Woodstock Cultural Arts Village joins a prestigious list of arts facilities connected to the Atlanta building legend.
The new Elm Street Cultural Arts Village visual arts center, the Reeves House, will be constructed at cost by John Wieland’s team at the JW Collection. This announcement was made at a fundraising gala, where nearly 400 guests and Elm Street donors heard the surprise message delivered by John Wieland.
Elm Street’s visual arts facility in Woodstock will be a rebuild of the historic Reeves family home, which once sat on the property. A new, open interior will feature:
• Gallery for rotating exhibits.
• Classroom and artist studios.
• Coffee shop/wine bar.
• Juanita Hughes History Room.
“This opportunity, that John Wieland and the JW Collection has offered us, has truly been pivotal. Bringing the project to ‘at cost’ has made the finish line reachable, and we are enthusiastic about the new opportunities this will bring for our whole community!” Christopher Brazelton, executive director of Elm Street, said.
Founder John Wieland has 50 years of experience in homebuilding as well as a passion for the arts – which makes the collaboration doubly meaningful, said artist and Elm Street Board President Ann Litrel.
“Arts enthusiasts will already recognize the name of John Wieland and his wife, Susan. The Wielands are notable art collectors, and they made possible part of the huge expansion the Atlanta High Museum did in 2005. The Susan and John Wieland Pavilion houses some of the High’s permanent collection [and special exhibitions],” Litrel said.
“We have always believed that homebuilding and architecture are directly related to the visual arts,” Wieland said. “We are thrilled to be offered the opportunity to rebuild the Reeves House and add to the dynamic fabric of Elm Street and Woodstock. The arts clearly enrich our individual living experiences.“
More New Developments
The completion of the Reeves House will provide a dedicated space for local artists and robust visual arts programming unique to downtown Woodstock. Moreover, the visual arts facility will take its place amid multiple new developments on the Elm Street site.
Key among facilities soon to open is the Mary F. Kish Center for Ceramics and Pottery, along with a natural playground and a public restroom facility located on the Elm Street Event Green. Both the playground and the restrooms have been funded by SPLOST, and Parks and Recreation Impact Fee Funds along with contributions from the Downtown Development Authority and Elm Street Cultural Arts Village.
“The Reeves House will anchor arts programming for the 4-acre campus. It gives us the critical mass to effectively staff the adjacent Kish Pottery Center – so with those two facilities together, we can bring a whole new level of engagement to the community,” Brazelton said.
“Even though we may all need to stay inside for a while longer, it’s exciting to see these projects underway!” Brazelton estimates the Reeves House should open around the first of 2021.
For updates, check www.elmstreetarts.org.
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