History
The concept for an after-school community school of the arts was first introduced in Gastonia by the Rev. James M. Cockerham, pastor of New Hope Presbyterian Church, in 1983. As a community effort at that time, the school offered classes in basketry, woodworking, calligraphy, cooking, pottery, plus classes in the areas of music, such as Suzuki violin, art, violin, guitar, piano, voice and dance. In only a few years, enrollment outgrew New Hope Presbyterian Church's classroom facilities so that satellite locations were secured for expanded class offerings. The site of the former First Baptist Church of Gastonia also became a central location for the school, and, at about that time, the name was changed to Gaston School of the Arts. With the purchase of the old Armstrong Memorial Presbyterian Church site, the school moved to that location for what was hoped would be its permanent location...