Arts Center Fixing Iconic Cupola
By Adelia Ladson. Courtesy of The Moultrie Observer.
A historical building is often known for a certain, prominent architectural feature and nothing represents the Colquitt County Arts Center better than its cupola.
“For many people, it’s the symbol of the arts center and the old Moultrie High School,” said Jeff Ophime, executive director of the arts center.
Because of this connection to the building, the organization uses the cupola as part of the art center’s logo in all of its publications and it has become a very important part of the art center’s identity, said Ophime.
However, it is in need of serious repair so that it can be preserved, and Ophime said, with a tight budget, this was a decision that was not to be made lightly.
“We felt the need to proceed with the remodeling because the structure was at a point that we decided it needed immediate attention,” he said.
Work on the $5,000 project began about two weeks ago but has been hampered by rain.
Ophime said the building was important to the community as an arts center and also to thousands of individuals who attended it when it was a school.
“This is the only old school left intact. We’re fortunate to live in a community where they’ve been remodeled or totally reconstructed. So this is a valuable link to the history of this community,” said Ophime.
He said supporting the renovation of the cupola would be an excellent opportunity for an individual looking to make a donation to the arts center.
“This would be a great opportunity for a Moultrie High School class looking for a project,” he added.