New reception, event, performance, and makers spaces open at Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center

News release provided by Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government

Mayor, councilmembers, Parks & Recreation staff, and members of the arts community cut a ribbon today to officially open the new “Embry Room,” “Lowenthal Room,” “The Studio,” and “Encore” at Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center.

“Since our arts center opened in 2002, the third floor has shown so much potential, but remained unfinished,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “Today, that potential is realized with wonderful reception and event spaces to support our community and arts organizations.”

The new spaces, funded by a $2.7 million investment from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), are multipurpose rooms that expand what the center provides. They can support current art groups using the Black Box Theatre, are available as rental spaces for the community to book for private events and receptions, and expand the flexibility of what is possible at the center. On the third floor, the Embry and Lowenthal rooms are flexible event spaces, with The Studio operating as a makerspace that can be utilized by artists or community groups for programming.

Encore, located on the first floor, is an event and performance space with enhanced lighting, suited to host musicians and act as hospitality space for performances in the Black Box Theatre.

“For years, we’ve been aware of the beauty and potential of this space, and now we get to experience those possibilities – from events and performances to artist workshops and receptions,” said 3rd District Councilmember Hannah LeGris, whose district includes Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center. “This is now a multifaceted venue that will welcome even more members of our community into Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center.”

The Embry and Lowenthal rooms are each named for the previous buildings that the arts center now inhabits. Embry’s and Lowenthal’s were both retail department stores located in downtown Lexington and were shopping destinations for many years.

The buildings were renovated into the Downtown Arts Center, which opened in February of 2002. Lexington Parks & Recreation took over management and programming in 2014.

In Spring of 2017, the center was renamed Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center to honor former mayor Pam Miller, who oversaw the creation of the facility.

“We’re very proud of what we have been able to accomplish here in the last 10 years, with our focus always being to serve the community,” said Amber Luallen, Superintendent of Cultural Arts & Events for Lexington Parks & Recreation. “We are looking forward to activating the building even further with these new spaces, and providing more opportunity for gathering and connection.”

Since Parks & Recreation took over the management and programming of the facility in 2014, the space averages 240 days of programming and events annually. The center also houses three art galleries, the City Gallery, Community Gallery, and Children & Youth Gallery – each featuring different exhibitions throughout the year.

The new spaces, as well as the existing Black Box Theatre located in the venue, are available for bookings. Interested parties should visit lexingtonky.gov/pmdac for more information.

News release provided by Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government

https://www.lexingtonky.gov/news/new-reception-event-performance-makers-spaces-open-pam-miller-downtown-arts-center