NATCHEZ — The Natchez Art Association has a new home on Main Street.

From the Priest House on Canal Street to the Fry building on Pearl Street, the art association recently moved into a more spacious building at 505A Main St. in downtown Natchez — a move which was celebrated Saturday with a re-opening party.

Paintings, vases, bags and kinetic mobiles, a type of art sculpture that hangs from the ceiling, welcomed spectators into the new building.

“We moved for bigger space,” said Natchez Art Association Vice President Leon Hollins III. “That way it’s more roomier and gives us a better advantage to show our artists’ work because we now have more and more artists joining us all the time.”

Hollins said the opportunity presented itself when art association member John Harter, who owns the building on Main Street, rented the space out to the organization.

But moving into the new building presented several hurdles, Hollins said.

“Getting everybody to pitch in was a challenge,” Hollins said. “But everybody did their part exceptionally well.”

Because Hollins likes to draw and paint on a large scale, the building, he said, is his favorite headquarters for the organization so far.

Art Association members Carolyn Weir and Laurie Jo Belshan arranged the Main Street building Saturday as they waited for eager artists to enter into new territory.

“It’s more opportunities being on a busier street,” Belshan said. “And with a bigger space, we get to do more for the community.”

Weir said the additional room will give artists the inspiration they need to complete massive pieces of art.

“The move for me means six times the window space, six times the floor space and more room to teach the children and adults,” Weir said.

The Art Association will continue to offer workshops for both children and adults.

The Art Association will also host after school art programs from January until April.

For more information on how to join the art association, call 601-334-0987 or visit nathezartassociation.org.