National Transit Annex filling up
By JUDITH O. ETZEL

A total of six artists are renting space and a seventh lease is negotiated.

The imposing National Transit Annex on Seneca Street is getting a do-over, thanks to several artists who have set up shop inside.

Late last year, china and porcelain artist Linda Lineman opened her Lineman's Porcelain Memories in a large upstairs room in the annex.

Only a month or two later, a total of six artists have rented studio space on the second floor and a seventh lease has been negotiated.

"We are just leaping forward," said Joann Wheeler, the city's ARTS Oil City coordinator, at an Arts Revitalization committee meeting Friday at the National Transit. "Everything is moving quickly."

As six artists have moved in, a seventh individual who operates a photography studio is preparing to sign a lease for second floor space in the Annex. That will nearly fill the upper level floor, said Lee Mehlburger, a committee member.

"We just about full there so we may begin renting out studios on the second floor of the (adjacent) National Transit Building. It's ready (for tenants) and the same rental deal applies ... I'd like to see both buildings full, artists and non-profits (organizations) working together."

Outside artists interested in Oil City

Meanwhile, artists from outside Pennsylvania are eyeing Oil City as a potential place to relocate. The interest stems from a variety of incentives offered through the arts revitalization movement as well as national advertising in various trade and art-related publications.

"I've had inquiries from Nebraska, Massachusetts and New York City," Wheeler said. "All are asking about our program here."

They are drawn by advertising, word of mouth and family ties to the region, said Wheeler.

The Nebraska inquiry came from a Rocky Grove native who is an established artist in the West, she said. The Massachusetts connection was prompted by the artist's mother-in-law having been born in Oil City plus an interest in publicized details about an upcoming Oil City blue grass festival. The third artist's request stemmed from the individual's mother who lives in Franklin.

Wheeler also told the committee that its Pipeline Alley concert series, launched last year, will be handled in 2008 by the Oil City Arts Council.

"It is no longer an upstart - it's legitimate," Wheeler said, adding the concerts will continue to be held in the alleyway between the National Transit and Annex buildings. The South Side Business Association, she added, is considering a concert series in connection with the farmer's market on that side of town.

Information on the arts revitalization efforts is available by contacting Wheeler at 676-5303 or checking www.artsoilcity.com on the Internet.