Volunteers and patrons see the Chatham Cultural Centre as a valuable facility to house the appreciation of the arts.
The centre recently turned 50. The significant birthday honoured, not just the memory of the men and women who created the centre, but also the volunteers who keep it alive today.
"I took a lot of art history in university," says ten-year volunteer Diane Edmondson. "And I do a lot of painting, so it keeps my hand in."
Another volunteer, Bryan Halls, tries to explain the impact the centre has on the community."[It] brings in artists from the community, as well as bringing in artists from around the world...it gives the chance for people who may not be able to make it to Detroit or Toronto, to see art in their community."
Earlier this week the centre held special evening programming to celebrate the milestone.