ATHENS– The Alabama Center for the Arts Foundation is funding “Passages,” an interactive art project in Merchants Alley, an Athens Main Street alley renovation currently under construction in downtown Athens. The Passages project will consist of three separate doors that when opened will create an element of surprise as visitors discover art created by Alabama Center of the Arts students.
“The Foundation’s donation gives Athens Main Street an opportunity to engage ACA art students while
Tere Richardson
enhancing the art experience in our downtown,” said Tere Richardson, Athens Main Street Executive Director. “We look forward to partnering with faculty and students and watching the creations come to life.”
The overall theme of the alley is Athens Amplified with music at its core and will resonate through art. For that reason, students will glean inspiration from past icons and images from Limestone County’s musical past. The art will be on display for one year. After that time, students will have another opportunity to create the next annual installation.
Senator Author Orr
Sen. Arthur Orr, ACA Foundation Board Member said of the Foundation’s donation, “The Alabama Center for the Arts Foundation is pleased to provide financial support for the Passages Project in downtown Athens. The Foundation was created to focus solely on the growth of the Alabama Center for the Arts (ACA), and this public art initiative will serve to provide educational and creative opportunities for students and faculty outside of the classroom while enhancing the aesthetic experience for visitors to downtown Athens. Through our efforts to grow the ACA, the ACA Foundation seeks to provide the partner institutions, Athens State University and Calhoun Community College, a singular voice and unified path forward for the ACA as they focus on the broader educational missions on their primary campuses.”
Dr. Phillip Way
“Athens State University is pleased to partner with Calhoun Community College in this extra-curricular project through the Alabama Center for the Arts,” stated Dr. Philip Way, Athens State University President. “Experiences outside the classroom are an area of emphasis for Athens State and provide the additional hands-on training needed to create a well-rounded, real-world education. We are proud to support our local and regional community in increasing tourism and bringing more visitors to our area.”
The Merchants Alley committee has a series of art opportunities planned for the alley and will make those announcements as details solidify.
To learn more about Merchants Alley and opportunities to support this project, visit “Events and Initiatives” on www.athensmainstreet.org.
Media Release/Tere Richardson
Executive Director
Athens Main Street
