YELP.COM - The sign out front says Market Street Art Center.

When two entities are intertwined, share the same space, and have incredibly similar names, it can cause confusion when one says it's moving.

Market Street Art Center, Inc. announced last week that it is moving from 247 Market Street to a new - yet to be determined - location.

The notice, published on the organization's website stated, "We lost our lease at 247 Market Street, so our not-for-profit 501(c) (3) Market Street Art Center, Inc. is moving! We are scouting a new location, and are changing our name."

It said more details would be announced later and that the group is hoping for a gallery opening in April.

"Our focus will continue to be on the greater Lockport community, artists at all levels, families, organizations, and businesses. We will offer exhibition galleries, programs for anyone wanting to learn about art, and about making art, and arts-oriented events and classes for adults, children and those with special needs," the notice continued. "Our class offerings will include photography, drawing, painting, pastels, writing, publishing, and more, all taught by experienced instructors."

The sign out front of 247 Market Street says "Market Street Art Center." Underneath is says "Market Street Gift Shop." So many people considered the entire building to be Market Street Art Center. That includes two galleries, a classroom, the gift shop and nearly two dozen artist studio spaces.

Not all of that is "Market Street Art Center, Inc.," however.

"I know this has been confusing for many people as the building itself was often considered by most people as being Market Street Art Center," said Sally Bisher via email. "The building, which is the former Western Block Company factory is owned and run by my brother Arthur Hilger and myself.  We have been supporting the arts here for 13 years."

Bisher explained that "Market Street Art Center, Inc. (MSAC) was a tenant in the building at 247 Market Street. They have moved out. We still have the Market Street Art Studios and the Joseph Whalen Family Gallery and The Upstairs Gallery for which we will be presenting exhibitions. We also have our unique gift shop: Art & Soul and 32 local artists working out of 22 studios in the building. And we will still be presenting classes in the classroom."

In other words, the artists - painters, photographers, sculptors and potters - who rent studio space at what is now being referred to as "Market Street Studios" are not being thrown out. For them, the transition should be mostly seamless. The gift shops and galleries are closed from Monday through Jan. 25 for the building's annual maintenance but tenants will still have access to their studio space.

When the building reopens to the public, they will be gearing up for their 4th Bi-enniel Black & White Exhibition, for which they're still accepting entries.

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