The Tamaqua Community Art Center pulled out all the stops Saturday evening to celebrate its fifth anniversary in Schuylkill County.

As residents and supporters alike filtered into the open house for a silent auction, sparkle-frosted cupcakes, live music and, of course, art, they were given the opportunity to see exactly what the center has been creating over the last half of a decade.“We’ve been working on the anniversary planning for four months,” said longtime volunteer Kim Grant.“We wanted it to be a surprise for everyone, even the other volunteers who attended,” she said.The main event for the evening took place in the newly renamed “The Stitch” performing arts floor, thanks to a donation from the John E. Morgan Foundation.“Anything that requires a stage can be done here,” Rega said. The doors of the art center opened around 5 p.m., when visitors had a chance to walk three floors of the renovated church space.“There were still pews and an altar in the art gallery when we started,” Grant said.Local band Crossroads Duo performed in the visual arts room as guests moved from acrylic paint pieces to hand-woven wool demonstrations and nontraditional photography stations.“The community needed this. It’s something that is a melting pot for all ages to come and have their own space,” Grant said.“We host paint and sips, private showings, public showings, yoga and people can come here and practice their art.”According to Grant, the arts committee has worked hard to include the community in the revamp of the 125 Pine St., building.“Leona (Rega, coordinator) had a list of what people wanted to have here and that’s what we tried to bring,” Grant said.On the basement level, the pottery wheel spun in the Clay Works Studio and several craft stations were set up for kids to create their own work of art.“I was really excited to find out they had a clay studio,” said Jim Thorpe resident Marcia Shellhamer from behind the spinning wheel.“I started taking classes here two year ago. I just love the arts center,” she said.The center has worked overtime to fill in the gap of creativity in the county. Last fall the arts center partnered with Lehigh Carbon Community College for potential art major students to begin their studies locally.“It’s been successful,” said Larissa Verta, LCCC dean of Science, Engineering and Math.“It’s nice because we can accommodate students from the Schuylkill area and help them complete their associate degree in art here before they transfer,” Verta said.“We’ve had bands come in and play benefits, put on plays and hosted art shows up here.”Attendees were able to enjoy the band Six to Midnight under the colorful theatric lighting.“Kyle Whitley is the mastermind of the performance hall. He is in charge of our stage décor, backdrops and set designs,” she said.Resident and art center frequenter Nathan Johns said he brings both his children to the Tamaqua center to participate in the programs, classes and plays.“We’ve been active in the center since it started,” he said. “It’s a great asset to the community and it provides a great outlet for events. Both of our kids are in the upcoming ‘Oz,’ ” he said.A video montage played for attendees to show just how far the arts center has come.“To see where we started from and where it is today,” said Grant.“The support we’ve had has just been unbelievable,” she said with emotion filling her voice.“We needed something like this in our county.”For more information on the center or for a schedule of classes visit site: tamaquaarts.org or call 570-668-1192