With well-chosen inaugural exhibits, the much-anticipated new center for galleries, education and many cultural activities is now where it was dreamed to be:  Arts on Main is now in the heart of historic downtown Van Buren.

After years of fundraising and visionary planning by a cadre of faithful believers, led by executive director Jane Owen, Arts on Main is finally a reality and a tremendous new resource that will benefit the entire region. The 17,000 sq. foot facility commands almost a city block and now includes stewardship of King Opera House. A revival and renovation of existing, historic structures and a newly-constructed studio building at the rear will offer a myriad of enriching opportunities to the community. 

As the former Center for Arts and Education, this non-profit arts organization had given its mission service and opportunities that far outstretched its physical facilities in a former church building. With this expansion, a new name and far greater capacity will allow it to offer even more in its excellent, purpose-designed space. 

Classes, exhibitions, performances and other public programs will be available to people of all ages, beginning formally in March. Last month, the public first entered for an “soft opening” and exhibition that featured artist Charles Peer, a Van Buren native, in its main gallery, visible through large storefont windows onto Main Street. Also in this inaugural event, a photography series by Michael Leonard depicts the building’s past, derelict state. Gibberish: Mineral Bilateral Stimulation is Jeannie Hulen’s installation examining relationships between humans and the natural world. 

In a third gallery, Collectors Collect shares significant modern and contemporary arts on loan from a local, private owners. 

The gallery holds a diverse survey that includes opportunities to see, for a limited time, eclectic work of Arkansas artist Donald Roller Wilson, signed prints of Thomas Hart Benton and many other important paintings. 

As programs begin in the coming month, Owen explained, the public will discover the full capacity of Arts On Main’s campus. 

At the rear of the main complex is a newly constructed, capacious studio that can be used for ceramic arts, which includes multiple pottery wheels, a kiln room and drying shelves. This multi-purpose space can used for children’s classes and more, and has an outdoor patio that will be used in art and community activities. 

The main facility includes appropriate offices and administrative space, an art library with floor-to-ceiling bookstacks, an outdoor upper deck and other capacity for projects and meetings. 

The culinary arts have been included with a large teaching kitchen that includes video demonstration cameras and large viewing screens over the work surfaces and gas ranges used by instructors. Up to a dozen students have workstations and wet areas to utilize in hands-on culinary classes. 

And there will be other creativity not yet concieved, Owen is sure. Her pride and excitement in this goal reached at last, is evident. These light-filled spaces offer amazing possibilities yet to come.