A hundred years of industry & art

The Gallery at Hood Street is part of a collective artistic community housed within the Hood Street Arts Center…but this 20,000 square foot facility has seen a lot of change over the years.

Originally built in the 1930’s by Mr. Hood, the building was initially constructed to run a hosiery mill. What started off as a smaller footprint facility grew over the years through various owners’ additions to the building.

Anchored by the Henry Players theater troupe, the DiBlasi School of Ballet, and several visual artists, the Hood Street Arts Center - brainchild of late sculptor Andy Davis - engages the community with workshops, staged performances, and a gallery.

Davis founded the Arts Center in 2015 with a vision to turn the building into a space that would be known as a haven for fellow artists, dreamers and doers as a collective community.

After his untimely passing in July 2015, the Gallery and Warehouse portion of the Arts Center underwent major renovations to transform the space not only into a fully functioning art studio and gallery, but also an intimate event venue where people from all over the city can come to celebrate momentous milestone occasions and celebrations.

Today, Julie Kelley, director of the Gallery at Hood Street, is not only passionate about keeping Davis’ dream alive, but is also committed to awakening the artistic consciousness among the community. In early 2019, Kelley spearheaded the revitalization of Hood Street Art Center after a somewhat unstable transition period and has been fundamental in making HSAC what it is today. Her efforts to make Hood Street Arts Center the epicenter for artistic expression and enjoyment has not gone unnoticed and has continued to gain traction in a relatively short amount of time. “Come see a play, take a dance class or paint class, stroll through our gallery or throw a swanky party, we literally have something for everyone here.”