Funds will go toward renovation project for new gallery
A $100,000 state grant will put the local arts council one step closer to building a new gallery.
Gilmer Arts was recently named the recipient of the one-time grant allocated in state House Bill 915 and administered through the Georgia Council for the Arts.
“We commend the Georgia General Assembly for providing these one-time appropriations to support arts in rural communities,” said Tina Lilly, Georgia Council for the Arts executive director. “Arts events enhance downtowns, support small businesses and provide jobs while creating excitement and unity.”
District 7 Rep. Johnny Chastain officially announced the grant award alongside Gilmer Arts staff, board members and supporters Friday, May 24.
“I am pleased to unveil this significant milestone for Gilmer Arts, a cornerstone organization in House District 7,” said Chastain. “This grant is poised to enhance our region’s cultural fabric by providing invaluable opportunities for artistic expression and community engagement. I applaud Gilmer Arts for their steadfast commitment to nurturing creativity and fostering a vibrant arts scene that enriches the lives of our residents.”
Pam Burns, Gilmer Arts executive director, said the grant will go toward the ongoing renovation of a building at 127 Dalton Street, which will eventually house the organization’s new art gallery. A similar state grant helped build the George Link Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse, which is adjacent to the building currently being renovated, Burns noted.
The “Raise the Roof” renovation campaign will also include turning the current gallery space at 207 Dalton Street into an arts education center and youth gallery.
Gilmer Arts began in 1979 in one small, rented space. It later operated solely out of its 207 Dalton Street location until 2017, when the playhouse at 135 Dalton Street was opened as the organization’s new home for performing arts events and programs. The new art gallery will be its third facility on Dalton Street within a .1-mile radius.
The first phase of the 127 Dalton renovation, which included demolition and gutting of the building’s interior, an asbestos abatement and installation of a new roof, was recently completed, Burns noted. The work included literally raising the building’s roof so the future gallery and playhouse’s rooflines will match. Funds are now being raised to start the second phase of the project.
“The roof ended up costing probably five times what we had originally anticipated,” said Burns.
Rising costs in building materials and labor have impacted the project’s fundraising effort, which makes receiving this grant all the more helpful, Burns noted.
“It’s coming back to Ellijay, and that’s awesome,” she added.
Terry Ellis, Gilmer Arts board president, thanked Chastain and the State of Georgia for the generous grant, as well as the campaign’s donors for supporting Raise the Roof. He also recognized the nonprofit’s board members and supporters, including former president John Rathbone and member Kerrie Gilbert, for their roles in obtaining the grant.
“It’s been a collective effort,” Ellis said.
The next two phases of the project will include installing a new interior, lighting and mechanical work, along with final design touches, Ellis noted. The entire project is expected to run around a million dollars, he said.
“We’re going to keep moving and stay positive and optimistic,” Ellis added.
Gilmer Arts will be conducting additional Raise the Roof fundraisers throughout the year, Burns noted.
“Right now, we’re selling raffle tickets, and the winner gets their choice of three vacations. We will also have a golf tournament coming up, and we’ll be selling paver bricks with the names (of donors) that will go on the walkway behind the gallery,” she added.