Industrial Arts Center Closed for Art Walk

For nearly four years the Industrial Arts Center has lured people to Gulfport. The twice-monthly Art Walks allow the arts center to showcase talent, originality and technique. People are invited to watch artists and first-timers blow glass.

But, due to equipment failure, the center will be closed for the first time during an Art Walk. Founder Jackie Ballard says coils for the furnace broke and burners for the glory holes broke and the center has been closed for a few weeks resulting in a loss of revenue. Now organizers have to stay closed during one of their busiest nights.

Officials are asking the public to help keep their doors open and continue to infuse art into the community. Ballard says it costs $4,000 to run the center monthly.

"One equipment failure after another over the past few weeks has really taken a toll ... completely cutting off our main source of income. Now we really need a few ... or a hundred ... angels to help asap so we can pay the rent and upcoming utility bills. We need to raise $4,000 to get back on track. We hope the community can pitch in so that we can continue to provide an opportunity to imagine, learn and create," Executive Director Amy Oatley shared with Patch.

Officials will be at the Art Walk on Friday night to sell opportunity tickets for blown glass art to help raise money.

For more information about the Industrial Arts Center and to donate, check out their website.