OWENSVILLE — ArtWorks on Main Gallery is moving next door to their old location at 109 North First Street, officially taking up residence on May 1 at the new location.

Artworks on Main Chairman Joan Strong shared that the nonprofit was sent a 30-day lease termination notice and immediately began looking for a new space.

“We thought we might have to fold if we didn’t own a space,” said Strong.

Strong wrote to The Republican about the transition.

“Snowensville Restaurant Owner and Chef Dan Breeden, saved the gallery a seemingly impossible search for a new location,” Strong wrote in an emailed announcement.

Owensville Mayor Kevin McFadden, in March, heard about the pending change on First Street at the Owensville Area Chamber of Commerce meeting.

“Their landlord gave them 30 days to vacate the premises,” said McFadden.

The mayor said that he contacted Alderman Dan Breeden about ArtWorks on Main needing a new location. Breeden did have a space available and offered to rent it out to the arts gallery. “The main thing is that we kept everybody happy on main street (First Street),” said McFadden.

McFadden said that the goal is to keep main street busy in town.

“My ultimate goal was to keep this business on main street (First Street) and keep our central business area attractive with diverse offerings,” said McFadden. “This was a three-way win in that the empty building is now occupied: ArtWorks remains on Main Street, and The Hub Business District maintains a healthy offering for our town.”

Breeden shared the importance of ArtsWorks on Main continuing on First Street.

“To me, ArtWorks on Main represents main street (First Street) in the same foundational way the Community Theater does,” Breeden said. “They bridge the gap between creative talent and the public, preserving cultural heritage while driving economic and educational growth.”

Breeden said ArtsWorks on Main provides a healthy balance to Owensville’s small-town ecosystem and was happy that the gallery found a permanent home.

“I look forward to seeing the people they inspire and the memories they make through their art. Owensville is a better place with them in it,” Breeden said.

ArtWorks was established by Anna Mae Rademacher in 2015. She was a teacher and business leader, and very active in the community. Her wish was to provide a place to feature artists, offer events and classes in the arts and humanities, and provide scholarships to area youth. It evolved into an all-volunteer 501(c)3 to serve those who appreciate art, the creative community, and students of all ages in the Owensville area.