Eastern Shore Art Center Receives Grant from the Fairhope Single Tax Corporation!
[JUNE 4, 2025… Fairhope, AL]
The Eastern Shore Art Center (ESAC) has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Fairhope Single Tax Corporation to match the Alabama State Council on the Arts “Creative Places” grant and gifts from private donors.
These funds will all go toward enhancing the Art Center’s ADA compliance and Gift Shop. ESAC Executive Director Pelham Pearce states, “The Fairhope Single Tax Corporation is the most fascinating, unique thing about the city and its history.”
What is the Fairhope Single Tax Corporation?
In November 1894, a group of 28 single-taxers from Des Moines, Iowa headed by Ernest B. Gaston wanted to establish a colony based on the single tax theories of economist, journalist, and social reformer Henry George as set forth in his book “Progress and Poverty” published in 1879. They formed the Fairhope Industrial Association in Iowa, and after much research, selected the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay. They began buying up land with their pooled resources.
According to the Fairhope Single Tax Corporation’s website, “The Fairhope Single Tax Corporation still owns about 4,500 acres of land in and around Fairhope, both inside and outside the city limits, which is only about 25% of Fairhope. Lessees still lease the land via a 99-year lease and own all improvements outright.”
To learn more, visit: https://www.fairhopesingletax.com/
When will construction on the facility begin?
Working with the local companies, Walcott Adams Verneuille Architects and Klarman + Day Contractors, construction will begin the week of June 16th. Therefore, ESAC galleries on the top floor will be closed to the public from June 17th through the end of August. ESAC plans to re-open for First Friday Art Walk on September 5th!
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About Eastern Shore Art Center
The Eastern Shore Art Center connects people of all ages and abilities with the arts through education, exhibitions, and outreach activities. ESAC, dba the Eastern Shore Art Association, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation funded solely through private memberships, donations and grants relying on the goodwill of the community for its continuation. Gallery and Gift Shop hours: Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday 10am-6pm. Free admission. 401 Oak Street, Fairhope AL 36532. Learn more at: https://esartcenter.org
About Fairhope Single Tax Corporation
The Fairhope Single Tax Corporation consists of Members that have completed an economics course on Henry George and the single tax theory, are over the age of eighteen years, have contributed their membership fee, and have been approved by the Executive Council. The Members elect five Directors (the Executive Council), four Officers, and three Trustees. The Corporation is governed by its Constitution and By-Laws. Learn more at: https://www.fairhopesingletax.com/
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