Historic. Inspired. Connected.
About Us
The Arts Council/Firehouse Arts Center, true to its mission from thirty years ago, seeks to enrich the community through the arts. We believe the arts are vital to a thriving community and enjoy offering our facility as a cultural center for learning, creating and celebrating. Our goal is to make exceptional art accessible through weekly classes, monthly workshops, annual camps, quarterly exhibits and annual fundraisers. We value all forms of art and expression that have been part of our past and that speak to our future.

Mission Statement
The Bainbridge-Decatur County Council for the Arts is commited to the enrichment of community life through the arts.
An Alluring History
In 1914, William Augustus Edwards, a prominent Atlanta architect designed the City Hall and Firehouse in the corner of Crawford and Water Streets in Downtown Bainbridge, Georgia.
Through the years, community life has revolved around the building as it has served as City Hall, Library, and Public Safety Building. The city depended on the Firehouse for protection of its lives and property from Opening Day until the last fire truck pulled away, closing the massive bay doors– and the building itself, for many years to come.
The building reflects the Mission style architecture popular in the early part of this century for public buildings. Typically made of brick and cast stone, Mission buildings feature shaped parapet walls, arched doorways, classical entrances, and broad overhangs.
Many of these public buildings have been razed in the path of progress. The Bainbridge building is the only example of Mission architecture in this part of the state. Considering the age and numerous changes that have occurred over time, the structure is in good condition. Although generally concealed, in this instance, original detail is evident throughout the building.
Southern Revival
Now this historic building has assumed a new role in community life as a cultural center. Since the renovation, the Firehouse Arts Center includes the Kirbo Art Gallery and Shop, the Callahan Room, Art classrooms and the Jimmy Harrell Gallery. We are working to restore the Jail into a studio/event space by 2025.
The complex is located in the Downtown Historic District which was listed as a National Historic Landmark in November 1987.
Donations to support the continuing upkeep and restoration may be made to:
Firehouse Arts Center
P.O. Box 35
Bainbridge, Georgia 39818
*All donations are tax deductible.
Board Members & Staff
Officers
Rebecca Cole
President
Lorenda Smith
Vice President
Linda Gisondi
Secretary
Gerard Kwilecki
Treasurer
Lisa DaSilva
Member At-Large
Board Members
Ashley Long
Randee Eubanks
Vicki Bailey
Jordan Griffin
Eldrick Jacobs
John Wells
Brent Warr
Firehouse Staff
Jessica Polsky
Executive Director
Olivia Free
Gallery Assistant
Mary Alice Long
Education Assistant
Mary Ellen Free
Gallery Curator