Gallery's opening in Tyler, Texas, to be first step in downtown revitalization

Aug. 28--The public is invited to the opening today of the long awaited Gallery Main Street in downtown Tyler.

The opening of the city's gallery at 110 W. Erwin St. is set for 6 p.m. Featured at the grand opening will be the artwork of Paul Jackson, a watercolor artist.

"The gallery will be a real boost for the community's efforts to revitalize downtown," Mayor Barbara Bass said.

In 2008, the city council created the Main Street Department and allocated funding to renovate space to house the department, a visitors' center, the Heart of Tyler and the Gallery Main Street.

Tyler's building community donated labor and materials for the facility.

"We can't thank the building community enough for playing such a critical role in bringing this plan to fruition," Mayor Bass said.

Architect Ron Mabry, Jacobe Brothers Construction Mosby Mechanical and other local businesses, have made the project "a true gem in the heart of downtown," she said.

"The greatest thing," Heart of Tyler Director Beverly Abell said, "is that this success story isn't about the city alone. It's about the community coming together, each person offering what he or she does best, to create a one-of-a-kind facility that will be a catalyst for the renaissance now underway in downtown Tyler."

The renovation costs became much higher than expected because of the building's condition. That's when the local development community stepped up to offer a hand.

Mabry donated architectural services and organized donations of labor and materials from developers.

The "adaptive reuse" project keeps many of the building's design elements, such as exposed brick, pillars and bead board, while adding a modern minimalist design.

Jacobe Brothers Construction provided labor, demolition, framing and trim carpentry work. Mosby Mechanical provided the HVAC system and plumbing.

Other businesses contributing to the project include: Acme Brick; Commercial Door and Hardware; Cook Sheet Metal and Roof; Designer Graphics; East Texas Refrigeration; Fixture This; Independent Glass and Mirror; Kassaw and Dietz; Lowes; Morris Drywall Systems; Morrison Supply; Nix Construction; Sherwin Williams Paint Co.; Swan Electrical; Sword Co.; and Vic and Christy Taylor.

Another group important to the gallery's development is the Downtown Tyler Arts Coalition (DTAC). Created by Main Street Department and Heart of Tyler, DTAC is a volunteer group that is directing arts activities and development in visual arts, dance, film and theater.

Artist and designer Jacqueline Chubirka was the creative force behind the logos for DTAC and Gallery Main Street. Artist Debbie Cannatella organized DTAC's visual arts group, which has generated programming for the gallery. Every six weeks, a juried art show, with a different theme will be showcased in the gallery. To view the list, visit: www.downtowntylerarts.com . Professional artists and instructors will serve as the jury for each show.

To attend today's opening, RSVP by calling 903-593-6905 or visit the gallery during normal business hours beginning Wednesday.

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