A move for the arts; Hormel IT, volunteers help move furniture into ArtWorks Center
Published 10:42 am Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Jenelle Cummings places a painting into a display case in the Austin ArtWorks Center on Monday. — Photos by Jason Schoonover/jason.schoonover@austindailyherald.com
The Austin Area Commission for the arts moved closer to next week’s grand opening of the Austin ArtWorks Center.
About 20 IT workers from Hormel Foods Corp. and several other volunteers spent their lunch breaks Monday hauling several wardrobes, display cases and other furniture into the new Austin ArtWorks Center in the former bank building, 300 N. Main St.
“Today we’re moving everything,” said AACA Executive Director Jennie Knoebel.
Kyle Freese helps move a wardrobe through the basement of the Austin ArtWorks Center.
Jennie’s father, Scott, brought his IT crew to help with the heavy lifting, hauling several truckloads of furniture and squeezing many large items into the center’s elevator.
The wardrobes will be used for storage in the ArtWorks Center. M Cline Design & Barbara’s Interiors donated some furniture to the center. Several displays and paintings were also moved into the center for the retail space on the main floor.
Arts leaders were thrilled with the extra help, and Jennie noted the center is just about ready for its official unveiling next week.
“It’s fantastic,” she said. “It’s coming together very quickly.”
Jennie said the biggest changes took place on the main level and basement.
“I think people will be amazed at the transformation,” Jennie said.
Some remains, as some flooring and the checkout counter on the main floor still need to be put in.
Though the center started hosting classes July 7, the official grand opening is Thursday, Aug. 21, with an opening for donors from 4 to 6 p.m. before the public grand opening from 6 to 8 p.m.
The center will be open for the Austin ArtWorks Festival Aug. 23 and 24, displaying the work of featured artists Zane York, Joseph Sand and Angie Pipkorn.
The ArtWorks Center:
Basement level: clay studio, pottery wheel, potential space for wood carving, a mat cutter for framing, storage
Main floor: retail space, collections gallery — the first will be vintage bikes from Rydjor Bike Shop
Upper level: professional gallery, office for Jennie Knoebel and Grace Heimsness, classroom space that can also be used as a gallery, and a lounge space. A sound system will be installed in the classroom space, where concerts will be held.
—All levels are accessible by elevator and stairs.
