Schuylkill Haven’s Walk In Art Center is launching an educational component

Schuylkill Haven’s Walk In Art Center is set to cut the ribbon on its new Art Education Center on August 30 at 3 p.m. The festivities will last until 18.00 with lots of entertainment for children and adults.

“The new Art Education Center is huge!” said WIAC Executive Director Jackie Engel. “There is now plenty of room for our pottery and clay growing department and enough space to run two different classes at the same time.”

The main entrance to the AEC is on the first floor of the building that houses the Walk In Art Center and Evans Delivery Company at Parkway and West Columbia Streets in Schuylkill Haven. However, those going to the AEC must now enter through a “tunnel” on the Market Street side of the building.

“We hope to transform WIAC’s indoor parking lot into a magical art-filled space within the next year or so,” Engel said. “Visitors will park in the Parkway parking lot and walk through a tunnel where they can choose to walk into the main lobby Walk In, or the frame shop (which is now also on the first floor), or the Art Education Center.”

By this time next year, Engel hopes to build a new patio pavilion for a series of summer concerts, summer outdoor art camps, picnics and gatherings.

“Ultimately, we want people to enter a whole new magical world when they come to the Walk In Art Center,” Engel said.

Everyone is invited to the ribbon cutting ceremony. The Chamber of Commerce is asking people to register for the ceremony through schuylkillchamber.com. The party doesn’t stop there. T-102 will be on hand for music and live entertainment from 3-5pm, along with balloon artist Andrew Weaver creating some amazing balloon creations right in front of people. Free art classes for children will also be held under large tents on the street.

Inside will be vocalist Rich Meckstorf for a more mellow feel, while people enjoy complimentary refreshments and drinks and watch live pottery, weaving and art demonstrations in the new AEC. There will be free information about classes and events for participants.

The Art Education Center is made possible by the generosity of private donors. Anyone interested in supporting WIAC and its new endeavors should visit walkinartcenter.org/support/donate. Learn about this and other Walk In Art Center events and exhibits, art classes, vendor opportunities, family events and more by visiting WIAC’s Facebook page at facebook.com/walkinartcenter.