To welcome the Chanute Art Gallery back to its normal operations, the Chanute Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the gallery on Tuesday, Aug. 5.
“We are so excited to have the Chanute Art Gallery reopening,” Incoming Chamber President Jessica McMahan said. “It’s been a staple in Chanute since the early 70s. It’s a beautiful place to have local artists exhibit their work, and it’s a great place to visit while you are in Chanute.”
The Gallery originally was located on the main floor of the Tioga Hotel before opening in its current location, according to McMahan.
During the ceremony, McMahan presented the Gallery with a Chamber Tourism Grant to assist with reopening activities.
Mayor Jacob LaRue said the vandalism that closed the museum caused unfortunate circumstances.
“I think the heart, determination, and end goals are well established and well met. I think it is phenomenal that within your hearts and within the community, you want to see this remain and be an active spot in Chanute,” LaRue said. “So, for what you guys have overcome, for what you guys provide, I think it is unprecedented. We appreciate it, and we want to continue that support.”
Chanute Art Gallery Board President Tim Tarkelly said that in the beginning, none of the board members knew how things would come together.
“In just a few short months, with a lot of financial support, moral support, we are finally open and we are relieved to be back in business again,” Tarkelly
said.
Another board member, Connie Woodard, described the experience of seeing the vandalized building as traumatic.
“It was like experiencing grief,” Woodard said. “I’m really very proud of how we came together, and how the community came together to reopen again.”
Board member Jean Bearrick said she was glad to see so many people attend the ribboncutting
ceremony.
“I’m glad we’re back to normal,” Board member Mary Morris said. “The support from the community has been overwhelming.”
The overwhelming support was one feeling that was echoed by many board members and volunteers during the reopening events.
The Chanute Art Gallery is located at 17 N. Lincoln Avenue in Chanute. It is open from noon to 4 p.m., Tuesdays-Saturdays. To learn more about the Chanute Art Gallery, visit https://www.facebook.com/ thechanuteartgallery.
