New event space for Garner Arts

Garner Arts Center unveils new gallery/meeting space

A factory that had produced paper goods and materials since the turn of the 18 th century has been home to the Garner Arts Center since 2003. The complex just unveiled its new gallery/event space on March 16, highlighting fabric/textile artists from across the region.

Its newest addition is a $400,000 Ned Harris Education Center, named in honor of the late photographer and GAC supporter. It was funded in part by the New York State Council for the Arts. It will provide resident and visiting artists with a new event/exhibition space as well as a reception hall for the complex. Originally slated to open in 2011, Hurricane Irene put the Harris Center project underwater for several years. “NYSCA is proud to have provided critical capital funding to the Garner Arts Center, which after 12 long years has reopened its doors to a new gallery and visitor center,” said Mara Manus, executive director of the New York State Council on the Arts. “Congratulations to the staff, board and artists for creating this permanent space that will continue to deliver the measurable benefits of the arts to all New Yorkers and our visitors.”

“We’ve put a lot of work into it and had a lot of help from our local community,” said Rosenberg. “To remain environmentally friendly and sustainable, we’ve installed radiant tubing under the floor and heat pumps to help keep it warm and comfortable, as well as air conditioning—at the same time, we remained true to the building’s original structure. It will now serve as a great gallery space and meeting place for our artists and guests.” The fabric/textiles show continues every weekend through April 21 (closed Easter Sunday.)

GAC is already readying its upcoming “Maker’s Faire” to be held the weekend of May 18 th and 19 th . Artists, musicians and crafters are invited to apply for a spot at the popular show. To learn more, visit garnerartscenter.org.