Nigra Arts Center Unveils 2018 Fiber, Textile Art and Quilt Show

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is proud to announce the opening of its first-ever 2018 Fiber, Textile Art and Quilt Show. This celebration of fiber arts features a variety of works, including quilts, tapestries, felted wool sculptures, hooked rugs, textile installations, hand-woven fabrics, dyed silks, knitted clothing and more, from both contemporary artists and artists from previous generations. In addition to local craftspeople, this show features artists living in Rhode Island and Costa Rica.

“Best in Show” winner, “Lost and Being Found,” a wall hanging made of wool, mohair, cotton and industrial felt by Kate Park.

More than 22 artists are exhibiting more than 50 pieces in this show. The featured artists include Susan Albanese, Liz Argotsinger, Cheryl Bielli, Doug Countryman, Judith Craddock, Deja Donde, Brenda Dwyer, Daniel V. Ehle, Eleanor Ehle, Katherine L. Ehle, Mary Jane Harford, Carol M. Hesselink, Alice Hudson, Janelle Krause, Kate Park, Kathie Raneri, Helen V. Riddle, Coty Rulison, Diane K. Seney, Lita Setchfield, Laurie Snell, Cecelia Tkaczyk, Toni Turner, Mikyle Woodward and Eileen Wrightsman. In addition, the show featured many more antique and handmade pieces loaned by local private collections.

Second place winner, “We Are the Dreamers,” a handwoven textile by Lita Setchfield.

This show will hang until January 9, 2019. Through the generous support of donors, the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts was able to offer awards and prizes to outstanding submissions in this show. Award winners were at the Meet the Artists Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, October 11. The first place “Best in Show” winner was “Lost and Being Found,” a wall hanging made of wool, mohair, cotton and industrial felt by Kate Park. The second place winner was “We Are the Dreamers,” a handwoven textile by Lita Setchfield. The third place winner was “Flowers Throughout the Seasons,” a hand-stitched quilt by Judith Craddock.

Third place winner, “Flowers Throughout the Seasons,” a hand-stitched quilt by Judith Craddock.

The public is welcome to view the artwork in the Nigra Arts Center’s Community Gallery throughout its run. The gallery is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon. The admission fee for the gallery is $5 per person. Members of the Nigra Arts Center, children under the age of 18 and artists who have work in the current show are exempt from the admission fee. The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is located at 2736 State Highway 30, Gloversville. For more

Nigra Arts Center announces award recipients for 2018 New York State Summer Art Show

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is proud to announce the award winners for its third annual New York State Summer Art Show. The show features work from artists who hail from cities throughout New York State, including Ballston Spa, Castleton, Delanson, Fort Plain, Gloversville, Hadley, Lake Pleasant, Lockport, Mayfield, Milton, New York City, Niskayuna, Olmstedville, St. Johnsville, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady and more. Awards were presented at a public opening reception on Thursday, July 12. The reception was attended by dozens of artists and members of the community.

Awards were presented to winners by Brenda Dwyer, gallery administrator of the Nigra Arts Center, and Wally Hart, executive director of the Nigra Arts Center. Pictured in the first row, from left to right, are Linda Wilkinson, Tiina Bockrath, Constance A. Dodge and Sandra Hildreth accepting their awards. Pictured in the second row are “Marble Quarry” by Linda Wilkinson, “Koi Pond – Feeding” by Tiina Bockrath, “Hope Falls” by Constance A. Dodge and “Barnum Brook, May” by Sandra Hildreth. Pictured in the third row are Deborah Angilletta, Lewis Bryden, Timothy Prendergast and Margaret Bromford accepting their awards. Pictured in the fourth row are “Fly Creek Evening” by Deborah Angilletta, “Seafood” by Lewis Bryden, “Mike’s” by Timothy Prendergast and “Meet the Onion Family” by Margaret Bromford.

The winners of the Best in Show categories for the show are as follows:

Best in Show – Photography
First Place: “Fishing” by L. Paul Masto (Amsterdam, NY)
Second Place: “Marble Quarry” by Linda Wilkinson (Amsterdam, NY)
Third Place: “Koi Pond – Feeding” by Tiina Bockrath (Cambridge, NY)

Best in Show – Landscape
First Place: “Hope Falls” by Constance A. Dodge (Edinburg, NY)
Second Place: “Barnum Brook, May” by Sandra Hildreth (Saranac Lake, NY)
Third Place: “Fly Creek Evening” by Deborah Angilletta (Scotia, NY)

Best in Show – All Media
First Place: “Seafood” by Lewis Bryden (New York, NY)
Second Place: “Mike’s” by Timothy Prendergast (Scotia, NY)
Third Place: “Meet the Onion Family” by Margaret Bromford (Johnstown, NY)

Other artists featured in the show include Cheryl Bielli, Joshua Brooks, Lacy Brower, Bob Buck, Doreen Calhoun, Donald Cooper, Richard Joel Davis, Carollee Duross, Bob Fisher, Dick Foster, Jutta Gloeckner, Lawrence Groesbeck, Deborah Handy, Alexandra Higgins, David Holly, Jack Horning, Nancie Johnson, Elizabeth Knapp, Leena Kutti, Maria Licciardi, Garlyn MaGinnis, Maryanne Malecki, Carol McCord, Shannon Meers, Alan Montinari, John Morrette, Sandra Peters, Joanne Petrozzi-Jones, Margo Singer, Paul Valovic, Darlene Van Sickle, Lynne Vokatis, William W., Sean Walmsley, Gerald Wein and Kevin Wright.

