Our Story

From a spark of inspiration to a beacon of creativity, the Granville Center for the Arts has blossomed from humble beginnings into a powerhouse of cultural vibrancy. It all started on the sidewalks of Broadway in Granville, OH— where single, interactive art experiences took root during the monthly community art walks.

These art pop-up events, dreamt up by dynamic duo Ryan McGuire, a community artist known for his large-scale installations and imaginative projects (Portfolio at mcguiremade.com), and Kim Keethler Ball, the beloved owner of Readers’ Garden Bookstore, ignited a shared passion for enriching their community with the arts. As their vision grew, so did the aspiration of finding a dedicated space where creativity could thrive year-round.

Determined to find a location convenient to both the Granville community and Denison University students, they scoured the village for the perfect spot. Housed in the Annex Building of the United Church of Granville, where Ryan's daughter attended the Granville Parent Co-Op Preschool, sat two neglected rooms on the first floor. In the cold, uninviting gray cinderblock walls, brown floors, and dim lighting— Ryan saw boundless potential. His vision was clear: to sustainably transform the forgotten rooms into a community arts haven that would be inclusive, inspiring, and open to all. In just three months, he, alongside local community volunteer Michelle Perlstein and the helpful hands of our Board of Directors, transformed the space into a contemporary arts hub using mostly donated materials and furniture. Every design choice, from materials to layout, was intentionally crafted to welcome the community and reflect the energy and imagination of the artists who display and create art within.

A Bright Future

Today, the Granville Center for the Arts serves as the creative beating heart of Downtown Granville— a gathering place where artists, dreamers, and culture lovers converge. As a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit, every event, exhibition, and performance exists because of the tireless dedication of community champions who generously share their passion, time, and talents. Unlike many cultural institutions, the arts center thrives without government funding or major donors. Instead, it stands strong on the power of countless small contributions from those who believe in a vibrant, culturally-rich community.

Since opening our doors on April 1, 2023, our small but mighty nonprofit has hosted hundreds of free events, from hands-on workshops and monthly art clubs where all supplies are provided at no cost to unforgettable performances featuring Grammy-winning musicians.

Built by the community for the community, the Granville Center for the Arts demonstrates the possibilities that come from breaking barriers, creating connections, amplifying voices, and fostering a welcoming space for all to enjoy the positive benefits of the arts.

Get Involved

At its core, the Granville Center for the Arts is driven by a radical belief: that art is for everyone. If this story inspires you, we invite you to become part of the magic. Consider donating, volunteering, or sharing your artistic gifts with us. Together, we can continue building an inclusive space to collaborate, learn, and celebrate art.