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1887
Walkin Shoe Company
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2002
Evans Delivery
Walkin Shoe Company building is bought by Mr. Bert Evans through his company, Evans Delivery, to become the new corporate headquarters.
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2003
Evans Delivery +
Along with Evans Delivery, The Building now houses the Local Food Pantry and the Schuylkill Haven Police Department.
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2008
WIAC Planning & Board
Mr. Bert Evans and Executive Director Nena Mazzei-Schmidt begin the planning for an art center that will be one of a five part plan to revitalize Schuylkill Haven. An Advisory Board of Directors is formed for the new non-profit endeavor.
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2009
Space Preperation
In 2009 the process of clearing the space of the left over machinery and inventory from the shoe factory began.
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2009
Levkulic Associates
Levkulic Associates was retained to help Develop a Master Plan and program to Make the Walk In Art Center a reality.
Mr. Evans had already retained the services of an architectural student to create some preliminary concepts for the art center and studio spaces.
Research began and field visits to the Goggle Works in Reading PA ensued to gather information and ideas.
Space preparation continued. -
2010
Fund Raising
In 2010 The first fund raiser was held. It was decided to have a Ball and Kick Up Your Heels was born. This first event raised over eight thousand dollars.
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2010
Penn State
In January 2010, Bert Evans had secured agreements of interest with Penn State University – Schuylkill Campus, for lease space for a visual arts classroom and with Schuylkill Community Education Council (SCEC), for lease space for classroom / training facilities. These initial strategic partners help to kick-off the concept of a multi-purpose / multi-use art center. Various meetings were held with these individuals / organizations and the process of incorporating them into the Master Plan was initiated.
An environmental assessment of the facility was conducted and plans were developed to abate environmental hazards such as asbestos containing materials.
Exterior windows were replaced with new energy efficient windows.
Classroom space for these two organizations were designed and constructed on the 2nd floor of the Walk-In Art Center. The project was extensive in that it involved not only normal architectural elements but also new heating and cooling systems, and new technology for data and communications. Salvaging as much as possible of the original factory, was a primary focus. -
2010-2011
Phase 1: 2nd Floor Complete
The 2nd floor renovations included partnerships with the Schuylkill County Education Council (SCEC) as well as the Penn State University (Schuylkill Campus) art classroom and bathrooms.
Phase 1 construction was started in March 2010
and completed in February 2011. -
2010-2011
Phase 2: Artists Studios Planning Begins
Planning and discussions initiated for Artist studios to be located on the 3rd floor in the rear wing (above the classrooms for PSU and SCEC)
Initial design concept was constantly evolving as input was sought from the Artists and the Stake Holder committee. Various design options were developed and critiqued over the summer months.
A final design concept was realized in the fall of 2011 and bidding documents finalized by year end.
It was decided to get the community involved by recycling old doors which would be used as the entry into the studios.
As in previous designs, every effort was made to preserve the original factory elements and feel. -
2011
Non-Profit 501 (C)(3) Status
Walk In Art Center receives 501 (C)(3) status as the second floor of the WIAC is completed for use by Penn State (Schuylkill Campus) and the Schuylkill County Education Council (SCEC). Johnathan Paroby begins to photograph the changes made as the Walkin Shoe Company is turned into the Walk In Art Center.
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2011
5k Run
In June of 2011 the Walk In Art Center held it’s first 5k run coupled with an art show and entertainment. To help raise funds.
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2011-2012
Education Programs Begin
Eager to get started with the mission,to inspire, equip and celebrate the cultural and creative talent of Schuylkill County, the Walk In Art Center began it education programs.
The first classes were on photography, watercolor and drawing. As the studios were finished and artist moved in more and more education programs were added. -
2012
Phase 2: Bids and Construction
Bids for the Artist studios were received, compiled and reviewed.
Construction commences on the Artist studios located on the 3rd floor rear wing of the Center and takes most of the year to complete.
The unfinished 3rd floor space was leased out to a community event and the attendance and feedback of the space was overwhelming. Based on these comments, the Board decided that this future space (which was being reserved for various conference rooms) would be designed and planned for large community events and also gallery space for the Artist’s works. This change in direction would also help to provide an income for the Center while at the same time promote the Center to the Public.
Design commences for the Entertainment space and various concepts were developed and reviewed with the Artist and the Board of Directors.
