The Hardeman County Arts Council says repairs to its storm-damaged building are moving forward. All of the roof trusses and roof metal at the Hardeman County Arts Center have been replaced. Crews are now finishing the last exterior pieces before work moves indoors.
The arts council gave the update in a social media post this week, which the Hatchie Press reported on Oct. 27.
Winter Storm Damage to the Arts Center
Earlier this year, the arts council found damage to the building’s trusses and roof structure. The damage was caused by heavy ice that built up during Winter Storm Fern. Ice from that January storm also caused widespread damage in North Mississippi, including Tippah County, where recovery work is still underway.
With the roof framing and metal replaced, crews are working on the soffit and corner trim. Those are the final steps before the roof is complete.
Next Phase: Interior Repairs
Once the roof is finished, the Hardeman County Arts Council plans to move to the interior. That work includes:
Interior repairs to the building
Reinstalling electrical systems
Putting back audio, video and lighting equipment
Rehanging curtains and other stage components
“We still have a lot of work to complete but lots of progress has been made,” the organization said. It added, “We hope to be back home soon!”
The arts council has not announced a date for reopening the building.
How to Support the Hardeman County Arts Council
Community members can give to the HCAC Building Repair Fund through an online donation page on Zeffy. The arts council says donations will help cover extra costs from the repair period as well as building upgrades.
The arts center, with its stage lighting, sound equipment and curtains, hosts performances and arts programs for Hardeman County. The building is in Bolivar, the county seat, north of Middleton.
Other Arts Events in the Area
Even with the building closed, local performances continue at other venues. The Kimbrough Theatre Group will stage “Last Chance for Love” on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the Bolivar Central High School auditorium. Advance tickets are $25 and tickets at the door are $30. For ticket information, call Lottie Kimbrough at 731-609-1023 or Levi Smith at 901-299-6008.
The arts council’s progress report is welcome news for local performers and audiences who have been waiting for the arts center to reopen since the storm.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
