Brady District's Hardesty Arts Center Prepares For Grand Opening

The multi-million dollar Hardesty Arts Center is several days from its big grand opening.

Some of the walls are still a little bare, but the center's director said it's a work in progress, which, by this Sunday, will be ready for its time to shine.

From its industrial design to its view of the city skyline, the Hardesty Arts Center is fitting right in to the blossoming Brady Arts District.

"It's just off the charts, it's very exciting," said Arts Director Kathy McRuiz.

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McRuiz said all four floors of the Hardesty Center were built with the community in mind.

"It's a community building. We're so different in that, that's what we're here for. We are here for the community to use this building," McRuiz said.

Children will be able to do projects in the family lab and adults can sign up for art classes. A library, media lab and photography suite with a dark room will also be on site. The fourth floor will offer space for local artists to set up shop.

Then there's room for two resident artists, like Oklahoma's Sarah Hearn, whose "Symbiotic Cooperation" exhibit is nearing completion.

"Art is really my first love, but science is definitely incorporated into all the art that I do," Hearn said.

A group of local artists came up with the idea for a visual arts center 10 years ago—a vision that they're pleased to see come to life.

"So many people come in here and say, ‘Wow, this is an amazing space, this is more than I could have possibly imagined," McRuiz said.

You'll have the chance to explore the Hardesty Arts Center on Sunday afternoon, during its grand opening.

Doors open to the public at 1 p.m., right after a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

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