Could an alley next to Berryland Cafe become the cultural center of Sumner? That is the apparent intent of art nonprofit Pomegranate Center and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters.

The nonprofit and business released a joint announcement May 9 stating they would create “gathering places” four western Washington communities, Sumner included.

Sumner will receive a grant from the Pomegranate Center, paid for by the Tully’s Coffee division of Green Mountain, to create a neighborhood gathering place in the alley immediately to the west of Berryland Cafe.

“Each place will be uniquely hand-crafted with local energy, materials, and art,” the announcement read.

The broad plan is to turn the alley into an openly accessible art installation, whatever form that takes.

In addition to the creation of the gathering space, Pomegranate will provide training, community engagement expertise, designs and building management through the rest of 2011.

A launch and training session will be held this Saturday at the High Point Center in West Seattle, 6400 Sylvan Way S.W.

The project is also seeking volunteers and “Public Space Rangers,” people with specialized expertise in art, construction, design or community development.