Fine Arts Building Renovation and Addition

The Challenge

The College’s fine arts program is housed at East Campus, about one-half mile east of ACC’s main campus. East Campus was home to Alpena Catholic Central High from 1950 to 1972, and served as Central Junior High for Alpena Public Schools until it was acquired by ACC in 1977. The East Campus building is over 50 years old and presently inadequate due to mechanical infrastructure limitations and handicapped accessibility issues. Providing adequate space for ACC’s vibrant arts program would require extensive renovation in the excess of $2 million.

ACC’s courses include a high-demand “Art for the Classroom Teacher,” plus many design, drawing, painting, ceramics and photography classes.

ACC presents two well-attended student art shows each year, attracting over 1000 people to our campus.

The College is a bridge to our student’s futures: ACC fine arts students have received scholarships to the Art Institute of Chicago, Center for Creative Studies, Kendall School of Design, Michigan State University, Western Michigan University and Northern Michigan University.

Through the Cultural Arts Alliance, the College provides a venue for collaboration and communication with other area arts organizations.

The Plan

The College’s Board of Trustees have determined that it would be best to relocate the fine arts program to Alpena Community College’s main campus in the former Graphic Arts Building. This would provide students with a more secure, cohesive environment in close proximity to the various campus services. Renovation and expansion of the Graphic Arts Building is required to provide an array of art course offerings and services to meet the current and future needs of our students.

This new 12,000 square foot fine arts facility will include:

• Sculpture studio
• Drawing and painting studio
• Design studio
• Ceramics studio (with an accompanying kiln room, glazing area and appropriate storage areas)
• Photography studio (with darkroom, film processing areas and portrait studio)
• Visual imaging
• Art education

Renovation of the Graphic Arts Building for the fine arts program is projected to cost $1,200,000 as part of the Pathways to the Future campaign total costs.

Architect's drawings of the fine arts building renovations.

Back to the Pathways home page.

For more information on supporting the Pathways campaign, contact Penny Boldrey, executive director of the Alpena Community College Foundation, at (989) 358-7297.