The Olde Town Gallery and Studio is the latest arts organization to fall victim to the challenging economy. The Gallery announced it will have shortened hours until Dec. 17, and then will open by appointments only until further notice.
John Nix, Chairman of the Board for the nonprofit gallery, said after restructuring for a few months, the Gallery expects to reopen in 2012. “We will be curtailing operations in December. In this tough economy, fewer people are buying art and taking art classes, so our income is not covering the expense of keeping our doors open. The County and especially the City have recognized the importance of the Gallery and arts in general in community and economic development and provided important support for our work. We appreciate the great support provided by many individuals in the community.”
Previously scheduled events and classes will continue at their scheduled times. Shortened days of Gallery operation are now Thursdays through Saturdays with hours as follows:
• Thursdays12/8 and 12/15 from noon to 7 pm.
• Fridays12/2, 12/9, and 12/16 from noon to 8 pm.
• Saturdays 12/3, 12/10, and 12/17 from noon to 8 pm.
The auction on Dec. 10, 7 pm at the Gallery is still on as scheduled. Refreshments will be available.
The Gallery, which opened in March 2009 and is located on Center Street in Olde Town, has exhibited and sold the works of over 30 artists and provided classes to the public in drawing, painting, stained glass, pottery, and photography and has held a number of performing arts events including musical concerts, story telling, poetry readings and book signings.
In 2008, the Conyers Rockdale Council for the Arts partnered with Stewardship Quest, LLC to start the Gallery after refurbishing the building that was the previous location for the D. Morgan Gallery in Olde Town Conyers. The Olde Town Gallery opened in March 2009 with displays of visual art pieces by local artists and art classes. The Olde Town Gallery spun off as an independent nonprofit from the Conyers-Rockdale Council for the Arts in December 2010.
Community events and art shows at the Gallery include events for the Rockdale County School System, and the Eastminster School and Peachtree Academy. The gallery provides a pottery class for “I Sign For You,” a program providing activities for those with special needs and the hard of hearing population. They host summer art classes for the ASPIRE program that provides activities for individuals with disabilities.
Greta Beech, Board member and teaching artist, said, “We regret the Gallery will have to close, even temporarily, and stop classes for our special populations, as well as our other dedicated students. We hope to be in a position soon to once again meet the art education needs of the Conyers and Rockdale community.
To reach the Gallery directly, call 770-929-9242.
