1970's era arts center lobby gets facelift

MIDDLETOWN —The Middletown Arts Center is used to having paint on its walls, but this time the paint comes in entire coats.

That’s because the lobby of the center at 130 N. Verity Parkway has been undergoing renovations, and this is the lobby’s first face-lift since the building opened in the mid-1970s, said Executive Director Patt Belisle.

Workers just finished most of the work on the lobby, and the arts center has remained and will remain open throughout the renovation process, said Kim Minor, the assistant director.

“I was here when they cut the ribbon,” Minor said.

The focus of the project is to make the lobby brighter and more inviting, she said. Designing was donated by Enriching Spaces in Cincinnati. The owners there were students then the structure was built. The work has involved placing new carpet, new paint and a new ceiling, among other upgrades, Minor said.

For now, “the work is as done as it’s going to get,” she said. “They’re basically done as far as this phase.”

Future projects will include the center’s kitchen and library, classrooms and administrative offices. The timing of the project worked out well because classes haven’t been in session, Minor said.

The center’s current exhibit is by instructor Linda Fisher, and it’s on view through Sept. 12. Following that will be the Area Art Show, which opens Sept. 23. For more information, call (513) 424-2417.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2836 or erobinette@coxohio.com.

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