Walk In Art Center History Time Line

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.

In 2009 the process of clearing the space of the left over machinery and inventory from the shoe factory began.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The completed Multipurpose Event Space

“Students” at a Mommy and Me art Class

The completed Multipurpose Event Space

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.

The Walkin Art Center hosts tours and gatherings for many community programs

The Walkin Art Center hosts Art Exhibits from both studio artists and outside artists

Students of all ages Learn at the 2014 Summer Art Camp

Students Learn About Art In New And Fun Ways

The annual fund raising event was once again a big success

A 4 month class explores the world of performing Shakespeare’s plays while exploring language that is larger than life.

The Walk In Art Center hosts the 2015 Bridal Show. Studio Artist Missi Allen Captures it on canvas.

The Walk In Art Center hosts the 2015 Art for Dogs event to help raise money for a local SPCA

The Walk In Art Center hold Summer Art Camp every summer. These camps teach all types of art to people of all ages.

The Jerusalem Church Daycare enjoy a tour of the Walk In Art Center

The sixth annual Kick Up Your Heels fund raiser was the best ever.

All the local goblins attended the Safe Trick or Treat night at the Walk In Art Center

The Schuylkill Haven 4th grade class visits the Walk In Art Center to learn about Pop Art and Andy Warhol

Winter Classes offered by the Walk In Art Center

The Walk In Art Center Artist Association is formed.

The Student Art Exhibitions program was started to showcase art from area students in the Community Gallery.

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.

The Walk In Art Center was Named Official Folk Art Center for Berks, Carbon and Schuylkill counties.

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.