Georgetown Art Works

"[When the group first started], we knew we couldn't afford to have a building; we had to prove ourselves, and we had to find something to do in a building once we had one," said Jane Estes, who has worked with the nonprofit for more than five years and now serves as the executive board president. "For the last six years, what we've been doing is garnering support from the community."

The group's mission is to enrich the visual arts landscape for the cultural and economic benefit of the community. Since its inception, the group has raised funds as well as hosted several Art Hop art competitions and classes throughout the city. In past years, Georgetown Art Works has also sponsored the banner project that placed original art on lampposts throughout downtown.

"If we make the visual arts landscape as deep and as rich and as vibrant as the musical landscape here, then we will be a fully represented arts community, and more people will want to come here to visit, to live and to open their businesses," Estes said, adding that the art center is expected to draw people to the community.

Georgetown Art Works' vision for the art center began to turn into a reality in November when City Council selected the group to operate the center.

Working with Library Services Director Eric Lashley, who served as a liaison with the city, the group began the process of converting the building after the fire department moved its headquarters out of the building in October.

"The city's goal is for the space to be used and the shows to be well-attended," Lashley said. "We obviously hope it will bring more foot traffic to the downtown area."

Estes said the goal is to create a space that allows patrons of all levels of interest an opportunity to view and learn about art.

"[Eric Lashley] knew what we wanted to do with the art center—it's the same flavor and same tone as our library here but with the visual arts emphasis," Estes said.

Along with gallery shows, the center will have studio space to offer cross-platform educational opportunities for individuals of all ages interested in learning various visual art techniques, Estes said.

Georgetown Art Works is still accepting donations as well as applications for volunteers to help with daily operations.

816 S. Main St., 512-930-2583, www.georgetownartworks.org