Friends Gallery is the final piece of the Farris Arts District Project to open for use after nearly five years of planning, fundraising and construction to renovate the two buildings adjacent to the Farris Theatre. The Farris Arts District Project also included painting the exterior of the Farris Theatre as well as a new roof system for the Farris and the two renovated buildings. Certain project costs were underwritten by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Neighborhood Assistance Program.
Friends Gallery joins the Farris Theatre and the Hall for Arts Education building to formally complete the Farris Arts District complex. The project has increased the useful space of the Farris Theatre to include a set & scenery shop, rehearsal hall, classroom space, costume & prop storage, tenant space, and the gallery. The renovated buildings add approximately 8,000 square feet of space, all to benefit the safety, security and longevity of the Farris Theatre.