A core group of accomplished area artists, led by Gordon Jameson, Susan Filley and Ann Shelton, has been working with town leaders in business and government since May to re-establish downtown Chapel Hill as a premiere destination for the arts in the Southeast.

Their vision is a collectively owned, high-end fine arts gallery in the heart of town. Michael Brader-Araje is eager for the Collective to occupy his newly renovated building at 109 E. Franklin St. The 3,500 square-foot space would showcase the area's creative wealth and diversity and provide room for special exhibitions and activities.

For example, in addition to curated exhibitions that would bring in top regional and national work, said porcelain artist Filley, "I would love to see an annual show for kindergarten through twelfth grade students that would open the world of art for children."

UNC students, painter Jameson added, could have the experience of working in an art gallery. Small events could include appearances by authors and musicians.

The gallery initiative is well-timed, as local government and business owners are committed to revitalizing downtown.

"For decades, Chapel Hill has been one of the big centers of culture and art," said ceramics artist Judith Ernst. "People come here expecting to find that, but the downtown no longer represents the rich cultural community that's here."

The nonprofit collective gallery, organized and run by artist members, will bring that richness back to residents and to the 1.5 million tourists who visit Chapel Hill every year.

To make a success of the gallery, the arts community needs the partnership of town government and business.

"This is the first time I've seen the three necessary partners all on the same page," Jamson said. "We all want the downtown to bring in grownups...who can browse the gallery, go to dinner, and then see a show at Memorial Hall."

Much of the work for the Franklin Street Arts Collective has been done. Active fundraising is ongoing. An independent jury has made an initial selection of artists for membership and consignment; and the board is interviewing candidates for the position of full time gallery director.

"Hundreds of hours of pro bono work have already gone into advertising, planning and legal advice," said Filley. She particularly thanks landlord Brader-Araje, along with Dwight Bassett, Chapel Hill's economic development officer, Laurie Paolicelli, the Orange County Visitor's Bureau director, and Martha Shannon, Orange County Arts Commission coordinator, for their inspiration, vision and support. In addition to Jameson, Shelton, and Filley, the organizing committee consists primarily of Elaine O'Neil, Jan Butta, Judith Ernst, Ruth Allen Harden and Paul Hrusovsky.

"Dwight is working hard to make this happen," said Jameson. "The town wants it, Michael Brader-Araje wants it." But, he said, the collective still needs to raise more money so that the town feels confident enough to respond in kind.

Anyone who wants to support this effort can contact the Franklin Street Arts Collective through Gordon Jameson, at Franklin Street Arts Collective, P.O. Box 587, Carrboro, NC 27510 (phone 932-3438). Donations should be made payable to "Arts Advocates, Inc."

In Jameson's words, "The town needs to invest in itself."