Crawford County Art Center announces new location

BUCYRUS, OHIO – Friday, January 10 – The Crawford County Art Center is pleased to announce the grand opening of its new location at 117 N. Sandusky Avenue in Bucyrus. The recently renovated 2000 square foot space represents an investment of nearly $10,000, made possible in part through a variety of grants and private donations. The Crawford County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a ribbon-cutting on Friday, January 17 at 11:00 a.m. The Art Center will be open to the public Friday, January 17 through Sunday, January 19 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. with a complimentary flower-making activity that will be used to decorate the new location.

The new Art Center will have an updated interior, including art-friendly floors, lighting, accessible seating, an upgraded kitchen, and the classroom is equipped with electrical upgrades to support classes that include sewing machines and hot tools. Recognizing the need for additional space and services, the Board of Directors and Executive Director Kaylee Powers sought a new location. This strategic move not only accommodates their growth but will allow current and expanded services including private event rentals, organization and corporate rentals, facilitated art activities, Creation Station for free kids classes, Open Studio every Monday, access for artist to tools, retail gallery with consignment pieces for sale, and a front area for displaying exhibitions.

Kaylee Powers expressed her excitement about the expansion, saying, “The new location is more available and accessible to the community and will look like a true, modern art gallery with more flexible space to allow for unique art pieces like sculptures. In addition, the expanded classroom space and kitchen will allow us the ability to host private events which can contribute to our nonprofit’s revenue stream and offerings.”

The Crawford County Art Center began in 2013 and is guided by a 12-person Board of Directors and managed day-to-day by two part-time employees.  In addition, there is a core group of nearly 20 volunteers who lead art activities and classes. The Art Center had previously been awarded a grant by the Community Foundation for Crawford County for a digital gallery which includes iPads, a digital gallery display, and high-quality printing capabilities. Community members interested in supporting or engaging with the Art Center are invited to attend the Preview Reception on Wednesday, January 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For classes and information visit the center’s website, https://www.crawfordcountyartcenter.com/.

Bucyrus Mayor Bruce Truka shared, “The Crawford County Art Center’s move to a downtown location is a win for the community. Its accessibility will invite more residents and visitors to experience the arts, while also enhancing the vibrancy and cultural appeal of the downtown area. He continued to comment, “The expansion reflects the local support of the arts and creating a destination for creativity and connectivity.”

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About Crawford County Art Center

Founded in 2013, the Crawford County Art Center was created from a vision to enhance the quality of life for Crawford County residents through creative expression. It began as community events and art displays and grew into a hub for arts education and cultural enrichment. Achieving 501(c)(3) status allowed the center to secure funding for free art classes, workshops, and public art programs in parks, schools, and community spaces. In 2017, the center established its first dedicated space, offering classes, gallery exhibitions, and storage for growing programs. To learn more about the Art Center, please visit https://www.crawfordcountyartcenter.com/.

About the Crawford Partnership

Started in 2006, the Crawford Partnership for Education and Economic Development is a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to driving collaborative economic, community and workforce development in Bucyrus, Galion, Crestline, New Washington, and all of Crawford County, Ohio. The community has been nationally ranked in the top 4% for economic development two years running and is pursuing an aggressive, strategic, and comprehensive agenda to become a community of choice for business and residents. To learn more about the Crawford Partnership, please visit us at crawfordpartnership.org

Disclaimer: While the Crawford Partnership issues press releases on economic, community, and workforce development projects, resources, assets, advantages, and activities in Crawford County, Ohio, to strengthen the community’s image and to promote additional development, publication of such announcements does not imply direct assistance from The Partnership unless specified.