ABOVE: The restored interior of the Michael and Elizabeth Garry building at 105 W. 1st Street in Fairmont. The space will be opening as an arts center, known as the Hive, next weekend.

FAIRMONT– After seven months of actively working on restoring the building at 105 W. 1st Street in Fairmont, a grand opening is set for 2 to 4 p.m. on both May 16 and May 17. The Hive– Imagine Martin’s new studio and gallery– will be housed inside the Michael and Elizabeth Garry building.

“We’ve got just a few final touches left before the grand opening,” said Jeff Rouse, Imagine Martin’s chairman.

Just in the last week, the exterior of the building has been completed, including the installation of the wording marking it as the Michael and Elizabeth Garry building, as a benefactor wanted to restore the building in honor of the couple.

“With the restoration of the Michael and Elizabeth Garry building, it honors the Garry’s legacy and lasting impact on the community,” said Rouse.

He went on to say that the restoration sparked the creation of the arts venue. Throughout the process, there was intention to keep elements of the building as they originally were, including both the flooring and the ceiling.

For the grand opening, Rouse said people will learn about the upcoming events, activities and classes that are going to be held at the Hive, as well as some that are hoped to be held in the future.

“You’ll meet a lot of the individuals that helped bring the vision to life, including artists, instructors and some of the key people that made this happen,” Rouse said.

That includes members of the Hive committee, which is an offshoot of the Imagine Martin board.

In addition to learning about the events, people will be able to see the renovated space as well as local artwork on display, some of which will be for sale. At the adjoining building, the Hub, all items will be 10 percent off to celebrate the Hive’s opening.

Rouse said that the Sip Haus food truck will be on site serving dirty sodas and lemonades on both days and on Sunday Fairmont Brewing Company will be on site, too.

Speaking of the grand opening, Rouse said, “Whether you’re an artist, creator, interested in the arts or even someone who wants to see buildings restored in our community, they’ll find it interesting to see how this building has been transformed.”

He added that both he and members of the committee want the Hive to be a cog in building a stronger arts community by working with existing businesses and venues such as the Fairmont Opera House and Red Rock Center for the Arts.

While the Hive is not officially open for another week, the first event will be held there on May 12 as the venue has been selected for a Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council Organization Coffee Chat.

More information can be found at imaginemartin.com