DeltaARTS feeling ‘fantastic’ about new home at Schoettle Center

DeltaARTS feeling ‘fantastic’ about new home at Schoettle Center

Open House, Ribbon Cutting Thursday afternoon

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DeltaArts has completed renovations to the Schoettle Center and officials with the non-profit arts group couldn’t be happier with their new home.

“It is absolutely fantastic,” said DeltaArts Executive Director Amelia Barton.

Barton told the Quorum Court that they have completed Phase I of the renovations, which included a new roof and a new air conditioning system, and gallery and office space.

“Things are really in place and we are just really thrilled,” Barton said. “I just wanted to thank you all for the process.”

The county agreed to lease the building to DeltaArts for ten years.

DeltaArts is a non-profit arts agency that provides art, theater, education and learning experiences for students, teachers, families and senior citizens in Crittenden County, east Arkansas, north Mississippi and west Tennessee.

The Glenn P. Schoettle Center Medical Education Center is a 7,500 square foot facility which features a 76-seat auditorium and physician’s study room.

The facility was built in 2000 and was a gift from the Schoettle Family in honor of his 47 years of medical practice in Crittenden County.

The building is owned by the county but got caught up in the bankruptcy proceedings when Crittenden Regional Hospital closed in August 2014 and declared bankruptcy.

DeltArts is using the building as its main office and plans to host small the- ater performances, art exhibits, and workshops.

Judge Woody Wheeless said the county spent $17,000 to replace the air conditioning and $9,800 to fix the roof.

The money came from a leftover trust fund which had $33,000 in it which was set aside specifically for maintenance and repairs.

Wheeless said they will keep the remaining $6,000 in an account to be used for any future repairs.

“We’ve got to use it for repairs,” Wheeless said.

“That’s what the money was for. The bankruptcy trustee brought us a check, we deposited it, and I immediately got with Ms.

Barton and we got the wheels turning on the air conditioning and got the roof repaired pretty quick.” Barton added that they have also benefited from a partnership with Arkansas Community Corrections which allows them to use female inmates from the treatment center next door at the former Crittenden Regional Hospital building. ACC leased the building from the county to house 350 non-violent female drug offenders who are required to perform community service as part of their treatment and release program.

Barton said the inmates have been taking care of the grounds at the Schoettle Center and also are doing cleaning work inside.

“This partnership is just unbelievable,” Barton said.

“The women are amazing.

They are so excited to be outside and being involved with us. They do such a good job. They need to do community service so it is a win-win for them. And you think about the money we are saving and they get to do this community service.

It is just a great relationship.”

Barton also invited the justices and the public to attend their opening celebration which will be held Thursday, Sept. 29 from 5 to 7 p.m.

“I really want you to come so you can see the building itself and all of the progress and what a wonderful asset this is going to be to our community,” Barton said.

By Mark Randall