A&H could grow again

After adding six new programs in the last six months alone, the Art & History Museums – Maitland is looking to expand its facility to match its ever-growing offerings.

On Jan. 28, A&H received preliminary approval from the Maitland City Council to remodel and expand its Germaine Marvel Building. The letter of support enabled A&H to apply for a $219,064 grant from Orange County Cultural Facilities Funding to fund half the cost of the estimated 580-square-foot expansion. Pending funding approval in June, A&H Executive Director Andrea Bailey-Cox said the conservative goal for project completion is Sept. 1 of next year.

“This is really going to be an upgrade for not just ourselves but all the cultural partners we work with,” Cox said. “It’s a really great step (toward our master plan) for us.”

The proposed remodel includes interior renovations to the original front studio part of the building, and an expansion to the back half, which was built in 1988. The changes to the newer part of the building, she said, will help sync the space with founder Andre Smith’s real vision for the art center with flowing indoor to outdoor elements.

“That’s one of the things we’re trying to do, is get it back to what Smith had intended,” Cox said.

The proposed renovation will add additional covered and open patio area, leading into updated gardens. The added space, Cox said, will also make room for a permanent exhibit of Smith’s work, which has been impossible due to lack of gallery space.

The overall expansion, she said, will help A&H cater to its thriving audience in the community.