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WHEATON – Despite the fact that the DuPage Art League had to move its art classes temporarily this month while it addresses significant structural issues in its building, people continue to flock to its classes.
"We haven't lost as many people as we expected to," said DuPage Art League board President Kay Wahlgren of Glen Ellyn, who herself teaches a class. "The classes have been very well-received."
The league, a nonprofit art school and gallery, is located at 218 W. Front St. in downtown Wheaton. Starting July 11, classes were moved temporarily to the former Bank of America building at 225 W. Front St.
The DuPage Art League's building is expected to be closed until September for repairs, which include replacing the roof surface of the 1928-era building. The league purchased and renovated the building in 1996 and did some remodeling in 2001 in order to add a larger second classroom.
The roof's trusses – which hold up the roof – were recently reinforced and replaced.
Classes are set to take place in the temporary location through Sept. 3, and Wahlgren is happy the league was able to find a location so close to its building. The league has a three-year lease to use the building, unless the building is sold before then.
"It is very convenient," she said. "It isn't an ideal space, but it is comfortable enough."
The league funds its operations largely through member dues and fees for art classes. In 2015, the league offered 61 classes taught by 18 instructors and attended by 555 participants. The league also offers scholarships to those children and adults who can't afford the classes, said Sally Hines, the league's vice president of publicity and promotions.
The DuPage Art League cannot occupy the building while the repairs continue. The project is estimated to cost about $255,000, said Dan Anderson, the league's vice president of finance.
Funds available through existing reserves, member donations and two grants will cover about $115,000 of the amount, leaving a shortfall of at least $140,000, Anderson said.
He said the project's cost could go up if it is discovered additional roof repairs need to be made.
"When they tear off the existing roof, they're going to see at that point what we can't see now, and that is, is there damage to the roof deck underneath the roofing?" Anderson said. "We have an allowance in there for some damage, but we just don't know. And that could add substantially to the cost. You just can't know until you take the old roof off."
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Know more
Information is available by going to the DuPage Art League's website at dupageartleague.org. Those who want to donate to the league's "Raise the Roof" fund can mail a check to DuPage Art League, 218 W. Front St., Wheaton, IL 60187, or they can stop in the temporary location to donate.