Old school finds new life as Fine Arts Center
By By Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
You don’t have to spend much time with Kelly Redmond, the new director of Hartselle Fine Arts Center, to know she’s excited about the facility’s future.
She’s excited because the beloved old school is now enjoying a new life, thanks to the work of Redmond and a board of directors dedicated to ensuring the building remains a vital part of the community.
Hartselle’s Fine Arts Center was once F. E. Burleson Elementary School, serving as the educational home for generations of children. Before that, it served as Hartselle College. When the new Burleson Elementary School opened 10 years ago the old building was empty and quickly falling into disrepair. Then, a group of community volunteers decided to save the historic building and convert it into a much-needed center for fine arts. The volunteers did all the work themselves until last year, when they made the decision to hire a full-time executive director. They hired Redmond, whose husband Jeff is the pastor of First Baptist Church.
Already familiar with the community, Redmond became a one-woman cheerleader for the fine arts center.
In January, the Fine Arts Center said thanks to its community supporters with an appreciation luncheon. The center has also hosted the American Cancer Society Relay Idol contest, beauty pageants and Main Street Players “Alice in Wonderland.”
Events are planned throughout the year, including the YES program for gifted students from Hartselle schools; plays such as “Little Women;” and, this summer, the annual Camp Art-Selle. Thanks to its picturesque columns and windows, the Fine Arts Center also is becoming a popular wedding spot.
In the last decade, volunteers have worked to convert the old school into a fine arts center, including installation of a sound system and theater seating. They’ve worked to renovate the existing classrooms to be used for arts classes and want to install a commercial kitchen.
Redmond said new heating and cooling has been installed at the center and future plans call for an elevator. The floors in the auditorium will soon be refinished and they are currently in the process of renovating the old principal’s office, keeping it as historically accurate as possible.
This year will also mark the 10th year the building has been under restoration. To mark the occasion, the annual Fine Arts Banquet will be a Diamond Anniversary Benefit, planned for April 17. The popular event includes entertainment, dinner and a silent auction.
