This Abandoned 19th Century Church Has Been Transformed Into The Most Breathtaking Art Studio In Iowa
By Kim Magaraci|Published August 03, 2019
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Iowa’s countryside is home to some incredible history! The smallest towns in the Hawkeye State each hold stories of their own, and it’s worth making a trip to see the treasures each town is hiding. The little town of Malvern, along the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, is the perfect example of something amazing hiding in plain sight.
The stunning Malvern Presbyterian Church was built in 1873, and for nearly 10 years, provided a home for a congregation of Western Iowans.
The church was shuttered and decommissioned in 1969, and sat unused until 2012, when a hopeful artists and entrepreneur breathed life back into the chapel.
Iowa native Zack Jones was looking for a place to live, and a place to practice his art, when he purchased this small town church.
The Art Church was part of an effort to bring some life back into the quiet town of Malvern. Visitors are welcome to check out the church and tour it by appointment.
Seven years after Jones first embarked on his impressive project, the Art Church has become a pillar of the quiet trailside community of Malvern.
Today, the church is a landmark in a community on the rise. Over the past few years, grants and entrepreneurs have worked to restore Malvern to its former glory.
Art Church is home to community events, meetings, workshops, and art shows.
