Wednesday, December 3, 2014

The Seguin Art League gets a New Building!


After years of looking for a permanent location for their non-profit organization, we have some exciting news to share! The Mandell Family of Houston graciously made it possible for the Seguin Art League to purchase the building at 104 S. Austin St. across from the old courthouse in Seguin. The Mandell Building once housed a family owned mercantile called Mendlowitz Brothers and was the Klein Opera House at the turn of the 20th century. “I hope this building will bring happiness and prosperity to the Art League as it did for my family” said Leonard Mandell as he handed over the keys to the building.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the community of Guadalupe County and Seguin.” Said Robin Roberts Walker, president of the Seguin Art League. “Our building committee has worked for years to find the right property in Seguin and though this is a huge undertaking, our organization is excited to start renovations and repairs.” The two story building will immediately need work on the roof, the façade and the interior will have to be brought up to modern standards. “With help from the community, we will begin the process of creating an art center with gallery spaces, classrooms and meeting areas.” The Seguin Art League committees will be busy in the following months creating a master plan and most importantly, strategizing on fundraising.

The Mandell Building - new home of the Seguin Art League!

SAL worked closely with the Main Street director Kyle Kramm and former director Mary Jo Langford in identifying possible locations for the art league. “We are thrilled that at last this downtown property will be given a chance to serve our city and the surrounding communities. The Seguin Art League is the perfect fit for helping to bring art lovers to downtown Seguin.” Langford said. Current director Kyle Kramm added that “The City of Seguin and the Main Street program are excited for this announcement. The addition of the Seguin Art League downtown will insure that the heart of our community will serve as a cultural center and a destination worth visiting."

The community will be able to follow their progress and participate in fundraising efforts to help save the building by logging onto www.seguinartleague.com.