The New York State Summer Art Show and Sale will hang until September 25 at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, 2736 State Highway 30, Gloversville. The majority of the pieces on display are for sale. The public is welcome to view the show throughout its run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. The admission fee for the gallery is $5 per person. Members of the Nigra Arts Center, artists who have work in the current show and children under the age of 18 are exempt from the admission fee. For more information, please call (518) 661-9932 or visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org.

Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts unveils 2018 New York State Summer Art Show!

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is proud to announce the opening of its 2018 New York State Summer Art Show. The show will hang until September 25. It features work in a wide variety of media from artists all around New York State, including local cities, Ballston Spa, Cambridge, Castleton, Delanson, Edinburg, Fort Plain, Hadley, Lake Pleasant, Lockport, Milton, New York City, Niskayuna, Olmstedville, Saranac Lake, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Scotia, St. Johnsville and more.

Forty-five artists are exhibiting more than 110 pieces in this show. The featured artists include Deborah Angilletta, Cheryl Bielli, Tiina Bockrath, Margaret Bromford, Lacy Brower, Lewis Bryden, Bob Buck, Doreen Calhoun, Donald Cooper, Richard Joel Davis, Constance A. Dodge, Carollee Duross, Bob Fisher, Dick Foster, Jutta Gloeckner, Lawrence Groesbeck, Deborah Handy, Alexandra Higgins, Sandra Hildreth, David Holly, Jack Horning, Nancie Johnson, Elizabeth Knapp, Leena Kutti, Maria Licciardi, Garlyn MaGinnis, Maryanne Malecki, L. Paul Masto, Carol McCord, Shannon Meers, Alan Montinari, John Morrette, Sandra Peters, Joanne Petrozzi-Jones, Timothy Prendergast, Vanessa Rhodes, Margo Singer, Paul Valovic, Darlene Van Sickle, Lynne Vokatis, William W., Sean Walmsley, Gerald Wein, Linda Wilkinson and Kevin Wright.

Through the generous support of donors, the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is able to offer awards and prizes to outstanding submissions in this show. Award winners will be announced at the Meet the Artists Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, July 12, from 6-8 p.m. All are welcome to attend, see the show and meet some of the featured artists. Light refreshments will be served. Attendees of the reception will receive free admission to the gallery.

The public is welcome to view the artwork in the Nigra Arts Center’s Community Gallery throughout its run. The gallery is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon. The admission fee for the gallery is $5 per person. Members of the Nigra Arts Center, children under the age of 18 and artists who have work in the current show are exempt from the admission fee. The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is located at 2736 State Highway 30, Gloversville. For more information, please call (518) 661-9932 or visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org.

Nigra Arts Center announces award recipients for 2018 Fulton Montgomery Art Show

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is proud to announce the award winners for its second annual Fulton Montgomery Art Show and Sale. The show is a recreation of the former Fulton County Art Show that the Congregational Church in Gloversville held for many years. It includes work from artists who live and work in Fulton and Montgomery Counties and a special exhibit of the work of featured artist Rhea Costello, a painter and ceramic artist from Gloversville. The show also features work created by students from Boulevard, Kingsborough and Park Terrace Elementary Schools, Gloversville Middle School, and Canajoharie, Gloversville and Mayfield High Schools.

The public opening reception for the 2018 Fulton Montgomery Art Show was attended by Miss Fulton County Chelsea Cirillo and Miss Montgomery County Sara James, who presented the awards to the winners. Pictured, clockwise from top left, are Melissa Ellis with Sara James; Katelyn Frisch with Sara James; Paul Steenburgh with Chelsea Cirillo; “Avery” by Paul Steenburgh; “Ceci N’est pas une Pomme” by Katelyn Frisch; and “Sea Salt” by Melissa Ellis.

Awards were presented at a public opening reception on Thursday, April 19. The reception was attended by hundreds of artists and members of the community.

Artists who submitted work to the Fulton Montgomery Art Show selected the winners of the Community Artists’ Award from the work submitted by high school students. Katelyn Frisch of Mayfield High School won first place with her oil painting “Ceci N’est pas une Pomme.” Juliana Buyce, a senior at Mayfield High School, won second place with her painting “The Storm.” Louie Hand, a senior at Canajoharie High School, won third place for his drawing “Hands.” The runner up in this category was Naomi Liebers, a freshman at Mayfield High School.

