The Art Center in downtown Brownwood will re-open Saturday, July 10, as part of the July Jam Festival at Pat Coursey Park.

“Art, Music, People” (AMP) is a traditional Art Center event combining art exhibits, open-mic music and an opportunity to mingle and socialize. The Center has been closed since February after the historic freeze broke a water pipe in the attic and flooded the Center.

Repairs and renovations to the historic building at at 215 Fisk Ave. are almost complete and the July Jam festival seemed the perfect time for a “soft” opening at the Center.

“What a year! We made it through the pandemic,” said Craig Seger, president of the Brownwood Art Association, “and now we’ve got the Art Center ready to open again. I think people are going to be very impressed with the changes to the Center and all the upcoming events.”

New flooring, a larger classroom, and a bright, spacious meeting room are part of the recent renovations. Seger noted that Brownwood Art Association and Art Center members are enthused about recent activities in downtown Brownwood and looking forward to being part of its growth.

“This new focus on our downtown area is really exciting,” Seger said. “The July Jam is going to bring lots of people to our area. We invite everyone to stop by, look at some great art, listen to a little music, and get acquainted with all the activities coming up at the Art Center.”

The Art Center will be open Sat., July 10, from 4 to 9 p.m. Admission to the AMP event is free and open to the public.

An official Grand Re-Opening is scheduled August 5, with a “First Thursday” reception kicking off a photography-rich show featuring BAA 2020 Photographer of the Year Jim Blake, and 2021 Artist of the Year Craig Seger.