Georgetown Art Works selected to operate city art center for one year

The City Council approved a one-year operating agreement with Georgetown Art Works that will allow the nonprofit art group to manage the city's art center.

The council approved up to $400,000 in construction funding for the center, which will be located in the historic downtown fire station at 816 S. Main St.

The agreement with Georgetown Art Works will be in effect from December 2012 through November 2013, and could be renewed for four additional years.

According to the agreement, the city will pay the cost of utilities and routine maintenance for the first year, and Georgetown Art Works will be responsible for all other operating expenses.

The art center will have a visual arts focus and will provide gallery space for local artists, instructional and workshop space for children's activities, an after-school program, summer camps, a meeting room and studio art projects for all ages, Georgetown Public Library Director Eric Lashley said.