A rendering shows the award-winning addition and renovations planned for the Chester County Art Association.

The new year is starting propitiously for the Chester County Art Association, which is opening two shows and celebrating an honor bestowed on the architects charged with its expansion and updating.

Bernardon Haber Holloway Architects recently won recognition in the Design Award Program for its plan for the Chester County Art Association’s renovations and addition, said Nancy Payne, executive director of the Delaware Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to work with a company of professionals who are so insightful about what we do and how we do it,” said Darcie Goldberg, executive director of the Chester County Art Association. “The new building design is going to make a mark for an art center that will stand out because of its striking architectural style.”

The renovations, expected to begin at the end of 2013, will create a balance of Chester County tradition with a modern aesthetic, officials said.  The major addition will consist of an expanded pottery studio while the entire building and site will undergo extensive updating and improvements to gallery and classroom spaces.

In the meantime, the association will debut two new exhibitions, which will run from Friday through Feb. 8. The public is welcome to attend a free opening reception on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m.

The Huston Gallery will feature, a solo show entitled “Favi Dubo: Absolute Favi,” a retrospective of paintings that highlight Dubo’s passions for abstraction and architecture. The Allinson Gallery will showcase “BIG/little: Impact of Art,” a group exhibition that required small works to be 6 inches by 6 inches and large pieces to have at least on side measuring 40 inches. About 100 pieces will be displayed, ranging from large-scale portraiture and landscapes to miniatures by such well-known artists as Charles Jay and textile compositions by Barbara Bugliani.

The Chester County Art Association is located at 100 N. Bradford Ave., West Chester. Gallery hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. It is a nonprofit, cultural organization that promotes participation in the arts through quality instruction, exhibitions and community outreach.  CCAA believes that art does make a difference and has enhanced the community by involving people of all ages and aspirations in the arts since 1931. For more information about exhibits and classes, call 610-696-5600.