LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - Ohio State Senator Susan Manchester toured ArtSpace/Lima on Thursday, getting a first look at the organization's ongoing expansion.
Senator Manchester visited current gallery and classroom spaces, and checked on the renovation progress at the adjacent building at 59 Town Square. The expansion will add permanent gallery space, art therapy programs, additional classes and room for public events. ArtSpace leaders say the visit is an opportunity to showcase their impact and build support for the project.
Executive director of ArtSpace/Lima, Sally Windle, adds that it's important to get their space on the map of people representing our district and getting funding for the expansion project.
"We're always looking out to see what available community development funds are there, so we're just happy to get people in to see what we're doing, so they can help us get the word out and advocate for a community center in our in our city," Windle said.
"Currently at the Statehouse, we're in the process of evaluating the capital budget, and so we're looking at a number of community projects across the state to see how we can help them along," said Manchester. "I'm looking forward to that process; I think there's a lot of great opportunities to invest in our communities in the 12th Senate District, and I just look forward to seeing where we can invest well."
ArtSpace hopes the expanded facility will help broaden its programming and reach more people in the community.
