Meet Dr. Jim Chappuis of Westside Cultural Arts Center in West Midtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Jim Chappuis.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Ten years ago, I saw the now Westside Cultural Arts Center (WCAC) building for sale and bought it as a real estate investment. I ended up renting out the space to different tenants over the years but didn’t enjoy being a landlord. I decided to rethink the building’s purpose with the idea to give back to the Atlanta community.

With Atlanta being such a robust city hosting multiple fortune 500 companies and the 1996 Olympics Games, I wanted to create something that added to the city’s uniqueness and elegance. As a longtime art collector and enthusiast, I came up with WCAC, an art gallery and event space; something the city didn’t already have.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There were a few roadblocks to get WCAC where it is today. From permitting challenges to licenses and finding the right architect and designer who could see my vision, it was a long road but I’m extremely pleased with the outcome of the space.

Thankfully, there were a few integral parts including William Rader, Director of Operations for WCAC, that helped bring my vision to life; half of life’s successes are about meeting the right people at the right time.

Please tell us about Westside Cultural Arts Center.
When I decided to open WCAC, I wanted the space to make a statement in the West Midtown neighborhood. With that idea, I hired a local street artist, HENSE, to create a mural on the exterior of the building and I also added a marquis to give it a more retro and Hollywood feel. Alex [Brewer], the HENSE artist, truly believes in every location that he collaborates with and I think that also speaks volumes about the rest of my team and how we believe WCAC can be something great for everyone. Our Director of Operations, William Rader, is truly an artist of the room and can make anyone’s vision come to life.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
What role has luck (good luck or bad luck) played in your life and business?

I look at luck as a spiritual force that’s bigger than all of us and if you can connect with luck, it will always guide you. There was a reason WCAC came to life and I attribute most of that to a higher power. A friend of mine once told me that, “If you don’t believe in miracles, then pray for coincidences,” and I think that really speaks for itself. I let luck take its course throughout this project and everything after that just fell into place.

Contact Info:

• Address: 760 10th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
• Website: http://www.westsideartscenter.com/
• Phone: 678-218-3740
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westsideartsctr/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Westside-Cultural-Arts-Center-189935241050485/?ref=page_internal
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/WestsideArtsCtr

Image Credit:
Westside Cultural Arts Center