Murphy – With hard work, dedication and a month’s time, the 60 members of the Valley River Arts Guild, their families and friends have completed the monumental task of renovating the former Entegra Bank building on the corner of Peachtree and Hiwassee streets downtown.
The former business no longer sits idle and empty, as it has been transformed into a beautiful community art gallery. The new Murphy Art Center at 12 Peachtree St. will offer more room inside to accommodate work made by local artists.
The official opening of the new Murphy Art Center was Oct. 31. However, the grand opening will be held from 5-8 p.m. Friday to coincide with the monthly Art Walk, which is sponsored by the Valley River Arts Guild.
“We hope that you will support us in our endeavors in creating an arts destination for our area,” said Debra Vanderlaan, president of the guild. “It takes a community. We can’t do it without you.”
With renovations complete, it was time to move all the arts and crafts from their location on Valley River Avenue into the new building. So over Halloween weekend, each piece was carefully taken a block away to its new destination. Using several members’ trucks, a couple of trailers and more than 100 hands, they completed the move in just two days.
The new classroom space will offer kids classes, youth art programs and adult classes of all types. Fun and exciting events are planned for the much larger outside space, such as displayed artwork, classes, and art and music festivals.
Some of the many different arts and crafts items displayed include Appalachian, wood, glass and fabric, as well as all types of jewelry, paintings, stained glass and quilts. There will also be Christmas ornaments, wood furniture, baskets, souvenirs, handcrafted gifts and much more on display.
The evening will be filled with food, fun and amazing things to see. Stop by and meet the artists while listening to the sounds of the G.A.S. Musical Trio of George, Andy & Steve as they rock the classics from the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s.
Be sure to check out the art panels on the sides of downtown Murphy buildings from the MAX Project - Murphy Art Xplosion. If you miss the grand opening, the MAC will be open everyday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. On Friday nights, the MAC will remain open until 8 p.m.
Members volunteer to run the gallery and coordinate the arts classes. For details, call 828-360-3038.