Community leaders, supporters and students gathered Thursday to celebrate the groundbreaking of The Hive Art Academy’s future campus, a project designed to expand access to arts education, culinary training, workforce development and mentorship for Pensacola’s youth.
The new campus will feature two studio and classroom buildings connected by a covered courtyard, more than 6,000 square feet of covered learning space, a makerspace, demonstration kitchen, flexible studio and gallery space, dedicated training studios and a student gallery. Located adjacent to an ECAT bus stop, the project is expected to serve as a catalyst for continued investment and revitalization in Pensacola’s Eastside neighborhood.
The project is being built by Chandler & Company Construction, led by Nanette Chandler, whose work has become known throughout Pensacola for restoring and creating spaces that preserve community history while investing in its future.
During the ceremony, Hive Director Lisa Puzon reflected on the organization’s mission of helping young people discover their potential through creativity, mentorship and connection.
“Our motto is, ‘Be the artist you are meant to be,’” Puzon said. “This is to encourage our students to follow their interests, gain confidence and develop a passion that can lead to a life of purpose.”
Puzon said The Hive’s impact extends beyond the classroom by building lasting relationships with students and encouraging them to pursue higher education, careers and creative passions.
As she looked toward the future, Puzon said the new campus represents an investment in both the next generation and the surrounding neighborhood.
“Having a facility like this will take it to the next level. We’ll be able to serve so many more young people,” she said. “This is where we are investing in our children today for their future and building the community together.”
Once complete, The Hive will provide a permanent home for programs in the visual arts, culinary arts, engineering, sewing, jewelry making and other hands-on disciplines while creating new opportunities for collaboration between students, educators, artists and the broader community.
