Gallery 246 Celebrates New Downtown Batesville Location

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce marked the relocation of Gallery 246 with a ribbon-cutting at its new home, 231 E. Main Street, right in downtown Batesville. The gallery only moved next door, but the larger space now offers more room to feature local artists, hold classes, and welcome the community, all while continuing to celebrate the arts in downtown Batesville.

After the ribbon cutting, Gallery 246 opened its doors to the public for its Grand Opening on Friday, June 26. The event drew a big crowd of community members, artists, and visitors who came to see the new space. Guests listened to live guitar music by Bruce Oakley, explored the exhibits, and spent time with friends old and new.

A new highlight at the gallery is the Miss Mac Classroom, a creative space where artists of all skill levels can take classes and workshops and collaborate. Thanks to Coach Franks and his wife, June, who helped furnish the room, it offers a welcoming place for creativity.

Gallery founder Aline McCracken shared what the new location means to her and how it fulfills a lifelong dream.

"When I was in the second grade, I decided art would be my life, and I've never changed my mind. Never in all my imagination did I think something as beautiful, meaningful, and impactful as Gallery 246 would become a reality. This gallery belongs to our community, and we want it to be a place where people gather, learn, create, and enjoy art together."

The gallery also introduced the Starr Kent Art Library, which includes a generous donation of art books from Starr Kent. This library is a resource for artists, students, and anyone interested in learning more about visual arts.

Artist Rose Thomas is featured through the end of July. Her work focuses on mental health, social issues, and creativity inspired by music. She explained that her background in psychology strongly shapes her art.

"A lot of my work is inspired by music," Thomas said. "I'll hear a piece and think, 'I want to paint that.' My work also explores mental health and social issues, inviting people to connect emotionally with each piece."

Gallery 246 features work from over 25 local artists, including fine art, jewelry, woodworking, pottery, mixed media, and other handmade pieces. The gallery also hosts rotating exhibitions and regular art classes and workshops in the Miss Mac Classroom, giving artists and community members a chance to learn new skills and connect with others.

Amanda Roberts, Membership Engagement Specialist at the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, said Gallery 246 helps strengthen both the downtown business district and the local arts community.

"Gallery 246 is more than an art gallery; it's a place where creativity, education, and community come together. We're thrilled to celebrate their beautiful new location while seeing them remain on Main Street, investing in downtown Batesville and providing opportunities for local artists to share their talent.”

To learn more about Gallery 246, visit gallery246.com or drop by 231 E. Main Street in downtown Batesville.

Ambassadors in attendance include: Abigial Ballard (Lifeplus), Brandon Lackey (Southern Bank), Brenda Rivera (First Community Bank), Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics), Eva Henriksen (Citizens Bank), Kirsten Martin (AR Sherriff's Youth Ranch), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), Lori Campbell (Batesville Schools), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Megan Strother (George's Inc.), Michael Dickinson (City of Batesville), Nathan Dowen (Citizens Bank), Robert Stephens (Network of Community Options), Silje Antonsen (First Community Bank), and Taylor Williams (First Community Bank).