Woodstock
posted
Mar 7, 2013
ArtisTree recently announced their pending move to Pomfret in
2014. With plans, permits and contractors now in place, ArtisTree
will begin the renovation of the former MIT retreat property on
Pomfret Road, located behind Teago General Store, next to the
Pomfret library.
ArtisTree's growth and community support has continuously gained
ground over the last few years allowing the organization to look
ahead and plan for a larger and more diverse facility to
accommodate the growing interests of the community. The new
building, located only two miles from their current location on
Route 12, will house a variety of new spaces including a clay
studio, a new gallery, expressive arts therapy offices, two fine
art studios, new children's education spaces and a dedicated
movement studio - as well as a new music performance space with a
stage and seating for over eighty.
"Our new location is an affirmation of the community's
enthusiasm to support and take part in arts based programs," said
Kathleen Dolan, owner and executive director of ArtisTree/Purple
Crayon. "If it were not for an almost 10 year history of a growing
interest in our programs from the people around us, we would not
have envisioned this new facility. It will be the first time we
have operated out of our own space, and the first time this
community can enjoy an environment that is designed specifically
for visual art, music, dance and other art forms."
ArtisTree's mission will remain the same: to provide Woodstock
and surrounding areas with art, movement, exhibits and music
experiences for all ages and abilities in a familiar, comfortable
and accessible location.
Construction at the new location will begin in April of 2013 and
includes the full renovation of the historic barn on the property,
with only minor changes to the existing farmhouse. The barn will be
the future home of the Community Arts Centers' classes, workshops
and performances while the farmhouse will provide a new space for
ArtisTree's Art Gallery on the first floor, with expressive art
therapy offices upstairs.
"We now have key zoning and permit approvals and have hired a
construction manager," said George Turner, ArtisTree's architect
from River Town Design. "We are hoping to start construction later
this spring or early summer and open up the new facility this time
next year."
With this exciting news, ArtiTree invites you to view the plans
and videos of the construction accessible through ArtisTree's
website, as early as April of this year.
