LELAND — Along the serene shores of the Leland River, a long-held dream is becoming reality for the Old Art Building, thanks to overwhelming community support.
With the recent acquisition of an adjacent property, the OAB is embarking on a transformative expansion that promises to enrich the local arts scene and preserve the area’s natural beauty for future generations. It’s a dream now turned reality for the organization largely thanks to the Lukomski sisters — long-time neighbors of the building.
In the summer of 2023, the two sisters, offered their riverfront property as a potential site for the center’s growth. The offer presented a unique opportunity for the OAB to expand beyond its century-old walls and enhance its role as a community hub.
“Dating all the way back to our founders, we have had a great relationship with the family as neighbors,” said board president Kerry Satterwhite.
“As they began considering the next chapter of their lives and the property, they decided that our organization would be a great beneficiary of the land while continuing to use it to cultivate arts, culture and accessibility for the community,” she said.
Earlier this year, the OAB closed on the $3 million property and moved into the public phase of a $5.5 million capital campaign. The funds will not only cover the purchase of the land but will also support new construction, landscaping, and improvements to the existing building.
“This project is bigger than our organization,” said OAB executive director Sarah Mills.
“This will be transformative for the entire community and something everyone will be able to benefit from for so many years to come,” she said.
The expansion represents more than just a physical increase in space. As the OAB grows its footprint, the vision for the property includes spaces for arts and education, green areas for outdoor gatherings, and environmental preservation along 280 feet of riverfront.
Tom Nelson, executive director of the Leelanau Conservancy, noted the project’s environmental benefits stating “… we are rooting for the OAB all the way.”
One of the most significant aspects of this development is the support it has received from the community. Through early fundraising efforts, the OAB has already secured a significant portion of its goal, with donations pouring in from local residents, artists, and long-time patrons.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity and enthusiasm of the community. People are eager to see what we transform this space into and for it to come to life,” said Mills.
“We all feel extraordinarily grateful for the community support that has come in all forms from donations to community members coming by to thank us or talk to us about all of this. It’s inspiring and uplifting to know we are headed in the right direction,” she said.
Mills further explained that the OAB has long been a cherished cultural institution in Leland, providing a gathering place for artistic expression, learning, and community engagement since 1922. The new campus aims to further this mission by offering much-needed classroom, gallery, and studio spaces — areas that are currently limited due to the constraints of the historic building.
“We have a magical space right now but it’s really only one large room with a stage,” she said.
“There’s always a conflict between what we want to do and what we’re able to do. This expansion will allow us to dream bigger and serve the community better.”
While excitement is building for the upcoming expansion, the OAB is taking a cautious approach to ensure the success of the project.
“We don’t envision any construction within the next year,” said Satterwhite. “We’re committed to being fiscally responsible and making sure we have the necessary funds before we break ground.”
The timeline may be flexible, but the vision is clear: a community-centered space where art, nature, and education converge. The Honoring Our Past & Building Our Future capital campaign promises to leave a lasting legacy in Leland, with benefits that will be felt for generations.
For more information or to donate to the campaign, visit the Old Art Building’s website at www.oldartbuilding.com.