CARMEL, Ind. - The city of Carmel is cutting ties with a man who has spent years at the center of Carmel's arts community after he was arrested in a prostitution sting.

Police arrested Evan Lurie, 47, on the south side in late February on a preliminary charge of patronizing a prostitute.

Police said Lurie also had marijuana and drug paraphernalia on him. 

Lurie had helped Carmel since 2006 in developing its arts district and attracting artists to the district.
  
He owns the Evan Lurie Gallery in Carmel in the center of the Arts and Design District on Main Street.

Carmel spokeswoman Nancy Heck said the city was in the process of renewing Lurie's contract, which expired last year, but the city has decided not to renew after learning of Lurie's arrest.