Dunedin Fine Art Center Expands, Adds Classrooms Thanks To Donors

In response to increasing demand for class instruction, the Dunedin Fine Art Center (DFAC), located at 1143 Michigan Blvd. in Dunedin, has elected to double its size.

"We're removing the oldest part of the building and replacing 3,500 square feet currently used for office space, classrooms and a gallery, and adding a whole new section of approximately 4,500 square feet," says DFAC spokesperson Ken Hannon. "It's a major project for us."

Hannon says the expansion is planned to be completed by summer 2011, and will expand the David L. Mason Children's Museum as well other amenities.

"The expansion will add a children's gallery and clay lab as well as house a newly renovated hands-on art museum for children," says Hannon. "We'll be showing children's work in the new gallery."

The $1.9 million project, designed by Collman and Karsky Architects of Tampa and constructed by J. Kokolakis Contracting of Tarpon Springs, is the first phase of the DFAC's capital campaign.

The expansion has been made possible by donations from two of the center's longtime supporters, Louis Flack and Oskar Elbert, who recently died, leaving his entire estate to the Dunedin Fine Art Center.

The existing building was built in 1975 and has carried the DFAC's vision of providing educational, cultural and creative arts experiences for adults and children. Classes include disciplines such as book arts, jewelry making and a variety of visual arts, as well as theater arts.

The David L. Mason children's museum will be closed during construction, but is expected to reopen in September 2011.