The Cherokee Arts Center is one of the historic landmarks in downtown Canton. 

Built in 1925, the Canton United Methodist Church was donated to the Cherokee County Arts Council in the early 1990s to be a home for the arts in Canton. Some very dedicated folks raised $1.5 million to renovate the building into a functioning arts center.

What does $1.5 million get?

The sanctuary was converted into a state of the art theatre. An elevator was installed to make the theatre accessible to all. Central heating and air was installed.  (Only one of the original chimneys still stands.) The renovation was careful to preserve the historic nature of the building. The original plaster, bead board ceilings and hardwood floors remain throughout the building. 

Fast forward to today and the arts are alive and thriving in Canton. The Cherokee Arts Center hosts professional and school children's art work. The theatre hosts bluegrass, theatre shows, jazz and is home to many community groups. The Arts Center is a busy place with events and activities weekly.

In 2011, classes and workshops will return to the Arts Center. Both have a new look and new instructors offering an array of classes for children and adults. Plans are also underway for a children's matinee series and some really diverse performing arts shows, including a new African American opera troupe out of Atlanta.

Come back to this space next week for a review of the upcoming North Georgia Artists Association exhibit and an invitation to the opening reception.