The Carson-Myre Charitable Foundation has donated $400,000 toward the expansion of the Paducah School of Art and Design in Paducah’s Lower Town. The gift allowed West Kentucky Community and Technical College to reach its $2.5 million goal.
“Today, we are here to recognize and to give a huge thank you to the Carson-Myre Charitable Trust Foundation gift,” said WKCTC president Dr. Barbara Veazy during an event Friday afternoon.
The school will sell bonds for the remaining $7.5 million. The added debt is prompting the school to charge more per credit hour. Students will pay an additional $4 per credit hour next year and up to $8 the following year. Veazey said the fees were looked at as a way for the students to participate in the construction.
PSAD began in 2008 after community members urged WKCTC to start an art school because of the success of the Artist Relocation Program. Lowertown was chosen over the main campus because it is part of the Historic Arts District.
Construction bids are set to go out next month with construction planned to begin in October with an expected completion date of 2016.
PSAD’s current enrollment is 425 students up from 160 in 2008. The building known as the Kitchens building will house painting, drawing, digital photography and graphic design. Fiber Arts and printmaking will be added to the school’s curriculum in the future.
