Almost a year after its open house, the Austin ArtWorks Center will officially open for business.

The Austin Area Commission for the Arts will hold a grand opening at 6 p.m. Thursday, followed by an open house until 8 p.m., to show off the new center to the community.

“It’s been a lot of great work from a lot of volunteers,” said Executive Director Jennie Knoebel.

The center’s grand opening comes after an open house in September 2013, when the AACA promised to get the ArtWorks Center up and running within a year. Knoebel said she was glad volunteers accomplished their goal, even if it was “almost to the wire.”

Several artists will demonstrate their work at the grand opening. John Sullivan will show off the clay studio in the center’s basement, while Wendy Heimsness will paint on the second floor. There will also be live music at the center’s open house, as well as a private party for volunteers and fundraisers starting at 4 p.m.

Artworks center grand opening

When: 6 p.m., Thursday grand opening followed by open house

Where: Austin ArtWorks Center