Gray Photo Studio (GPS), a building with a rich history, is transforming into the Art Center at Gray Photo Studio. In partnership with Stafford County Economic Development, Inc. (SCED), GPS has recently received the Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grant.
The HEAL grant is $50,000 and is matched with an additional $50,000 loan from SJN Bank of Kansas. This grant will go toward restoration efforts to complete the GPS building. Still, there is more to be done to get the building and center ready to open.
In an effort to raise additional funds, GPS in partnership with SCED, is doing an online Art Auction. Artists have donated pieces of their art to be auctioned off. There are 10 artists participating, donating 100 percent of the money to the GPS project.
Participating Artists:
Carol Long
Delvin Goode
Steven Hill
Holly Hendrick
Linda Ganstrom
Mike Stumbras
Sheldon Ganstrom
Taylor Craig
Eric Stearns
Tyler Dallis
SCED and GPS hope to raise $20,000 through the auction to do additional work in the building and to outfit it with all the necessary things it needs, including kitchen appliances, furniture, and other items required to be open.
The auction will be held through the platform Givebutter, where you can also find more information about the artists and the art they are auctioning. The auction will go live March 29 at 5 p.m. and end the following day at 11:59 p.m. CLICK HERE to get signed up and ready for the auction.
When completed, the Art Center at Gray Photo Studio will be a hub for community involvement in the arts. There will be resident artists presiding, art shows, education, and a space for people to Airbnb in the historic building. There will also be a museum room showcasing the history of Stafford County at the turn of the 19th century.
To donate without participating in the auction, you can send checks to Stafford County Economic Development, P.0. Pox 233, St. John, KS 67576, with the memo “GPS.”