Art classes and exhibitions will be offered in the empty store front known as McQuay's Marketplace in Rehoboth Beach.

Starting Saturday, Feb. 15, the Rehoboth Art League will offer classes at McQuay's, on the circle at 510 Rehoboth Ave., and will also offer studio time, short film screenings and art exhibitions.

“We were looking for a location outside of Henlopen Acres to offer additional art programming,” said executive director Sheila Bravo. “We were thrilled when we learned we would be able to occupy historic McQuay’s Marketplace.”

Paul and Cindy Lovett have owned the property since 1997. Cindy Lovett said they no longer live in the upstairs apartment, so they have been trying to sell the building. She said Realtor and former Commissioner Pat Coluzzi suggested letting the art league use the space. Lovett said the original idea was to lease the building to the art league but she did not want to do that because she still hopes to sell it. If the building were sold, the art league has 30 days to vacate.

Still, Lovett said, she is looking forward to what the art league will do with the historic property, which was founded in its current location by Butch McQuay in the 1940s.

“It’s a win-win for everybody,” she said.

For the art league, the move is the first of several ways the league is planning to offer classes outside of the Henlopen Acres campus. Bravo said this summer, the league would also hold classes at the Lewes Public Library.

The art league plans to operate at the facility from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.