Celebrating the purchase of the new Art Center building are Mina Norfleet, Temple Reece, Cristy Dunn, Evelyn Cook, Terri Lampkin Morris and Celia Pennington.
The Johnson County Center for the Arts signed on the dotted line to become the new owners of 129 W Main St., Mountain City, Tennessee. The log hewn building sits right at the center of Main Street and will be home to the Art Center’s Gallery on Main.
“This location is absolutely perfect for our Arts Center. I’m amazed how much it has grown in just a few years and I can’t wait to see what happens next,” said Johnson County Center for the Arts Board of Director President Evelyn Cook.
“With more than a 100 artists represented and classes often full with a waiting list, we needed more space to serve the community,” said Director, Cristy Dunn. “We looked at building an addition onto our College Street location, but after months of research and consideration, we decided to go a different direction and open a second location on Main Street instead.” The Gallery on Main will double the display space for local artisans, provide greater visibility, and allow the Center for the Arts to benefit from the traffic that is generated during downtown events like Buskin’ on Main Street, the Sunflower Festival and car shows.
The plan for expansion was met with an outpouring of support from the community. “Our fundraiser brought in enough to make a large down payment in just three weeks,” said Dunn. “We are so very grateful for the support of so many generous community members. We will continue to raise funds with events through the summer and into next year. Our goal is to pay off the building by Labor Day 2025.” A permanent donor tree installation and plaque will honor those whose financial support bring this dream to life.
Not only have people given financial support, an anonymous builder has volunteered to build the new classroom and complete needed renovations. Others have volunteered their time and skill to work, paint and help with moving.
With more than 50 classes in the past year, more classroom space was one of the Arts Center’s greatest needs. An additional classroom is in the works for the Main Street location, and the College Street building will become a dedicated Arts Education Center with space for larger classes and events and even a pottery studio with wheels. This will allow them to serve the community better and accommodate larger groups and classes that visit for field trips.
Just inside the doors of the Gallery on Main will be a studio area where artists can work, and visitors can see the creative process in action.
The Maker Space is always busy with children and families working on projects, creating, and experimenting with different art mediums, and the Maker Space will be bigger and better at the Gallery on Main. They will continue to offer free art supplies and mentorships through Temple Reece’s Sunshine and Smiles program, and add a display for young artists’ work.
At the present College Street location featured artist shows and special events get a little crowded. The Main Street location will have a spacious Special Events Gallery, giving each show its own area to shine.
The plan is to keep the newly added Custom Frame Shop manufacturing at the College Street building but have an expanded frame design area where customers will order frames and pick up finished work at the Gallery on Main.
“I’m really excited about being on Main Street,” said Center for the Arts Gallery Assistant Carol Hieronymus, “it will provide the Center better visibility and more foot traffic.”
Renovations began this week, and they are making plans for the grand opening of the Johnson County Center for the Arts Gallery on Main Labor Day weekend during the Long Journey Home Festival.
