A historic building in downtown Norwalk will become a gathering space for local artists.

The Norwalk Art Space on West Avenue was the dream of Westport lawyer Alexandra Davern Korry, who died of ovarian cancer last year.

Korry's husband is continuing to fund the Art Space in her memory.

Organizers say the bright gallery space upstairs will give local artists a place to showcase their work, while studios and classrooms downstairs bring art education to kids in Norwalk who need it.

They say for artists to do their best work, they need a community just like Norwalk where they can share knowledge and resources.

Resident artists selected by the program will have access to a dedicated studio space for a full year. Organizers say they're announcing their first batch of residents later this week.