JAMESTOWN — The Arts Center in Jamestown announced on Friday, March 3, at its annual gala that it is “Raising the Bar for the Arts” with a $2 million capital campaign to purchase and renovate the former Wonder Bar building west of its current location.
“Our cornerstone program, Arts After School, is bursting at the seams,” said Mindi Schmitz, executive director of The Arts Center. “There is a waiting list for every class, we hate turning kids away. We want to expand our programming to include children of all ages.”
This expansion will allow The Arts Center to triple its capacity for the afterschool program while adding a teaching kitchen to the facility to offer culinary classes to not only the children but adults as well, she said. A green space that is secure
and like its gallery and Hansen Arts Park will be available to the public for special functions.
A gallery and living space for traveling artists and artists in residence is also plannd. The remodeled space will showcase two studios for traveling artists and a shared living space with independent suites for their comfort and privacy.
The current facility will remain intact with the exception of the upgraded classroom. Including this updated classroom, The Arts Center will have four teaching classrooms allocated to the children who benefit from the organization's services.
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“Within the past few years, our (Jamestown) Fine Arts Association has grown exponentially," said Mary Lou Urquhart, board member of the Jamestown Fine Arts Association and Capital Campaign Committee member. "To continue to grow our mission and offer new, expanded services to those who benefit from our organization, the time is now to move forward with this exciting addition to The Arts Center’s blueprint in the downtown area. This endeavor will not only benefit The Arts Center but will continue to be a benefit for our community for years to come.”
To contribute to the capital campaign or for more information, contact Schmitz at the Jamestown Fine Arts Association at 701-251-2496. For more information about The Arts Center, visit www.jamestownarts.com.
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