Marshfield, WI (OnFocus) The Chestnut Center for the Arts took a leap forward in becoming more accessible with the installation of a new wheelchair lift.
The nonprofit arts center officially cut the ribbon on the new lift on Thursday.
Fundraising for the lift began in 2017. The $70,000 goal was reached through the support of many businesses, organizations, and individuals who contributed anywhere from $20 to several thousand dollars toward the cause.
“We’re hoping that now that we’ve got the lift, we can have some wheelchair students and people with disabilities, and we really couldn’t do that before,” said Pat Stuhr, board president. “This has really opened that whole new avenue for us.”
The lift will also benefit artists and caterers who need to haul heavy materials and equipment upstairs.
The next step for the Chestnut Center will be to make the upstairs bathroom wheelchair accessible. Fundraising for this project is near completion and the bathroom is expected to be ready before the summer art camps begin.
Additionally, the Chestnut Center plans to repair its outdoor steps and parking lot soon, and is looking to install ramps to further improve accessibility.
Donations to the Chestnut Center can be made by visiting chestnutarts.org, or call 715-389-8999.
An artists reception for the Wilderness Reflections exhibit followed the ribbon cutting ceremony. The exhibit, featuring the photographs of Don Halloran and Sylvia Eisenmann, will be available for viewing until March 26.
Author: News Desk
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