Art is creation, art is self-expression and art originates from the soul. Art is meant to be shared, displayed and absorbed.

"Art means something different to everyone," said Barbara Daggett, promotions coordinator for the Lititz Art Association (LAA). "We're talking about the visual arts. Art is an expression of what you see, what you feel. It can be just your love of Lititz."

LAA has a new venue for sharing art with the community, and it will make Lititz's already lively downtown even more vibrant.

Recently, LAA opened a new gallery for highlighting its members' work at 51 N. Broad St., Lititz. LAA will formally introduce the new showcase space to the community during a grand opening ceremony from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10.

There will be a celebratory ribbon cutting, snacks and artwork from LAA members representing five mediums on display.

"You're going to have some very excited artists there," said Daggett. "Getting your artwork displayed anywhere is a challenge. I think we're just going to be elated. We support our members, we promote the art from our association, and we want to give them a venue other than art shows and craft shows."

LAA's new art gallery is located on the first floor of a building that used to house Savory Gourmet.

The fresh space will allow for the hanging of about 100 works of art, as well as numerous pieces of sculpture and jewelry. An inviting storefront will welcome visitors to the gallery.

As a place of business, LAA's art gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

"For folks who have been with the Lititz Art Association for years, this has always been a goal," said Daggett. "You need to find the right location. This is the perfect location. It's got an awning in the front and it's an old building - and it's downtown Lititz. It just broadens what Lititz already has."

In addition to providing a permanent and consistent place for LAA members to display their work, the 51 N. Broad St. gallery will give the organization an ability to host art classes and offer an event space to the community.

Beginning in January, LAA will conduct its regular monthly meetings - at 6:30 p.m. on the last Tuesday - at the new gallery. LAA has been holding its public monthly meetings at the Lititz Public Library.

"The rent will be paid as we sell our artwork," said Daggett. "We're looking to rent our space to members or other artists.

"We want it to be inviting," she continued. "We want people to visit, and we want to keep their interest. We want to make it interesting enough to draw people back. We want following. The intent is to have nice, beautiful art and to have affordable art."

LAA's current plans also include staging its annual Square Foot Art Show inside the gallery in July of 2027. LAA's other community events - the Fine Arts Show, which will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Lititz Moravian Church, 8 Church Square; the Holiday Gift Show, which will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, at Lititz Church of the Brethren, 300 W. Orange St.; and the Lititz Park Walk, in June of 2027 - will remain outdoors.

The Lititz Art Association, which includes more than 100 creative members, was founded by Floyd Hackman in 1966.

For additional information, go to http://www.lititzartassociation.com.