Another round of improvements is complete at the Buchanan Center for the Arts. The latest renovations involved the first-floor gallery.
Executive Director Kristyne Gilbert said they removed the false ceiling, added new lighting, installed a floor made of Asian walnut, and completed other changes.
“When I came to the community, I heard a lot of people talk about, ‘This was a really nice space for a town this size,’ or ‘This is a really cool event for a town this size.’ And I thought a town this size shouldn’t be discredited,” Gilbert said.
“Our community deserves the best.”
She said the hardwood floor, higher ceiling, and new lighting system will help the BCA host more events such as theatrical productions and dance recitals, and the lighting will also help with art exhibits.
She said they took advantage of the shutdown during the pandemic – when no exhibits were held -- to renovate the gallery.
Gilbert said the gallery was a bit worn after being “well-loved” through the years.
“What that speaks to is how many people – the tens of thousands – that have come through the door, enjoyed the space, (and) attended gallery openings, classes, recitals, readings. And it was time to update it and upgrade it.”
The gallery is Phase 5 of a six-part plan for the building:
- Phase 1 – Repair the roof and the foundation
- Phase 2 – Renovate the façade
- Phase 3 – Renovate the administrative offices
- Phase 4 – Renovate the restrooms and ADA accessibility
- Phase 5 – Renovate the first-floor gallery
- Phase 6 – Renovate the first-floor classroom
Gilbert said after the classroom renovations are done, she might take some time to enjoy the improvements and focus on the BCA’s programming before tackling the next big project, which is to make use of the building’s second floor.
She said many partners helped make the BCA renovations and programming possible, including the Pattee Foundation, BCA members, and the local arts community.
The First Exhibit in the Renovated Gallery
The exhibit is Outside the Line Collective.
The fragmented images in the exhibit were created by taking a photo of a subject, then dividing the photo into sections, which were randomly assigned to the artists in the collective.
They each interpreted their section and were encouraged to experiment with different styles. After a designated period of time, the artists gathered to assemble the finished piece, not knowing what the other artists had created with their sections.
“It’s a beautiful collaboration,” said Gilbert.
The exhibit remains on display through July 16.
Tri States Public Radio produced this story. TSPR relies on financial support from our readers and listeners in order to provide coverage of the issues that matter to west central Illinois, southeast Iowa, and northeast Missouri. As someone who values the content created by TSPR's news department please consider making a financial contribution.
