home at 138-144 Throckmorton Avenue since its inception, and over the years, it has become known for the caliber of the artistic programs they produce.
Their programs span all of the creative fields including theatrical productions, master classes and art exhibits, free noon classical concerts, jazz concerts, a community chorus, plus some of the best comedy in the Bay Area from some of the biggest names on earth.
“Selling the building to an arts-friendly patron, who understands and values what the building and it’s long-term tenant provide to the community, could go a long way towards cementing the future for our children,” she says.
“Selling the building to an arts-friendly patron, who understands and values what the building and it’s long-term tenant provide to the community, could go a long way towards cementing the future for our children,” she says.
Mercer, as the organization’s Artistic Director, as well as members of the non-profit board, would look to negotiate a long-term lease with the new owner.
“I remain fully dedicated to this business and its service to our community. I believe the next generation will only make it stronger.” says Mercer.
“I remain fully dedicated to this business and its service to our community. I believe the next generation will only make it stronger.” says Mercer.
I look forward to attending arts functions.
looking forward to attending events
Hi Lucy,
Thanks for all the good work you have done at Throckmorton and for Mill Valley. My Name is Jim Berry and my wife Joyce, is Lotte Sporleder’s god daughter. Do you still own the Sporleder house or still have an interest in the Sporleder story? One of the stories created from the Sporleder-McWatters legacy is the Lotte and Hedwig (Mami) trip to Europe. I have the original diary-travelogue from this trip just as WWII was breaking out, It was in tiny print which I have enlarged and word processed. Also have about 2000 labeled photos of the Sporleder legacy in the Philippines. As you may know Lotte spent more that 20 years putting on art shows at the Frank Lloyd Wright civic center for many bay area artists. Lotte;s husband and brother-in-law, Tom & Bill, covered 27 countries in Europe, Asia and Africa at the same time as Lotte and Hedwig, and their storya dn photos are amazing. Hedwig was the leading speech therapist for the Mill Valley Schools in the 1930’s and 40’s. . Tom was on the docks as Pearl harbor was bombed on Dec. 7, 1941 and was part of the miracle recovery. He was also part of building Ladd Field in Fairbanks, Alaska in 1940 as the threat of war grew. Jim
I have just seen this! I had no idea there were responses I apologize. I would love to talk to you. I love history and I was fascinated with the conversations that I had with Lotte. I am familiar with much of what you write here. How is best to communicate?