Jackson Celebrates Opening of Armory Arts Village, Gala Friday

Friday, Jackson citizens and businesses will celebrate a change they’ve been looking forward to for years: the transformation of the state’s oldest prison into one of the state’s most innovative developments.

Guests will celebrate the grand opening of the Armory Artswalk Apartments, a living and working space for artists, at its grand opening gala Friday night, starting at 7 p.m.

The event will showcase the newly completed construction, which includes art galleries, work spaces and the Armory Artswalk Apartments. The idea is to create a unique home for artists and other creative people in Jackson.

That's far from the building's original purpose. Built in the 1880s as a prison, it was converted to a National Guard Armory in the 1930s.

The redone building includes a two-story, industrial art production space; a ceramics/sculpture studio; and three classroom/work rooms. Some of the space will be available for rent for performances and special events.

The 62 affordable apartments are set aside for artists, musicians, designers, craftsmen and other creative people.

Tickets for the grand opening gala are $75 and are available at the Enterprise Group of Jackson. For information, contact Jane Robinson at jrobinson@enterprisegroup.org or at (517) 788-4455 ext: 105.

Source: Jane Robinson, Armory Arts Village

Ivy Hughes, development news editor, can be reached here.

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