Schweitzer and the Spriglers enable ArtSeed, a grassroots arts collaborative.

It's always refreshing to follow up on an old story and learn it has a proper ending.

May 17, 2017: What, is Gahan annexing the Arts Council, too? Schweitzer out as Executive Director.

So help me, if Dugout Duggins becomes head of the Arts Council, it's time to start mixing those Molotov cocktails.

Kudos to the Spriglers. The usual suspects in New Albany generally suppress grassroots thinking, and because of this, it makes fruition even more delightful.

New art collaborative ArtSeed taking root in New Albany, by Aprile Rickert (Bill Likes Jeff)

NEW ALBANY — Minutes after learning that Julie Schweitzer had left her position as executive director of the Arts Council of Southern Indiana, Jim and Tabitha Sprigler were ready to help with a new opportunity.

Three months later, Schweitzer, who left the Arts Council after nearly years when the board voted mid-May to not renew her contract, is working with local artists and supporters on a new collaboration.

ArtSeed Gallery, of which Schweitzer is executive director, sprung up in the aftermath of her departure from the Arts Council. Schweitzer said the business — which allows artists to work together on decisions to create a grassroots endeavor everyone takes ownership in — is something the area hasn’t seen before, through collaboration with local artists and neighboring galleries, schools and businesses.

Though its base is in an historic home at 1931 Spring St. in New Albany, which the Spriglers have donated, Schweitzer said she feels its reach will go far.