Perry Arts Center Considering One Focus

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Perry Arts Center has been a popular place for events but some officials say it would be more efficient with one focus.

A paint brush to artists like Susan Verrochi is like a baton to a music conductor. She uses it to express herself on a canvas.

Verrochi teaches an art class at the Perry Arts Center.

“It’s important because the arts distinguish one community from another and Perry has something special,” Verrochi said.

Recently, Perry City Council met for a work session and City Manager Lee Gilmour suggested the facility needs a focus.

He thinks it should be an art center that holds events or an events center that has art exhibits.

The facility is a popular venue for every event under the sun, from weddings to family reunions.

Gilmour says the use of the building has exceeded expectations.

“I think it’s important for council to make a determination what they feel is the best interest overall for the project and we can plan accordingly,” Gilmour said.

If the art route is chosen then improvements to lighting and climate control to maintain art would benefit artists and visitors, if the building takes an event route the building will aim for a different path.

Perry Mayor Jimmy Faircloth believes the use of the building has been fine.

He says the art center can cater to both, but wants to make sue the public is getting all they can out of it.

“We want to make certain as much as we can that our citizens are able to use the assets that we have for the best use,” Faircloth said.

And artists like Susan are doing that. She says as long the building provides a way to create and paint, she’s ok with it.

Both Mayor Faircloth and City Manager Gilmour say both things will continue to happen, both art and events.

They just want to see if it will be a better option to focus on just one.

Mayor Faircloth invited all Perry residents to come to a city council meeting if they have any suggestions.