The Tamaqua Community Arts Center may only be 5 years old, but the multi-venue property has been knitting the community together in a variety of ways.

From classes, workshops and exhibits, to theater performances to community events like the Dear Tamaqua and Tamaqua Has Heart projects, volunteers have spent tens of thousands of hours crafting ideas to improve Tamaqua.To celebrate its fifth anniversary, the arts center will host a special event, an open house on Feb. 25.The evening will start with a 5 p.m. tour.There will also be an art gallery exhibit, a silent art auction, live music and plenty of hands-on demonstrations in the various art studios.The art exhibit will feature the works of more than 20 artists who have had their work on display at the arts center over the last 5 years.Artists include Mo Devlin, Tracy Perry, Amy Mogish and R. Thomas and Paulette Berner.The auction will include a work of art donated by each of the exhibiting artists. The auction will begin at 5 p.m. and end at 8 p.m.The band "Six to Midnight" will begin the live music performances at 6:30 p.m. in the newly named performance hall "The Stitch."Past performers, band and theater shows will be highlighted on a memory wall and the inspiration and story behind the hall's name will be unveiled.Other musicians scheduled to appear are Crossroads Duo, featuring Jack Kulp and Sterling Koch.A special reflection video, highlighting the past five years will give recognition to the volunteers responsible for the center's success.The center is housed in a late 1800s church, which has been extensively renovated.A handful of volunteers began programming events in early 2012.Thanks to the support from the community, the concept flourished and coordinator Leona Rega was hired in May of that year. From such small beginnings, the volunteer roster grew from a base of 10 to the more than 40 current volunteers of all ages.The second floor sanctuary of the old church was transformed into a performing arts center in 2013, with theater and pub seating for 152 patrons.A new sidewalk and landscaping were the renovation projects for 2016, while this year's renovations will include the installation of ADA compliant bathrooms.The renovations are made possible through the support of the community, the Morgan Foundation, PPL and the center's annual Big Benefit.Rega says the public is welcome to attend this free event, which will run from 5 to 8 p.m."Being the coordinator of the Tamaqua Community Arts Center has not just been a job, it has been a way of life. It's about providing an experience that makes someone feel good when they leave and create a desire to come back," she said."In hopes of giving our little town with a big heart something that inspires others, we all work and volunteer long hours. I work with a great team of people, and it is that synergy that brings to life all which is enjoyed," she said."I look forward to seeing many familiar and new faces on Feb. 25 to celebrate."The art center is located at 125 Pine St., Tamaqua.For more information, or to accept Rega's invitation, call 570-668-1192 or email her at

leona@tacp.info.