News Release
WARSAW — Lakeland Art Association is moving into downtown Warsaw.
The organization announced in a news release this weekend that it has a tentative agreement to rent a storefront at 119 S. Buffalo St., just north of The Gathering Place.
The board of directors for Lakeland Art Association had been considering a new space for the gallery for years but that became more immediate after learning in August that its current landlord intended to sell the building at 302 E. Winona Avenue.
The landlord offered Lakeland the first right of refusal if they were interested in buying the corner lot, but Lakeland balked in part because of the limited parking availability.
The board looked at several other locations but each had its drawbacks, the news release said.
Eventually, an agreement was assembled by an attorney, and after some back-and-forth negotiations, they signed an agreement for the South Buffalo Street property.
Lakeland’s board agreed to a plan with a few clarifications and the agreement was forwarded to the property owner, who was not identified.
If the property owner continues to agree, Lakeland will take possession of the property on Dec. 1, the news release said.
Lakeland will be cleaning and painting the interior (2,835 square feet) and plans to open it on Jan 1.
The new property will accommodate a featured artist gallery, space for the member’s gallery, and a dedicated classroom space. There is a full basement that is dry and well-lit and could serve as a second classroom space for stained glass and ceramics.
Two final events are scheduled at the existing art gallery property.
On Nov. 17 from 2-4 p.m., there will be a reception for the Fall Member’s Show.
At 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 26, Lakeland will hold its annual member’s meeting at which time the board will be available to answer more questions regarding the move.
