Barbara Latkowski
Caledonia Courier
The old court house, now known as Pope Mountain Arts has been renovated and the finishing touches are currently being added in hopes of meeting a Feb. 20 deadline.
“With this deadline, it’s forced us to get the ball rolling so that this space can finally be used,” Mary Willick, president of the Fort St. James Arts Council said.
On Feb. 20th, the Music on the Mountain Festival Society will be presenting the very first performance, a soulful roots acoustic duo, Zonnis.
“Preparations have been going quite well,” Willick said. “We held a couple paint sprees, the floor is being sanded and a few other things need repairing.”
But all in all, things seem to be moving in the right direction for the facility and the Arts Society is thrilled with the new prospects.
“We are hoping to house a drop in coffee house. The upstairs has potential for a fibre arts area and a quilting group space. The facility might even be able to house artists in residence down the road,” Willick said.
A grand opening will likely take place in the fall with the odd musical performance being held until then.
Lionel Conant from the Music on the Mountain Society is thrilled to partner with the Arts Council in helping make this happen.
“There’s an obvious need for this and it’s such a great space. To have a hub for the arts in general, we’re just so happy about it,” Conant said.
The Arts Council is grateful for all of the community support and donations received including furniture and carpeting.
“It’s amazing. We all stick together, we’re a small town,” Willick said.