Ouachita Artists Gallery & Studio, which opened its doors in January of 2011, reached a new milestone this week when it took ownership of the building which has housed the gallery from its inception. Hodge and Mary Alice Black owned the building when it became a modest little place where artists could gather, paint, and display their work. The Blacks assisted in renovating the building and then rented it to the group for $1.00 a year, and the gallery was opened to the public. The Blacks, when they retired and moved away, sold the building to founding gallery member Dr. Barbara Holt, who has remained an active and faithful member, teacher, and general guiding light over the years. Dr. Holt has now donated the building to the nonprofit gallery corporation, with the stipulation that the purpose of furthering arts education and appreciation, and community outreach, be continued. The Ouachita Artists Board of Directors, noting that the gallery has moved steadily in a positive direction since the doors first opened and has enjoyed support from the community and several patrons and benefactors, expressed faith in the future when they voted to accept Dr. Holt’s generous offer. Ouachita Artists looks forward to a bright future, and the group feels fortunate to have been so blessed over the years.