It was decided to construct this Entertainment space in phases as it was very extensive and involved lead based paint abatement, new heating and cooling systems, new bathrooms, new bar / service area, sound system, catering kitchen, electrical service upgrades, etc.
The phased design was nearly complete by year end. -
2012
Phase 2: Partial 3rd Floor
Third floor construction renovations in Phase 2: construction of artist’s studios, spray paint booth with ventilation system and storage areas.
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2012
Artist Studios Completed
Artist Studios are completed/ artists move in. First artists include: Lori Remmel, Lorraine Felker, Rob Mull, Michele Bosak, Chandon Delatorre, Dave Naydock, Audrey Bordonaro, Missi Allen, Johnathan Paroby, Molly Reed, Bonnie Bluee, Katelynn Mallon, Kristen Egan, Donna Egan and Ginamarie Ruby Alexander.
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2012
Community
One of the many community events at the Walk In Art Center. The Schuylkill Haven Elementary 2nd Grade Class - “Walk to the Walk-In” day.
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2013
3rd Floor Entertainment & Event Space
Bids for the 3rd floor entertainment space were received, reviewed and awarded to various contractors for the various phases of work.
Construction was completed by year end in time for the Borough’s New Year ’s Eve party. -
2013
Completed Multipurpose Event Space
The completed Multipurpose Event Space
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2013
Mommy and Me Art Classes
“Students” at a Mommy and Me art Class
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2013
Fund Raiser - Kick Up Your Heels 2013
The completed Multipurpose Event Space
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2014
Phase 3: Main Gallery
The final third floor construction renovations include modifying the large multi-purpose space to include a moveable gallery space, additional bathrooms and a catering kitchen.
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2014
Safe Haven Day Care Visit
The Walkin Art Center hosts tours and gatherings for many community programs
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2014
Artist Lance Rautzhan Exhibit Opening
The Walkin Art Center hosts Art Exhibits from both studio artists and outside artists
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2014
Summer Art Camp 2014
Students of all ages Learn at the 2014 Summer Art Camp
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2014
STS Art Scavenger Hunt
Students Learn About Art In New And Fun Ways
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2014
Kick Up Your Heels V
The annual fund raising event was once again a big success
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2015
Shakespeare Classes At The Walk In Art Center
A 4 month class explores the world of performing Shakespeare’s plays while exploring language that is larger than life.
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2015
2015 Bridal Show
The Walk In Art Center hosts the 2015 Bridal Show. Studio Artist Missi Allen Captures it on canvas.
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2015
Walk In Art Center Hosts an SPCA Fund Raiser Art for Dogs
The Walk In Art Center hosts the 2015 Art for Dogs event to help raise money for a local SPCA
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2015
Summer Art Camp 2015
The Walk In Art Center hold Summer Art Camp every summer. These camps teach all types of art to people of all ages.
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2015
A Tour For A Local Organization
The Jerusalem Church Daycare enjoy a tour of the Walk In Art Center
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2015
Kick Up Your Heels VI
The sixth annual Kick Up Your Heels fund raiser was the best ever.
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2015
Safe Trick or Treat
All the local goblins attended the Safe Trick or Treat night at the Walk In Art Center
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2015
4th Graders Learn About Pop Art
The Schuylkill Haven 4th grade class visits the Walk In Art Center to learn about Pop Art and Andy Warhol
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2015
Winter Classes Begin
Winter Classes offered by the Walk In Art Center
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2016
New WIAC Web Site is Rolled Out
After a huge amount of work our new home on the web goes Live!
The new site was designed and developed by Cotts, Inc. of Pottsville and includes a content management system, education and event registration and many features we have needed. A significant amount of the development work was donated by Cotts, Inc. -
2016
Artist Association Formed
The Walk In Art Center Artist Association is formed.
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2016
Student Art Exhibitions Program
The Student Art Exhibitions program was started to showcase art from area students in the Community Gallery.
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2016
First Annual Folk Art Festival Held
The Walk In Art Center Held our first annual Folk Art Festival in June 0f 2016.
Sponsors included: M&T Bank, Wilmington Trust and the Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau. -
2016
WIAC Named Official Folk Art Center
The Walk In Art Center was Named Official Folk Art Center for Berks, Carbon and Schuylkill counties.
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2016
Kick Up Your Heels VII - Big Success
The Walk In Art CenterFund Raising Gala, Kick Up Your Heels VII Was a big success. KUYH VII Art Meets Science set new records for funds raised and attendance.