FOLEY, Ala. — The Performing Arts Association is moving on up, even if it is just across the street.

The new gallery, located at 116 W. Laurel Ave., almost directly across from their previous residence, is giving the association a brighter, bigger space.

“The moving process has been a thought for several months, the opportunity arose to move directly across the street and we like staying in the downtown area,” said Bonnie Blaylock, office manager. “We love the historical downtown area.”

With ample classroom space, handicap accessibility and added space for events, the new building will be very beneficial according to Blaylock.

“We have more to offer the community with the larger space,” she said.

The new gallery will feature the same offerings, including paintings, crafts and pottery, that could be found in the previous center.

To commemorate the opening of the new arts center, the first open house will be held on Thursday, July 10 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Two artists will be featured in the opening, and both will be on hand to meet at the reception.

Opal Young of Gulf Shores, an oils and acrylics artist who paints local scenery, will show not only for the month of July but for August as well. Her brightly colored paintings feature sights to be seen across the county, mostly being those of coastal subject.

Orange Beach artist, Dorie Parsons, will show her photography through the month of July and she said that she is excited to be one of the first artists showing in the new gallery.

“The art started going up, and (the gallery) started to come alive,” said Parsons. “I feel like we brought it to life.”

Parsons’ exhibit will include her photograph that recently won the Weeks Bay photo contest.

Currently the front gallery is full with both artists' work, but Blaylock said that by mid-August the entire building would be stocked and ready for a soft opening in September.

The gallery is open to the public now, and the hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.