Negotiations are still moving forward to secure 300 N Main St for the Austin ArtWorks Center, a place to cultivate our creative community to learn, create, display, and perform.

Once the building is confirmed we will need funding to move the project forward. To kick-start our capital campaign we are hosting a Buy Art fundraiser from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

The sale will feature more than 150 pieces of original artwork generously donated by the Cedar Gallery in Owatonna, which recently went out of business. Prints will be available for $50 each or five for $200. There will also be some high-end, specially priced pieces.

We will be able to accept cash, check, or credit cards. In keeping with the Owatonna spirit, we will be selling Costas chocolate truffles.

Friday night we will have wine and beer available for a donation, and on Saturday we will be selling coffee. At 6 p.m. the ArtWorks Center Steering Committee will be making a special announcement on the project’s progress. After the Buy Art Fundraiser.

Don’t miss the second annual Paramount Jazz concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students, and can be purchased online at paramounttheatre.org, at the Paramount box office, or over the phone at 434-0934.

The Paramount Theatre box office hours have officially changed to Tuesday-Friday noon to 5 p.m. We still need 150 more Austin Area Commission for the Arts members to reach our goal of 250 by the end of 2014.

Membership is $60 for an individual or $120 for a family.

Besides showing your support for the arts in Austin, membership gives you discounts at local businesses, certain Paramount events, and free popcorn.

The kick-off film for our 2014 Paramount Movie Series brought to you by Knutson Construction was moved to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30.

We will be showing Cecil de Mille’s epic picture “Cleopatra,” which was shown at the Paramount in 1934. Tickets are only $5 and can be purchased at the door.