In November of that year Jim Rudd bought the long unoccupied Dowling Building on the Courthouse Square with a donation through the Wiregrass Foundation. The building was a gift to the city to be used by the reorganized arts council as a gallery and museum. The building was named for the previous owners and his wife, a painter, as the Dowling Museum Ann Rudd Arts Center. The entire project was a millennium venture. Restoration had proceeded to a functional stage by March of 2000 and the first exhibit by a wide range of artists from Dale County was organized by a social club, The Arts Guild. Since then more than 50 exhibits have been mounted. The upstairs houses artist studios.

Be sure to drop by and see our exhibit of Retro Clothing that was left in the building when it closed in the late 70’s. The building was a wonderful department store for men, women and children. They had also carried shoes, hats and material.

The DCCAH is a non-profit organization is run solely on donations and membership dues. The museum is open to the public and free of charge. Our hours of operation are Tuesday, and Wednesday 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tim Richardson gives free art lessons for teens and adults on Saturday: 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Our phone number is provided above if you would like to call and confirm the museum is open.

If you have any question please send to info@ruddartcenter.org.