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