The Living Arts & Science Center recently received three donations that will allow the organization to break ground on an expansion and renovation in spring 2014. The project will more than double the existing space and expand the LASC’s ability to serve area students, according to a release.
[gallery]Joining many contributors and grant providers are three lead donors to the capital campaign. Will Farish extended his commitment with an additional contribution of $500,000; bringing his total support for the LASC to $1 million. He is joined by Mr. Joe Craft who donated $500,000 and Tom and Susie Bell who contributed $128,000. The total amount raised thus far reaches nearly $4.2 million of the $5 million Imagine This Campaign.
“Although we still have work to do to complete our campaign goal and to see this project realize its full potential, we are thrilled to take this important step forward to set a timeframe for groundbreaking and to prepare plans for new technology, exhibits and programs,” said capital campaign chair Harriet Dupree Bradley.
The renovation and expansion project will include a planetarium, new classrooms, increased interactive exhibit spaces, a digital media studio, a teaching kitchen, a clay studio, and expanded urban green space with a rooftop garden. An innovative Glo Gallery, named in honor of long-time board member and supporter Gloria Singletary, will provide a 15 by 28 foot glass wall for projections and digital art presentations.
The project will also include a complete renovation of the historic Kinkead House, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The renovated space will house a new children’s art gallery and a retail gallery. The current art gallery, classrooms and office spaces will be renovated as well.
The expansion and renovation is scheduled to take 10 to 12 months and will be completed in the spring of 2015.