Buchanan Fine Arts CouncilThe Council's purpose is to encourage participation among citizens of the Buchanan area in all facets of fine arts. This is to be accomplished through soliciting and selecting fine arts programs for citizens participation and enjoyment, planning exhibitions, concerts, demonstrations and any other programs that might allow citizens of the Buchanan area to experience and appreciate the fine arts.
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The History of the Tin Shop
The Tin Shop was built in 1865-66 by a Buchanan merchant and subsequently used for a furniture factory. Changing hands several times over the years, it has operated as a lumber dealer business and as another factory. It served as a hospital during the 1918 flu epidemic; Clark Equipment Company manufactured and sold air-conditioned beds here, and in the last years of production made their original drill products in this historic building. Clark sold the Tin Shop to the Buchanan Co-op in 1950, which sold it to the City in 1981.
The Tin shop is a factory style building common to the 1860-1880. Among its more interesting architectural features are its good proportions, its nine-pane, double-hung windows, and its board-lined room upstairs over the West side.
The Tin shop is a factory style building common to the 1860-1880. Among its more interesting architectural features are its good proportions, its nine-pane, double-hung windows, and its board-lined room upstairs over the West side.
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In 1980, following a process to secure the necessary tax-exempt status from the IRS, the new Buchanan Area Foundation announced the granting of its very first scholarship loan. Also, in 1980, a grant for $339.15 to purchase a blood specimen collection chair was made to Unity Hospital. The first partnership of any magnitude was with the Foundation and the Buchanan Fine Arts Council, and plans were made to renovate the old Tin Shop on Roe street for use as a community arts center. Originally part of the many Clark Equipment facilities in town, the City of Buchanan was the property’s current owner. Jerry Rossow chaired the Fine Arts Council, and plans were made to repair and renovate the building into a small theater, museum, gallery, and community space.
In 1982, the Buchanan Area Foundation committed $21,000 to the project, and work began. This project was the Foundation’s primary focus for the next three years. The Tin Shop Theater is still in use, providing the Buchanan area community with locally produced and staffed theater entertainment throughout the year. For the remainder of the decade, activity included scholarship loans and grants to various community projects, such as Christmas lights for downtown, exchange tours for students at Buchanan High School, support for the Area Recreation Board, and others. In 1986, a significant event in the life of the Community Foundation occurred. Unity Hospital was sold to a for-profit organization, and the assets from the sale of the property were to be endowed at the Foundation “to provide scholarship and other support with relation to medical and health-related education and service.” |
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It wasn't until the summer of 1984 that any shows were performed in the Tin Shop Theatre. Since that date, more than 100 productions have been staged. 2024 marks more than 40 years entertaining the community!
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Box Office: (269) 695-6464 Mail: PO Box 515, Buchanan MI 49107
Location: 108 East Roe St, Buchanan, MI 49107 (Map Link) 
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