For immediate release
Edwardsville Arts Center to open new facility in downtown Edwardsville
New center to serve as the cornerstone of the visual arts and arts education programs in the community Inaugural exhibition will feature the work of three talented area artists
Edwardsville, IL (May, 2007) – The Edwardsville Arts Center (EAC) is gearing up to open the doors on its new facility this September. The center, to be located at 310 Hillsboro in the former Wetzel Office Supply and more recently, Coffee Talk building, will showcase local, national and international exhibitions in its new gallery space. It will also hold art lectures and some art classes.
Located in downtown Edwardsville just a few blocks from Main Street, the new art center will also be within walking distance of the Park Plaza development on the corner of Vandalia and Buchanan, which will include a mix of upscale residential and retail shops.
“We are thrilled to be opening our new space in downtown Edwardsville, located just between Main Street and the new Park Plaza development,” said Dan Anderson, president of the EAC. “Not only will our center provide a wonderful place for people to experience and enjoy art, but it will also help bring more cultural and economic vitality to our community.”
While the EAC discussed building a brand new arts center on land leased from SIUE, the organization decided instead to find an interim location from which to gain visibility – and outgrow. The EAC will also continue to utilize its gallery space at the Sacred Grounds Cafe on North Main Street.
“We listened to those interviewed as part of our initial feasibility study who suggested an interim facility from which to grow,” said Anderson. “The feedback we’ve received from the public as well as the artists who have shown their work at Sacred Grounds is phenomenal. We want to build on that success and be able to introduce this community to even more talented artists, along with all sorts of educational programs,” he added.
The center’s first exhibition will feature the artwork of three talented artists. All from this area, the artists include Caroline Bottom Anderson (glass and metal), Louie Badalamenti (painting) and Phillip Hampton (painting).
310 Hillsboro St., Edwardsville IL 62025 • 618.655.0337 • edwartscenter@att.net