Over the past several years, the Tamaqua Community Art Center has grown by leaps and bounds.

That was certainly the case again this year, and figures to remain that way for the foreseeable future.This year saw the reconditioning of the Clay Works Studio in the Tamaqua Community Art Center.The studio was revamped in April, and is complete with pottery and ceramics.Among the new features inside include a brand-new blaze bar.The clay is purchased by the center, as the studio relies on donations.There are also a variety of workshops open to the public.If that wasn't enough, the Tamaqua Has Heart project appears to have once again gained traction.The first heart, which holds the handprints of the community, kicked off its tour with a stop at St. Jerome Regional School in November.From now through May 1, the heart will make visits and stops at many locations within the borough in an effort to encourage excitement for the 10 hearts that will be on display from Memorial Day to Labor Day 2017.The hearts will be installed along key locations of East and West Broad Street, with the goal of drawing attention to the downtown shopping and eating district, highlight its local history and promote tourism.Each heart will display a plaque listing both the artists who designed the piece, as well as the sponsors.The Tamaqua Has Heart project is designed to draw the attention of investors, entrepreneurs and create a dialogue around places like the art center, Historical Society Museum, Owl Creek Reservoir, hunting, fishing and more.Those wishing to host the heart while it is on tour may call the Tamaqua Community Art Center at 570-668-1192, or email

leona@tacp.info.For more information on the project, visit

www.tamaquaarts.org, or like their Facebook page TamaquaHearts.