A NEW HOME

The gallery’s first exhibit was by artist Neil Kalmanson for whom the gallery is named. Kalmanson was professor of art at East Georgia State College from 1973 to 2003. He was also the director of Emanuel Art Council’s Kalmanson Gallery from 1979 to 2013. (Photo by John Riddle)

THE EMANUEL ARTS COUNCIL OCCUPIES THE FIRST PHASE OF THE KARRH CENTER RENOVATION

STORY BY JACQUIE BRASHER

The Emanuel Arts Council (EAC) moved into the Barbara and Tobe Karrh Community Arts Center in December 2021. The center’s opening represents completion of the first phase of a major renovation of the old theatre located at 109 North Green Street in downtown Swainsboro. While the theatre portion is still undergoing extensive restoration and renovation, the portion of the building occupied by the EAC is complete. The ground floor is occupied by The Kalmanson Gallery and a kitchen area. The upstairs level of the center, referred to as The Loft, will be used as office, workshop, and meeting space for the executive director of the EAC and the board of directors. The EAC will host regular art exhibitions in The Kalmanson Gallery, facilitated by Gallery Director Desmal Purcell.

When complete, the center will include a fully renovated theatre featuring first run movies and live performances, educational space, a community meeting room and more to promote the creative economy in Emanuel County.

The restoration of the theatre was initiated by Bill and Jim Karrh and the 2015 Swainsboro City Council when it accepted the donation of the building. The Emanuel Coalition for Cultural & Economic Development (ECCED) was then established to assist with fundraising activities and help guide the project.

The The EAC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to empower and grow the community through cultural programs in all areas of the arts. The EAC operates through membership, donations, fundraisers, and grants.

Members of the Emanuel Arts Council at the ribbon cutting and center opening: Jean Schwabe, Jim Roberts, Syvetta Young, Executive Director Jacquie Brasher, Board President Kenny Griffin, Gallery Director Desmal Purcell, Board Secretary Katelyn Moore, Lynn Brinson. Not pictured are: : Julie Frix, Jill Scarboro, Huddie Culbreth, Christian Kraus, Annette Worthen. (Photo by John Riddle)

A $10,000 donation from the Mill Creek Foundation in March 2021 is being utilized to help complete the restoration of the property which the Emanuel Coalition for Culture and Economic Development is spearheading. Lynn Brinson, Jacquie Brasher, Mayor Charles Schwabe, Kristin Hall, Al Lawson, Denny Key of Mill Creek Foundation, Kenny Griffin, Ken Warnock. (Photo provided)