NORWAY — The town learned its application for $300,000 Community Development Block Grant to restore the historic Matolcsy Arts Center on Main Street was denied.

The news was received last week by the Board of Selectmen.

Proponents of the grant hoped to use the money to stabilize and restore the Laos Matolcsy Arts Center at 445 Main St. It was constructed in 1866 and used as the Norway Upper Primary School.

Irina Kahn, president of the Western Maine Arts Group, said the board will look at its options. The renovation project may have to be done in stages instead of all at once depending on what type of money they can get, she said.

“We have a good proposal and feasibility study and we can go to other grantors and seek funds,” Kahn said. “We’re in a good position to get money from other grantors.”

Town Manager David Holt said the art center’s architect has advised him that unless something is done with the building soon, it may be lost.

Although the building needs repairs inside and out, the money was for repairing the chimney, walls, roof and basement. The work was necessary to ensure the building’s stability.

The building became an art gallery and teaching center in 1965 when it was acquired by the Western Maine Art Group, a nonprofit organization.

In 1967, WMAG founded the annual Norway Sidewalk Art Show, the first and longest running show of its kind in the region. It became part of the summer Norway Arts Festival.

The group works with the community at large to make the arts more accessible and provide opportunities for artists and artisans through the Matolcsy Arts Center and other exhibit venues.

ldixon@sunjournal.com

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