Art House 360 – a nonprofit organization aimed at creating access and inclusion to arts education and programming – is hoping to sign a lease at the former New Century School building by the end of this month, a decision community members expressed support for during a Nov. 13 Common Council meeting. 

Art House 360 plans to operate out of the historic building located at 410 W. Verona Avenue, where the organization will provide studio space for anyone working in dance, visual arts, theater and music. By offering accessible programming for all, Art House 360 anticipates bringing at least 5,000 people to Verona yearly for classes, events and performances. 

Shelley Reynolds, president of the Art House 360 Board of Directors, told the council the project has the potential to enhance the community and touch the lives of a “vast amount of people.” 

“It is a project that seeks to provide a safe and comfortable space for our community members to not just exist, but to thrive,” Reynolds explained. “The arts have the power to inspire, to heal and to bring people together, and that is precisely what this project is all about.”

Art House 360 co-director AJ Juarez, who also owns Barrio Dance in Madison, told the council that growing up in Argentina, dance and the arts were never in his life. It wasn’t until he was 15 years old, dancing at a quinceanera, that a teacher “saw something in him.” This led to a career that has spanned Broadway, “Dancing with the Stars” and a recent win for his studio at World of Dance in Chicago. 

“I want to do the same thing for all the kids in this community – I hope to motivate them and perhaps change their lives,” he said. 

Beth Kille, who serves as the music director for Girls and Ladies Rock Camp Madison, also attended the meeting, expressing interest in bringing programs to Art House 360. Through this camp, girls, women, non-binary and transgender individuals use music to empower themselves, collaborate and build community. 

Kille has also lived in Verona for nearly 13 years, with her son attending New Century School at its former location. 

“Art can save people, it can change lives,” she said. 

Town of Verona resident Sarah Slack, joined by her daughter, echoed public comments made during the meeting about expanding opportunities for arts in Verona. As a mom of teens, Slack said her kids are involved in sports, but Art House 360 would provide accessible alternatives for the community to come together on weekends.

City administrator Jamie Aulik said he is impressed to be in a vibrant, growing community that cares about the arts and is thinking about the long-term. 

“Credit to the city and the residents for even considering something like Art House 360 – it’s impressive to see,” he said. 

Mayor Luke Diaz said those who spoke during public comment were “right to the point.”

“It was a good reminder to me because it’s easy to get lost in the details and how much it could add to our community,” he said. “The park is gonna be really great on its own, (an) art house will make it better.” 

Art House 360 set on future in Verona

Looking ahead, Art House 360 hopes to begin construction and environmental remediation on the building by Jan.1. Co-director Karisa Johnson said if the organization is able to demonstrate $1.3 million in commitments, the process can move forward immediately. In order to accomplish this, Art House 360 hopes to have a lease signed by the end of December. 

City attorney Bryan Kleinmaier recommends that Verona maintain ownership of the building by renting rather than selling. Per the council’s recommendation, city staff recently met with Art House 360 in which the organization shared information about plans and legal requirements as a nonprofit, Kleinmaier said. 

In a three page document provided to the council, Art House 360 recognized the necessary partnership between the organization and the city. 

“In recognition of and gratitude for the city’s support, Art House 360 has committed to invest up to $1,650,000 to make long-term improvements to the building,” the document reads. “Additionally, Art House 360 plans to have resident partners in the Multicultural Art Center make improvements to their own spaces. (The organization) will also work with the city to provide care and maintenance of and future long-term capital improvements to the building.”

One hesitancy Kleinmaier noted is whether there would be for-profit activities at Art House 360. Since the organization aims to increase access to arts, there is some profit required to pay for services. This money will be reinvested rather than pocketed, however, which allows Art House 360 to maintain its nonprofit status.

According to the document, Art House 360 will work with both nonprofit and for-profit art-based organizations to maximize opportunities in the community while also creating partnerships that will support a financial foundation for the organization’s long-term viability. 

Diaz said he appreciated the comments about the organization’s nonprofit status, something that makes him more comfortable going forward. He also is open to the city retaining ownership of the building so it can keep a historical status. 

District 3 alder Kate Cronin thanked Art House 360 for not only the amount of documentation the organization has provided, but the quality of it. 

“I think what we’re seeing is this is not a fly-by-night operation,” she said. “You are committed to this building, to this place, to this community and to this concept.”

The council convened in a closed session to further discuss a draft agreement for Art House 360 to lease the city-owned building at 401 W. Verona Avenue. 

“We had a very good discussion,” Diaz said of the closed session. “City staff will be getting in contact with the folks from the Art House and we’ll proceed from there.”

The council will meet next at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 11 for its only meeting this month. To learn more about Art House 360, visit arthouse360.com.