A feature article on the Center from the Savanna Times-Journal, 1988.

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The old Avenue School, 800 Chicago Avenue, will be transformed into the Alan and Adrianne St. George Center for the Arts with completion expected by next fall.

The first two floors will house the St. Georges' business, Facemakers Inc., the largest manufacturer of animal, mascot costumes in the United States.

According to Mrs. St. George, the decision to purchase the school came about out of the need for more space for Facemakers Inc. and their dedication to preserving architectural heritage. The exterior of the building will not be altered.

"The more we talked about it with our advisors and friends, everyone seemed in favor of the idea of our purchasing it. The building will give our business the opportunity to grow. The space is remarkable," she said. "The first and second levels will be for business. The lighting and size of rooms are ideal. They are so well kept and preserved that no remodeling will be necessary."

Facemakers Inc. celebrated its 18th anniversary in June. As the largest manufacturer of its kind, they have created over 300 designs. They have done costumes for McDonald's, the 1980 Olympics and nearly every major university in the country.

Facemakers Inc. is the official costumer of the Department of Agriculture's "Smokey the Bear" and has received a contract for "Woodsy the Owl". They recently had to decline a contract for 6,000 costumes for Hallmark.

"With the larger area, we may be able to handle such orders," stated Mrs. St. George. "We are planning on hiring more personnel in the future."

A permanent security apartment will be installed in the building. The facility will be fully secure since Facemakers Inc. does no walk-in business.

The third floor music room is being preserved for her theater. It will be decorated in an 1890 motif. The theater will be restored to its original size with the back wall removed, as well as the lowered ceiling.

There will be two skylights along with the decorative tin ceiling, commented Mrs. St. George. "The acoustics in the theater are wonderful."

Seating in the theater will be unattached so as to make the room available for other events such as art exhibits.

The backstage rooms will be made available to various community groups, such as the art league, community band, meeting and practice rooms.

"The Alan and Adrianne St. George Center for the Arts will reflect the work of Facemakers in sculptures and costumes," said Mrs. St. George. "It's our pleasure and privilege to offer it to the community."

Mrs. St. George is deeply involved in numerous causes and is currently planning a benefit for Savanna City Hospital next May where she will perform at Timber Lake Playhouse. She hopes her first performance in the St. George Center for the Arts will be in the fall of 1989.

An article on the Center from the Clinton Herald, 1988.

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Alan and Adrianne St. George, owner-operators of Facemakers Inc., have purchased the old Avenue School building, where they will move their costume-making business. The entire building will be turned into a center for the arts. The St. Georges are dedicated to preserving the architectural heritage of the building and said no restucturing is planned

Old School to be transformed into center for artistic work

The salvage of the old Avenue School building on Chicago Avenue in Savanna has made possible an art center for the community.

The building was purchased by Facemakers Incorporated for use following advertisements of its sale by auction on November 5.

School Superintendant Max Pierson said that although he is disappointed that it became necessary for the school board to sell the building, he is pleased at the outcome and the price received.

Facemakers Inc. began about 18 years ago manufacturing costumes, many for use as mascots and life size stuffed animals for entertainment. Among their clientele they boast such names as Elmers, McDonalds, Popeyes, Happy Joes, the 1980 Olympics, the National Forestry's Smokey Bear, and their newest contract, Woodsy Owl.

The company makes about 300 standard costumes as well as special orders for ad agencies, movies and television. The company is international in scope, shipping orders to every continent in the world, but its operations have been located in Savanna for the past 13 years.

Alan and Adrianne St. George, owner-operators of Facemakers Inc., purchased the old school building through Bob Bimm, who acted as their agent, after hearing rumors the building might be torn down.

The St. Georges, who said they are dedicated to preserving our architectural heritage, report no restructuring of the building is planned, although sewing machines will be moved in for company production.

The building will be renamed "The Alan and Adrianne St. George Center for the Arts," and will be open for a number of artistic uses.

Present plans call for restoration of the original stage and decorative ceiling on the third floor. Such important details as lighting and sound will be added or redone as needed with the advice of friends and experts in the Chicago theater.

The first two floors will be taken up by Facemakers Inc. enterprises for costumes and portraiture, while the third floor will be reserved for the performing arts. When not in use by the company, the theater and many of the rooms will be available for use free of charge to cultural or civic organizations for local productions, workshops and meetings.

The St. Georges said they had received an overwhelmingly positive response.