Our Story

Like all great stories, it began with an idea.

Diane Frankenberger, longtime Summerville resident and owner of People, Places, and Quilts, was reading the Sunday paper one morning in the Spring of 2018 and learned of an old fire station-turned-art gallery in McClellanville, South Carolina. She cut out the story and showed it to local art teacher, Kevin Morrissey, remarking about how a similar idea could work in the then-empty building right next to her shop in Historic Downtown Summerville. The building, which originally served as the town Post Office, had been occupied by the Commissioners of Public Works for quite some time, and was recently vacated for a new location. Morrissey was immediately on board, and together, they gathered a group of dreamers. By October, the original board was assembled, consisting of Diane Frankenberger, Kevin Morrissey, Will Rizzo, Dottie Rizzo, Dennis Ashley, Kevin Szostak, Nancyjean Nettles, Peggie Hartwell, and Jana Riley. The team worked relentlessly to secure the “old CPW building,” and with the help and trust of the Commissioners of Public Works, they were offered the building at an exceptional rental rate.

For all of 2019, the volunteer-only Public Works Art Center team worked diligently to raise funding from the Summerville community. Local residents, businesses, and organizations stepped up to support the effort with volunteer hours and funding. The Junior Service League, Rotary Club, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, and the Town of Summerville, along with Founding Donors, were especially instrumental in helping the group secure the funding necessary for the extensive remodel of the 11,000 square foot building. In February 2020, the group unveiled their efforts, only to have to close a few weeks later due to COVID-19. In June, Public Works Art Center opened up once again, and since then, the nonprofit community art space has held dozens of exhibitions, dozens more events (including documentary screenings, concerts, and collaborative events with other nonprofits), secured a mobile art center for off-site events, opened their doors to event rentals and birthday party packages, welcomed studio artists into annually-rented spaces, enjoyed playing host to field trips and gatherings, and hosted art classes and camps for all ages. The gift shop features artisan products and art supplies, while the “Art-O-Mat” vending machine dispenses affordable original art. Volunteers are extremely instrumental in making the whole operation thrive, along with individual and corporate donors. Admission is always free, and all are welcome.

For more background information, check out the articles listed below, or reach out to us at info@publicworksartcenter.org with questions!