WARSAW — At the Kosciusko Redevelopment quarterly meeting held Tuesday, Jan. 2, Dave Taylor, a former member of the Kosciusko Tourism Board, and Melodie Koher, president of the Lakeland Art Association, were in attendance to discuss the potential establishment of a fine arts museum in Warsaw.

Taylor, who said he spent ten years on the Tourism Commission board, gave statistics related to the economic impact of tourism on our county.

“In 2015 the tourism and travel industry contributed $162.2 million dollars to our county,” said Taylor.

Taylor suggested that a fine arts museum would be beneficial to the area, as it would attract visitors who would likely spend money on hotels, food and shopping.

According to Taylor, the old city hall building at 302 E. Market St. is being considered as the location for the potential museum.

“The building is totally wheelchair accessible, so nothing would have to be done to it, other than some roof repair,” Taylor advised.

Currently, residents have to travel at least 35 miles to reach the nearest fine arts museum.

“The entire county would benefit from this. It has great potential,” Taylor explained. “We want to start a young docent program where art students from each of the schools can come in and be docents at the museum, which gives them an opportunity to apply for the scholarships. This museum is key to economic viability for the community.”

Revenue would come from admission fees, a gift shop, fundraisers, membership dues, art workshops, grants and donations.

“Our goal is to not have tax dollars used for this. It’s a self-supporting project,” Taylor explained. “We will charge admission to get in. We are planning to have workshops. We have ways to make this pay for itself and not be a burden on the people of Kosciusko County.”

“Since the concept of the museum has come about, we have had people come forward who have art pieces that they will loan us,” said Taylor.

“What I’m hearing is a win-win situation,” said Kosciusko Redevelopment Commission President Bruce Woodward. “We’re using tourism dollars to help fund this – if not fund it, to sustain it. Private businesses will receive a positive impact.”

In the election of officers for 2018, a decision was made to retain Bruce Woodward as president and Henry DeJulia as vice-president. Joni Truex was elected as secretary, with County Auditor Michelle Puckett acting as treasurer.

Other news:

• Puckett administered the Oath of Office for all board members.
• Council members approved the minutes for the June 2017 meeting.
• 2018 meeting dates were approved.
• The next quarterly meeting will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 8.