ALCA NEWS
May 2008                                                                Vol. 2 No. 2

A Note From the New Executive Director  

Where Does Art Come From…

  When I was very young my mother told me art was born from nature.  It took me many years to figure out what she meant, but I eventually came to realize it was right in front of me.  Shades of red during fall foliage, shocking bright yellow dandelions popping up out of nowhere in spring, the pure white of a first snow, birds singing, the texture of tree bark, the feel of wooly sheep and the fragrance of honeysuckle and gardenia.  If we look up, we see cloud formations that have inspired thousands of artists for centuries.  With an aerial view we would see corn fields divided into perfect squares and rivers that zigzag randomly like an architect's French curve.  I once compared a line of young white birch trees to a troupe of ballerinas, standing straight, poised, waiting for the orchestra to begin.  Yes, I believe nature is art in its original form, waiting to be discovered everyday.  

Pamela Eaton Siers
Executive Director 

Many thanks to Jamie Strader who for almost four months, served as Interim Executive Director of the Arts Center.  The staff thanks her for being with us.  We thank her for her ability to direct and organize the business of the day so efficiently.  As she attended to the tasks at hand, she did so with a smile and a chuckle, but always with a firm hand.  Thank you Jamie, we love you.
Our thanks also to the many board members who came to the Arts Center day after day to take on any tasks that needed attention.  Special thanks to Camille Nerney who worked with Jamie so faithfully on those endless NYSCA reports.

ANNUAL MEETING

Monday, July 21, 2008, 8PM

Join the Art Center’s Board of Trustees for a review of the year’s activities. 

Agendas may be obtained from the office.
 

Spring Happenings...
 

Remember we have Saturday Hours!

The Arts Center is open Saturdays from 11AM until 3PM.  Our summer hours begin in July with the doors open Monday through Friday 10AM to 4PM, Saturdays from 10 to 4 and Sundays, noon to 4PM.

  NYSCA Conference

We were pleased to host a reception in April for NYSCA representatives and those attending an annual statewide retreat for Decentralization Coordinators at Minnowbrook Conference Center.  ALCA administers the NYSCA Decentralization Program for Hamilton County. 

After School Workshops

A series of seven art workshops for students ages 8 – 13 was held this winter at Indian Lake Central School.  Workshop leaders were Mrs. Brenda Voorhees, Mrs Jennifer Zahray and Mrs. Kenda Butterfield.  Principal Mr. David Snide has expressed a desire to continue the workshops during the next school year.  Our youth programming is supported by grants from the Pearsall Foundation and Stewart’s Foundation.

  Alzheimer’s Respite Group workshops

The Arts Center, with the help of volunteers Nancy Strader, Nancy Pierson and Laurie Wright, was able to offer workshops in each of the two groups that meet in Indian Lake and Inlet.  Liddy Johnson, the leader of the respite groups is very appreciative of any time Arts Center volunteers can give for these workshops.  If you would like to volunteer for one to two hours, once a month in either of the locations, please contact Susan Sessions at the Arts Center.

  Math Tutoring

ALCA  continues to be  the site for tutoring sessions for local high school math students.  We are happy to host these learning sessions and to bring students to the Arts Center.

  Preschool

Our spring session of preschool brings us new students!  We have 6 students ages 3 to 5 enjoying their time with Ms. Brenda and Ms. Jennifer every Tuesday and Thursday morning.

  Student Talent Fills the Arts Center in April

Students from Indian Lake, Long Lake, Newcomb, and Wells schools participated in an art exhibit.  The art works, which were created during this school year in a variety of media and styles, were selected for the exhibit by their art teachers.  Parents, students and teachers enjoyed the exhibit during a gallery reception on April 5th and throughout the month. 

A recital of vocal and instrumental selections by students from Johnsburg and Newcomb Central Schools was enjoyed by students, their families, teachers and friends at the Arts Center on April 26th.  A reception followed the recital.  The music teachers are looking forward to next year’s recital and hope to encourage other area schools to participate.  Performers pictured below.

The Arts Center is grateful to the foundations that help to make so many of our programs possible. 
  
HKH Foundation     
Knox Family Foundation
Glenn & Carol Pearsall Foundation   
Stewart’s Foundation
Wal-mart Foundation

Looking ahead…  

Auction Items

Think of us when you are doing your spring cleaning! We are always looking for quality items such as antiques and unusual objects for our auction July 5th, 2008.  Items accepted anytime before July.  Call if you need assistance with pickup.

  Summer Interns Learn and Assist

Again this summer the Arts Center will welcome two interns who will join us for eight weeks to gain experience in the Arts.  The interns, college students seeking educational experience in the arts, were chosen from a competitive pool of applicants.  The interns gain experience in public relations and programming including promoting and preparing for performances, exhibits, and workshops.

  Visual and Performing Arts Award for Excellence

Each year the Arts Center presents the Visual and Performing Arts Awards for Excellence to selected area high school students.  The awards are presented at graduation in June, and are in recognition of the Arts Center’s continued support of interest in the educational welfare of local students. 

  Performing Artist and Intern Housing

Performers often require housing as a part of their contract agreement with ALCA.  We are looking for housing for our performers.  We are also in need of housing for one of our summer interns.  Please call Susan Sessions if you have space available.

  Community Use

Remember that the Arts Center is available for use as a meeting space for events.  Groups using our facility have included Hamilton County Community Services, Hamilton County Mental Heath Services, and the Girl Scouts as well as birthday parties and family gatherings.

SAVE THE DATES  

UPCOMING EVENTS

  Open House

Saturday, June 7, Noon – 4PM

Meet the staff and renew your membership.  Arts & craft show and sale.

   Annual Auction

Saturday, July 5, 10AM - 2PM

Preview Friday, July 4, 6-8PM

Flea Market Sunday, July 6, 10AM

  Frank Conti Jazz Quartet

Saturday, July 12, 6-9PM

 Join us for an evening of Jazz, dancing and light fare. Make your reservation early!

  Great Camps Benefit

Saturday, August 9, 4PM – 7PM

This is an extraordinary opportunity to visit Blue Mountain Center, a working artists’ and writers’ community at Eagle Nest Estate in Blue Mountain Lake. 

  Town of Indian Lake Sesquicentennial

Blue Mountain Lake Day

Sunday, August 10

3PM - Catskill Puppet Theater performance in the street (or inside if rain).

Watch for details of other events, including square dance and fireworks!

  Look for our summer brochure or consult our website www.adk-arts.org for a complete listing of performances, workshops and gallery exhibits.

Mission Statement

The Mission of the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts is to promote visual and
performing arts through programs and services in our region, to serve established
professional and aspiring artists, and to serve the region through educational programs.

THE ADIRONDACK LAKES CENTER FOR THE ARTS  

The Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents as a private, non-profit educational institution.  What began in 1967 as a grass-roots arts organization presenting one program in its first year, has grown to a Community Arts Center offering over 100 programs each year.  The Arts Center operates year-round to bring quality visual and performing arts to a region of the state rich in natural beauty but with limited cultural opportunities.  The area served by the Arts Center includes Hamilton County and adjacent  towns in Essex, Franklin, Warren and Herkimer counties.

  ALCA is a member of the New York Multi-Arts Centers Consortium and the Alliance of NYS Arts Organizations.

Remember - - -

If You Don’t have a Will the Government  Has One for You!

  Preparing a will is a simple task.  It is the surest way to arrange your personal affairs so that your family and friends will be remembered in the way you wish.

  The Arts Center is pleased and appreciative when we are remembered by our friends in a will with a simple statement such as:
I hereby give and bequeath to the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts the sum of $_____________  or the following property ___________________.

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