GCAC 

Press release 

LANCASTER — The Garrard County Arts Council proudly announces the Grand Opening of its new Art Center at 206 Lexington St. in the historic Wherritt house and former medical office of Dr. Nicholas Martin.  Through the generosity of Dr. Martin and his family, the Arts Council was able to purchase their own building to provide the community with a location to offer many different opportunities to explore the arts. 

The colonial log structure is listed in the National Register of Historic Buildings, with the oldest section built in 1805. It had also been the former home of Lancaster Woman’s Club. An additional bonus for area residents is that it will serve as a tourist information stop. With the help of financing through the Mountain Association for Economic Development, this local treasure will stay in public service.

Garrard Arts now has several generous size classrooms, a gift shop plus private and shared working artist studios. Future plans include a pottery studio, historical exhibits and a large workshop area. Meeting rooms are also available to organizations for a small donation. Ongoing weekly lessons are available with discounts for members. The current offerings include painting, homeschool classes, adult art and holistic learning groups. Individual workshops for all ages and abilities in various types of arts and crafts as well as personal or business growth will be announced shortly. Member artists also have the opportunity to sell their locally created art or merchandise in the Gift Gallery that is open daily.

From 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, the public is invited to attend the grand opening ceremony and dedication of the M. Nicholas Martin Gallery and Exhibit Hall.  

Arts  Council founder and former president, Jean Turner will also be recognized with an award during the opening ceremony for her 10 years of outstanding leadership and dedication to the community for the advancement of the Arts. The festivities will continue with a Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon on Friday, Oct. 4. For more information, call (859) 334-0422.