Our Story
A Church & Fine Arts SpaceThis lovely building was built originally in 1901 as The First Baptist Church of Point Richmond. Over the years, the church space has since been been gradually renovated and transformed into a beautiful space for the arts. In the 40s during World War II, it was a USO center providing programs and entertainment, and singspirations for the military. In 1989 it became a live/work arts space for fine arts painters. A professional photographer and artist then purchased and refurbished the space and made use of the space as photography studio for 20 years, after which time the space was also home to yoga, music, and creative events.
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A WeddingIn 2011, local ballroom dancers Todd and Suzie knocked at the door of the church down the street from their house and asked their photographer neighbor if they might allow them to get married there, so that they could introduce their relatives and friends to their small town community. The couple was married in this space in 2011. With the help of their families, they were able to purchase the building ten years to the day of their wedding in the space.
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A Dance &
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About the Owners
Suzie Hardt is a performing artist, choreographer, author, and ballroom instructor. She is the founder of community dance studio Suzie's Studio in San Rafael, CA, which she has operated for 22 years. Todd Marsden is a second grade elementary school teacher at Hamilton Elementary in Novato, specializing in helping struggling young readers. and a singer and bass player for folk band Sierra Gold. As a couple, Suzie and Todd have competed and performed in ballroom and Latin dancing around the Bay Area for many years, and were U.S. Senior 1 Ten Dance Ballroom & Latin Champions four times, representing the U.S. at the world championships.
As performing duo A Tall Order, they have appeared on America's Got Talent, performed with the St. Louis Symphony and Grammy Award winner Victor Vanacore. They have also performed for Google, Kaiser, Intuit, Mondavi, and hundreds of other corporate, non-profit, and private clients They have felt very lucky to call Point Richmond their home for 18 years. They live with their dog Happy and cat Bella.
As performing duo A Tall Order, they have appeared on America's Got Talent, performed with the St. Louis Symphony and Grammy Award winner Victor Vanacore. They have also performed for Google, Kaiser, Intuit, Mondavi, and hundreds of other corporate, non-profit, and private clients They have felt very lucky to call Point Richmond their home for 18 years. They live with their dog Happy and cat Bella.
