At the 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23 meeting, we’ll hear how Orr Street Studios grew from a dilapidated warehouse into a community art center – and how it was almost lost in a fire in July.

The meeting will be in the Children’s Program Room of the Columbia Public Library.

Donna Checkett and Chris Teeter will give a presentation highlighting photographs from Orr Street's start as roofing company buildings and docks to its present role as a community arts center with studios and events center. 

Orr Street sees roughly 5,000 visitors annually and hosts dozens of events, including the monthly First Fridays and Second Saturdays for Kids and Hearing Voices Seeing Visions. It hosts events as a part of the True/False Film Fest, the Unbound Book Festival, and more.

A fire on July 21 damaged a section of Orr Street Studios, destroying eight studios adjacent to the main studio area and art supplies. Donna said repairs to the area should be completed by the middle of October.