NEW MADRID -- It is the oldest home in New Madrid, but it is housing one of the newest attractions to the community.

Wednesday afternoon the Hart-Stepp House opened its doors to members of the River Heritage Association, a group formed to promote tourism and the cultural heritage of the Missouri counties along the Mississippi River. They were the first to see the art work of a newly formed group of New Madrid County photographers and painters.

The venture, which for now is being called the Hart-Stepp House Gallery, was created under the auspices of the New Madrid Historical Museum, which owns the house.

To prepare for their first visitors, New Madrid County City Administrator John Gilbert and new Madrid County Economic Director Don Lloyd, both avid photographers, and Whitney Chasteen, art teacher at New Madrid County Central High School, spent several nights painting the three front rooms where art is being displayed.

"We still have a lot to do, but our game plan is to have our first show in April," Gilbert said.

This show will be opened to high school students in the county. According to Gilbert, when the Museum board offered the house to the group, one of the stipulations was to encourage the arts among young people in the county.

But, it is not just about promoting the arts for the young. Gilbert said the newly formed organization, which as yet is unnamed, is an opportunity to share their art and their passion for art with others.

Anyone interested in photography, painting or art forms is welcomed to join the group which also includes Ella LaValle and Jan Farrenburg with the New Madrid Historical Museum; photographers Mackie Springer, Ralph Palmer and Al Hendricks; and Alice Crisler, a local artist.

According to Gilbert, they also want to use the house as a place to offer workshops and classes. Gilbert said he would like to see a high school photography club form and use the building.

Primarily the gallery will serve as a space for various photography and painting exhibits throughout the year, Gilbert said. Exhibits typically will coincide with bus tour groups visiting the other historic sites in New Madrid.

"This adds another thing for people to do when they come to town," Gilbert said. "We think it will help tourism."

Christina McWaters, New Madrid Chamber of Commerce executive director, who was touring for the first time along with the other members of the River Heritage Association, agreed.

Looking at the photographs of various scenes from Southeast Missouri, its flowers and animals, McWaters added: "I think this will draw a different type of visitor and be a draw for locals, too. This is something new and exciting for our town. And it is a good use of a historic building, it breathes life into it."