ArtsRevive kicked off a three-phase capital campaign in the fall and has already made a lot of progress. The title of the campaign is “The Time for Selma is Now” and it couldn’t be more true.

ArtsRevive has started construction to turn the Carneal building into an arts and culture center and anticipates finishing around February. Gallery 905, the second phase of the campaign, opened as a pop-up gallery in late November, but is currently closed to finish renovations. It will be closed for the next six to eight weeks before reopening in mid-February.

The third step in the plan — a community garden — will begin once the first two phases are nearer to completion.

Everyone in Selma should be encouraged and excited by the progress ArtsRevive has already made in a short period of time. Once the campaign is complete, it should revitalize one half of Water Avenue. The city has put a focus on sprucing up the riverfront to increase tourism and this would be another big step.

Imagine what Selma might look like if the riverfront continues to grow and if the St. James Hotel can start turning a profit. If those things come together, Selma could have something special on Water Avenue.

ArtsRevive deserved a lot of credit for getting a jumpstart on this project. In a few months, the organization has already accomplished so much.

ArtsRevive started out by trying to raise a $1 million, but still has about half the money to go. The group put a hold on fundraising efforts during Christmas but has ramped its efforts back up again.

We encourage those in Selma with the means to do so to consider contributing to the campaign.  ArtsRevive’s work on Water Avenue could be the start to something really special in Selma.

For more information on ArtsRevive, contact Martha Lockett at 412-8052 or visit www.thetimeforselmaisnow.org.

A donation toward the project would be like investing in Selma’s future.