The Muses purchases First Church of Christ Scientist
Building to be New Cultural Arts Center
HOT SPRINGS –In 2013, the Muses Creative Artistry Project, a non-profit performing, creativity, and healing arts company with a mission to preserve the classical arts through performance and education, purchased the First Church of Christ Scientist as its Cultural Arts Center. The church, located at 428 Orange Street, was built in 1910 and is listed on the historic register for its classical revival style architecture. With more than 5300 sq. feet, this downtown jewel has been meticulously maintained by its congregation and is according to Muses General Director Deleen Davidson “a viable and manageable facility for The Muses to fulfill our operational, artistic, and educational goals. We are quite thrilled and deeply grateful to all our capital campaign donors whose good will and generous support made this purchase possible!”
The church’s large sanctuary, enhanced by beautiful stained glass windows and a large skylight, was transformed into an elegant performance hall that can seat up to 130 guests. Audiences can comfortably enjoy Muses productions such as its Four Seasons in Art & Song subscription concert series; Celtic Spring, Summer Broadway, Fall Opera, and Voices of Angels sacred classical Christmas concerts, along with various recitals, choral, and chamber music offerings. In addition to the performance hall, the center’s office, studio, classroom, and library spaces house various Muses programs and activities such as private vocal instruction, life coaching, seminars and workshops, as well as small receptions and private events. The Muses Creative Artistry Project is firmly established as regional ambassadors of the arts, and are effective proponents of community and state-wide cultural and economic development initiatives.
