York Art Association breaks ground on ‘Little Green Church,’ reports $1.7M raised toward $2M campaign

The York Art Association on Monday began renovation work on the organization’s historic “Little Green Church,” saying the capital campaign has raised $1.7 million in its first year toward a $2 million goal.

Organizers framed the project as a step to expand access to visual arts programming, enlarge gallery space and add classrooms. A presenter at the ceremony said, “In just 1 year, we have raised 1.7 million towards our $2 million goal,” and urged continued community support to finish the campaign.

Why it matters: The association said recent participation has increased more than 60% year-over-year and winter enrollment rose about 170% compared with the previous year, figures organizers used to argue the expansion is both necessary and timely. The renovated facility is intended to serve students, exhibiting artists and community members for years to come.

Board perspective: Mike Lowe, introduced as the York Art Association’s board president, said the campaign reflects careful planning and community commitment. “That level of support speaks volumes about the York Art Association and what it means to the local community,” he said, and thanked campaign leaders including co-chair Fran Hoover.

Campaign co-chair Fran Hoover shared a personal account of how the association shaped community members’ lives, recounting a patron who moved to York to participate in programs and win local awards. “This campaign was not just about the building,” Hoover said. “For me, it was being part of the York Art Association.”

Local partners: Sterling Dunlap, director of membership and business development at the York County Economic Alliance, acknowledged local officials in attendance and offered the Alliance’s support. He noted County Commissioner Doug Hoke and Councilman Ryan Supple were present.

County support: Doug Hoke, identified as a county commissioner, said he regularly attends local events to back projects like the Art Association’s renovation. “I’ve been a county commissioner now… for 19 years,” Hoke said, expressing support for the initiative.

Construction partner: Chris Keller of Keller Contracting, the project’s general contractor, told the crowd his team was honored to work on the renovation and looked forward to turning the building into a lasting creative space.

Next steps: Organizers led a ceremonial photo with golden hammers and shovels and said construction will proceed as planned; they reiterated the remaining campaign target of roughly $300,000 to reach the stated $2 million goal.

The event concluded with the capital campaign cabinet invited to the podium for a commemorative group photo to mark the start of construction.