Faces of the Foundry – Janis de Santi
Janis de Santi @ Fright Night | Photo by John Taber
Because of the variety of events at the Foundry, volunteers may help at a Greg Brown show one night, then pivot to a major production like Fright Night, sometimes in the same week. Miners Foundry volunteers are often asked to do a number of tasks, from wrist banding patrons, to ushering, to checking I.D.s. Janis de Santi has done all of these and more, always with style and a smile!
Are you originally from Nevada County? If not, why did you decide to move to Nevada County? Where are you from originally?
I was born in the Bronx, New York and moved to the the suburbs when I was 10 years old. I relocated to south Florida in 1975 and continued living there until my move to Grass Valley on December 16, 2013. I had been out to Grass Valley to visit my brother, Bob, and his wife, Anne, after my retirement and fell in love with the area; as well as all it had to offer in the way of the Arts, Music and the venues they were offered in.
How did you first discover the Miners Foundry?
I first discovered the Miners Foundry on a trip to visit my brother and his wife. They took me around showing me the sites and telling me about the history of the area. That, naturally, meant a visit to not only Empire Mine, but also to the Miners Foundry.
What were your initial impressions of the Foundry?
I was immediately struck by the building’s architecture and the role it played in the history of the area.
What do you like the best about the Miners Foundry?
The first thing that caught my attention was the massive stone fireplace. I got a kick out of standing inside it and visualizing what might have taken place in such a space. I truly was and still am impressed by this massive structure’s ambiance.
Why did you choose to become involved with the Foundry?
When I relocated it was my intent to make new acquaintances and because of my love of music and the theater, I knew volunteering was to be part of my lifestyle. The events, activities,concerts, and reader’s theater (just to name a few) are all wonderful forms of entertainment that the Miners Foundry offers to the community and naturally, I had to be a part of this.
Would you encourage others to become involved with the Miners Foundry? Why?
I’ve made many friends and acquaintances while volunteering here, and have enjoyed so many of the events that I always look forward to my time spent here. And not to be forgotten, is the staff–they are an extraordinary group of professional, organized and super-friendly people to work with. The Miners Foundry openly and easily gives to the community, we in turn, should consider giving back through volunteering — it’s fun and the events are worthy of our time.
