Buisson Arts Center

The Buisson Arts Center Music Hall, formerly the Dahlonega Baptist Church, was built in 1897; the stained glass windows actually date back to 1838. The foundation was laid with granite rocks fresh from a newly opened gold mine; some of the granite had particles of gold that could be seen with the naked eye.

The building cost approximately $4,200. Colonel W.P. Price was the life and soul of the movement to build the new church and contributed $1000 to the building costs.

The baptistery, which is now located behind the stage, is lined with copper made from old moonshine stills donated to the church by former illicit distillers.

The Buisson Arts Center purchased the church in March 2004 and opened its doors to the public in January of 2005 after completing a series of renovations totaling over $200,000. The recreation building, now the Buisson Art Gallery was in need of a new roof, carpet, and painting as well as the old faucets and fixtures were in need of replacement. The Gallery received a new metal roof, stained concrete floor, new tile, painting, and professional art hanging system for the gallery, among other repairs. The church building, now the Buisson Arts Center Music Hall was remodeled by increasing the size of the pulpit to make a standard size performance stage, the addition of a state of the art sound and lighting system, independent power for the Music Hall, and a new heating and air system for the entire building. Cosmetic changes were also added through the refinishing of floors, painting, and a private collection of art hung throughout the center.

To provide a monetary incentive to help motivate artists to produce paintings, drawings, and other works of art in any medium;

To provide a location to bring artists together, have fun, share experiences and stories, network, and promote the visual arts and the arts in general.

To provide a venue for the public to observe artists at work and to encourage artist/patron connection possibilities.