The St. Marys Art Center is working to make local arts programming available to more people, and that effort increasingly extends beyond the organization's downtown St. Marys building.

Art Center representatives Holly Bertke and Amy Dues recently discussed the organization's rebuilding effort and future plans during an appearance on WCSM's Spectrum.

While the Art Center continues offering children's and adult classes, exhibits and workshops at its location on East Spring Street, the organization has also taken programming into other communities.

Summer programming expanded into Celina and Marion Local, giving the organization an opportunity to reach children and families who may not regularly visit the Art Center itself.

The organization is continuing that momentum this fall. Seven classes are planned during October, with offerings ranging from stained glass and acrylic painting to cookie decorating.

Officials say another priority is making programming financially accessible.

The Art Center provides scholarship opportunities and hopes to expand those efforts as additional funding becomes available. Future plans also include exploring more programming for homeschool students and creating additional opportunities for both children and adults.

The expansion comes while the organization is still rebuilding its operating structure.

The St. Marys Art Center became an independent nonprofit following the withdrawal of Arts Place from the St. Marys area approximately two years ago. The organization is now primarily volunteer-led but has continued classes, exhibits, workshops, summer programming and community events throughout the transition.

Keeping those programs available is also part of the reason behind the recently announced $60,000 Community Canvas campaign.

Last year, classes, exhibits and art sales generated approximately $18,000 while total expenses approached $43,000. Officials say fundraising can help close that gap while supporting scholarships, supplies, facility improvements and additional programming.

The St. Marys Art Center is located at 207 East Spring Street and is open Tuesday through Friday from noon until 5 p.m.