The Lower Alabama Arts Coalition, also known as LAAC, has officially changed locations.
With the new location, which is the former home of Beau Monde, LAAC president Barbara Tyler and office manager Amy Henderson said they are expecting great things to come.
And while the new gallery isn’t actually open, Tyler said the summer programs and music classes will continue as scheduled.
“We have some large exhibits coming up,” Henderson said. “Nothing is final, yet so we aren’t ready to share exactly who is coming. But it’s going to be great.”
In the new space, there is a larger room for a more functional gallery.
“We are adding in a rail system for mounting paintings,” Henderson said. “This will allow us to get some really neat exhibits.
“A professional gallery experience is good for the artist. It’s optimal in terms of viewing art and better for the public,” she said.
The new location gives more space for classes and will allow the LAAC to incorporate more types of hands-on projects as well.
“We will essentially have several new work areas for our adult workshops and child classes,” Henderson said.
“It will be a lot more functional for our classes. We want our students to get the most our of their experiences.”
The layout of the rooms will allow for more people in the classes, Henderson said, although the overall space is less square footage.
In the back room, LAAC members are planning to finish out the room by doing an Italian theme with cracking walls, which will serve as an alternative workspace for the workshop and “messier projects,” Henderson said.
In addition, the back room will also serve as the back entrance to the studio, which Henderson said would provide for a safer drop off point for parents.
There are also plans in the works for a back deck with signage and an awning, which will also serve as another workspace for the art classes.

Henderson said community members have chipped in to make the move possible, and organization members are thankful for the assistance.
“We operate just to enhance the life of Andalusia,” she said.
Henderson said the organization is in need of planters, wood to build the back deck, ceiling fan, a few track lighting units, an industrial cabinet for art supplies and a good deal on an electronic piano.
A gallery re-opening reception will be held sometime in July.
Anyone wishing to donate any of the needed items or money, please call the LAAC at 222-3205 or stop by during business hours, which are Monday through Thursday 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.