Arts on the Lake, whose home in the Lake Carmel Arts Center has been undergoing an eight-month exterior renovation, has scheduled a Re-Opening Celebration for the weekend of March 31 and April 1.

The Center, in the former firehouse at 640 Route 52 in Kent, will have an Open House from 1 pm to 5 pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

The public is invited to explore the Center, meet the staff and participate in activities for children and adults.

The Saturday schedule includes mask making, a Tai Chi demonstration and Draw On!, the Aldrich Museum of Ridgefield’s program to encourage people of all ages to engage in drawing.

The Sunday schedule will include Music Together with Kati Mac at 1:30, a performance by the Lake Carmel’s Knox Sisters at 3 pm and a Zumba demonstration at 4 pm.

As part of the weekend, the Professional Photographers Group of Arts on the Lake is offering “How to Use Your Digital Camera” at 2 pm and 3:30 pm on Saturday.  Participants are invited to bring their digital camera and receive individual assistance in using advanced features from experienced photographers.

There will be refreshments and a Popcorn Machine making fresh popcorn both days.

On Saturday at 7:30 pm the Art Center doors will again open to the community for an Evening Gathering that includes dessert, entertainment and a presentation of what is ahead for Arts on the Lake.  The program presentations will begin at 8 with a symbolic ribbon cutting for the renovated Center by Kent Supervisor Kathy Doherty.

Although much work remains to be done, reported AotL’s President Robert Bradley, the exterior of the building has been made safe and secure with a new roof, windows and doors, paid for by a grant from the NYS Dormitory Authority.

Part of the program will include musicians Tim Pitt, Patrick Cummings and Jan Hoekstra and 6 one-minute plays developed the Playwrights Workshop to be performed by participants at the event.

Although there is no charge for the Open House or the Evening Gathering, the non-profit organization will welcome donations.  Membership is also offered for those who wish to support the organization with an annual contribution and receive discounts on performances and classes.

“The Center currently has about 250 members,” said Executive Director James Shearwood.  “We are hoping to double that number this year with increased activities and events.”

Visitors will notice the space used by the Arts Center has been repainted by skilled volunteers and the gallery/performance space floor has been re-surfaced and painted by George Apap Painters.

“The Center will look new and different,” said Shearwood, “but we are hoping to raise the money to install track lighting and air-conditioning by summer.”

More information on the weekend schedule and upcoming events is available at www.artsonthelake.org.  For the Evening Gathering and the Digital Camera Workshop, because space is limited for both, reservations should be made by email to rsvp@artsonthelake.org or phone to (845) 231-1084.