The official groundbreaking for the new Creative Learning Center at the Winnsboro Center for the Arts was a tremendous success Saturday, Aug. 10.

Speakers included community leaders as well as those directly involved with the project. The turnout for the historic event was fantastic.

Gustavo Hinojosa of Hinojosa Architecture & Interiors in Dallas worked directly with the WCA team to create the perfect design for the new building. Local experts, including Structural Engineer Michael E. Bugh, P.E., Bugh & Brown Structural Engineering, LLC.; MEP Engineer Lowrie Floyd, MEP Associates Design Group, Inc.; and Civil Engineer Alex Gonzalez of CAPCo Engineering, all of Tyler, helped plan the critical engineering systems. The construction contract for the new Creative Learning Center was awarded to Jacobe Brothers Construction of Tyler, and they estimate construction of the new building will be completed in about a year.

“Our vision is to integrate the arts into community life. It is so gratifying to see so much community excitement and support as we break ground on our new Creative Learning Center,” said Mary White, president of Winnsboro Center for the Arts.

The Creative Learning Center represents Phase I of a master plan to provide much-needed space for WCA’s programs and activities within the Cultural Arts District. The center will be a 10,000-square-foot, 2-story, light-infused building constructed on property donated to WCA by the city of Winnsboro.

The first floor will feature a spacious ceramics studio with a large room for wheel-throwing, a glaze area and indoor and outdoor kilns. The design includes separate areas for sculpting and for glassworks. A children’s room and gift shop will greet visitors entering from Market Street. The second floor has classroom space, including a large multipurpose room suitable for theater rehearsals and summer camps, two music teaching studios and two independent study areas. 

Despite the ongoing construction, normal operations are continuing without disruptions. All activities and services are available to the public.