WELLSVILLE - Something new is coming to Wellsville's Main Street in September with the Grand Opening of the Wellsville Creative Arts Center.

"Its purpose is to provide the citizens of Allegany County and surrounding areas a place to discover, experience and appreciate the creative arts," according to a letter from the center's founders Tins and Andy Glanzman, which was posted on the Center's Web site. :Our idea was to build an attractive, centralized venue for individuals, families and friends to explore the creative side of their personality."

Executive Director Marshall Green said the first step in opening the center - preparing the building - is underway.

"We're taking the building back to an 1880s feel, " Mr. Green said. "All of the windows, heaters and other items are antiques, rescued from other buildings." The large building, located on the corner of Main and Madison streets, will house drawing and painting classes; a ceramic arts facility, including kilns, a throwing room and a room for ceramic sculpture; an industrial kitchen, which will play host to cooking classes conducted by local and regional chefs; and a banquet facility. The center will also have an arts supplies store, according to Mr. Green.

Plans are also in the works to host live music events, mainly jazz, blues and bluegrass, according to Mr. Green. Also, the facility will be home to a coffee shop, open to anyone who wants to be a part of the center.

"We also have two stories above us to expand into as the center grows," he said.

According to Mr. Green, the building was purchased by the Glanzmans to save it from demolition, and it has been completely gutted and refitted with new electrical and plumbing systems.

"Andy and Tina are doing this to give back to the community and the surrounding area," Mr. Green said. "They are putting a lot of money into this, Arts centers don't make money, and any profits will go back into the center to help it grow."

He said the founders believe such s center is a benefit to the economic development of the community, as well as a boon to its cultural development.

"Hopefully this will attract people to the area and then also help retain them," Mr. Green said. "We want to be a really positive influence that helps an awareness of arts in the community to grow."

Art isn't just good for communities, it's good for individuals, Mr. Green said.

"Art individually affects people," he said. "It helps them grow and become aware of themselves, as well as helping to relieve stress. (The center) is like a creative gym, where you can exercise your mind."

He stresses that everyone is capable of producing works of art, and the center plans to cater to all skill groups.

"If the only thing you can draw is a stick figure, we have a class for you," Mr. Green said, noting artistic skills can be learned and perfected like any other skills. "Everybody can do it. There's nobody who can's make art, they just don't realize it."

Courses to be offered at the center include drawing and painting, ceramics, ballroom dancing, cooking and special activities for parents and children to do together.

Those interested can pre register for classes at www.WellsvilleCreativeArtsCenter.com. Mr. Green said classes are limited to 10 to 12 students, and time slots are expected to fill up fast. Registration will also take place from 9am to 6pm Sept. 9th at the center's grand opening, and also from Sept. 11-12 from 2 to 8pm.

"We can't make this a success without the community's involvement," Mr. Green said. "This is the community's chance to show support."

He said companies are also invited to support the center through donations, which will be used to bring even more opportunities to the community.