The bilingual art society Spectra was founded in 1970, gathering members from Lappfjärd, Karijoki, Sideby, Isojoki and Kristinestad.

 In 1971 rooms for exhibitions and work were hired in the so called  Wendelins’ house at 10 Skolgatan in Kristinestad. In 1978, when the owners wanted to sell the house, the idea of buying the property and establishing an art centre was raised.  A fundraising project under the name of ”Project Spectra -78” was initiated. It was, however, not possible to raise the whole purchase price of 36.000 Fmk, so the association was indebted to the owners of the house. These being Otto Wendelin’s daughters. 

 The deed of purchase was signed on 13th September in 1978 by, among others, chairman Birgitta Recksén, who was to become a driving force during the restoration, which lasted almost throughout the 1980s.