Ready for business! DPS chairperson Anita Werling stands in the window of the Opera House Gallery of Contemporary Art, 109 S. Washington St., scheduled to open in Delphi Friday, June 19, at 7:30 p.m. The grand opening will celebrate the new Delphi attraction as well as resident artists and their work. Comet photo by Debbie Lowe The grand opening for The Opera House Gallery of Contemporary Art will kick off this weekend's Transportation Festival in Delphi. Located at 109 S. Washington St., across from the courthouse on Washington St., the grand opening will be Friday from 7:30 to 10 p.m.

Well-known award-winning artists Rena Brouwer, Terry Lacy and Alan McConnell are the resident artists in the building and will be present during the grand opening to meet and greet visitors. They will share conversation and refreshments along with members of the Delphi Preservation Society (DPS) and the Delphi Opera House Advisory Board, the building owner. In addition to featured resident artists, the gallery will celebrate the cultural and architectural heritage of the community. The gallery room features a 14-foot high ornate, pressed tin ceiling. The building is a portion of the Assion-Ruffing City Hall, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Resident artist's work will be on sale during and after the event. A portion of all sales will help support the restoration effort of the entire building by DPS.

Behind the gallery, a back room is being prepared as a place for community gatherings. The space will be available for educational programs, artist workshops, musical events and community groups meetings. A nominal fee for use will be requested. The room is handicapped accessible and is expected to be available by mid-July.

Those interested in renting the community gathering room can contact the gallery at gallery@delphipreservationsociety. org.