A grand re-opening for the Brownwood Art Center, located at 215 Fisk Avenue, will take place during its ‘First Thursday’ event from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5.

Repairs and renovations are complete to the historic building, which re-opened Saturday, July 10 after suffering significant damage during the February winter storm.

“February we had the freeze, the pipes burst and everything pretty much had to be redone from the walls to the floors, so it’s a whole new art center basically thanks to donations from the community and our members,” said Sharon Cook, the vice president of membership for the Brownwood Art Association. “There’s a whole new floor in the gallery, the walls are painted white, we have new LED lights, it’s much brighter. We also had to rip out some walls and that allowed us to make additional rooms for meetings and classes.”

Along with the grand re-opening, the Brownwood Art Association’s 2021 Photographer of the Year Jim Blake and 2021 Artist of the Year Craig Seger will be recognized at ‘First Thursday.’

“We weren’t able to have a special presentation last year,” Cook said.

10 Mile Productions will be on hand for a wine tasting and snacks will be served during the event as well.

The Art Center’s Photo Group meets the second Thursday of each month and is welcoming new members.

“You don’t have to a member of the Brownwood Art Association to be a member of the photo group,” Cook said. “Beginners, novice level, and experienced photographers get together and share ideas and photo skills. Bring your camera or a USB with one of the photos you’d like to present. There is a different theme each month.  During the meeting, each photo is shown on a screen, and then there’s a blind vote.  

Whoever wins the most votes throughout the year, wins the Photographer of the Year.”

Also, coming up July 27-29 will be Camp Book and Brush, open to kids ages 4 and up at a cost of $25 for all three days or $10 for one day.

“We still have openings, and you can email brownwoodart@gmail.com and request a form, or you can show up that day and fill out the form for that class,” Cook said. “You can also call June at 806-632-6289 or Claudette at 325-940-1713.”

Cook added that the art center is looking for a front desk volunteer, and that the venue can be rented for events.

“We’re working on getting another volunteer so we can keep the art center open most of the day and on the weekends,” Cook said. “If you’re interested in renting the facility we have a kitchen with an oven, refrigerator, and freezer. Everything is popping around downtown Brownwood so come visit when you’re in town. We really enjoying having people there.”

For more information regarding the facility, email brownwoodart@gmail.com.

Cook also stated plans are under way for the Brownwood Art Association’s 95th anniversary in February 2022.