Local artist and former art teacher Kathie W. Raneri sponsored and selected the Kathie W. Raneri Award for 3-D Design, given to a student who shows skillful and creative use of form and space. The winner in this category was the soapstone sculpture “Untitled” by Zoe Spanga Santoro, a senior at Gloversville High School.

Local artist and former art teacher Cindy Sheeler sponsored the Cindy Hood Sheeler Award, given to a student whose 2-D or 3-D work shows vivid, imaginative use of color. The winner in this category was the painting “Is This Love?” by Sierra Luck, a senior at Mayfield High School.

The Traditions Award, given by local artist and former art teacher Kathryn M. Zajicek, was presented to a young artist whose work shows the inspiration, creativity and excellence that best reflect the tradition of this show throughout the years. The winner in this category was the painting “Sea Salt” by Melissa Ellis of Johnstown.

The winners of the Best in Show categories among the community artist exhibition are as follows:

Best in Show – Photography
First Place: “Just Intonation” by Jane Riley
Second Place: “Cattails” by Bob Buck
Third Place: “Predator at Square Falls” by Sandra Peters

Best in Show – Drawing
First Place: “Avery” by Paul Steenburgh
Second Place: “New Years Eve at Fallingwater” by Thomas Armstrong Third Place: “Farm Days” by Lynda Naske

Best in Show – Other Media
First Place: “Mergansers on the Mohawk” by Karen Slezak
Second Place: “Nesting Bird of Paradise” by Kathryn Bartscht
Third Place: “Brown Trout” by Jonathan Swartwout

Other artists featured in the show include Amy Andujar, Jeffrey John Ardizzone, Christine Biche, Linda Biggers, Margaret Bromford, Joshua Brooks, Ross Carangelo, David D’Amore, Richard Joel Davis, Francis Dempsey, Katherine L. Ehle, Melanie Fay, Richard Freeman, Katey Germain, Warren Greene, Dolores Haberek, Deborah Handy, Carol M. Hesselink, Alexandra Higgins, Linda Hinkle, Jack Horning, Michele Johnsen, Nancie Johnson, Carl Jurica, Gail Kessler, Juliet Konieczny, Marion Kratky, Nancy LaPorta, Maria Licciardi, Garlyn MaGinnis, Carrie Moxham, Christian O’Callaghan, Laura Penge Burda, Sarah Ralson, Thelma Senecal, Cindy Sheeler, Sandra Ann Sparks, Beth Spraggs, Julie Takacs, Paul Valovic, Lynne Vokatis and Kevin Wright.

The Fulton Montgomery Art Show and Sale will hang until May 14 at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, 2736 State Highway 30, Gloversville. The majority of the pieces on display are for sale. The public is welcome to view the show throughout its run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. The admission fee for the gallery is $5 per person. Members of the Nigra Arts Center and artists who have work in the current show are exempt from the admission fee. For more information, please call (518) 661-9932 or visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org.

Saratoga Arts made this program possible with a Community Arts Grant funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

NIGRA ARTS CENTER RECEIVES AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts in Gloversville, New York is being honored with a 2017 Award of Excellence by CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership. This award acknowledges their creation of an inclusive environment where artistic expression and diverse creativity can flourish for all aspiring and established artists, both with and without disability. The community-based facility offers classes, exhibits, productions, concerts, camps, workshops, and other enrichment experiences where all participants are respected as artists, actors, dancers, musicians, and aspiring chefs.

Angela Rapp Kennedy, Vice President, CQL; Mary Kay Rizzolo, CEO, CQL; Shaloni Winston, Executive Director, Lexington; and Daniel Richardson, Deputy Executive Director, Lexington.

“The Nigra Arts Center has a genuine attentiveness to each person as an artist. Instead of focusing on disability as being the context for their creation, each artist’s work stands on its own, just as it should. It’s a refreshing approach,” says Mary Kay Rizzolo, President and CEO of CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership. CQL is presenting five recipients with the 2017 CQL Award of Excellence at the 2017 CQL Conference, themed ‘Blueprint for Person-Centered Practices,’ in recognition of best practices in human services.

The Lexington Foundation, of Lexington, a chapter of the Arc of New York, owns and operates the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts. Following numerous Personal Outcome Measures® interviews, Lexington discovered that many people had interest in the creative arts and wanted more opportunities to enjoy and express themselves. This center is unique in that community members take part in program activities, right along with those receiving more formal supports. The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts also does not differentiate artists based on diagnosis during juried exhibitions, as there is no reference at all to an artist’s disability. 

“We are most proud to see people with disabilities recognized for their individual talents and abilities by everyone who comes to the arts center.  Every day they are learning and sharing experiences with others who have common goals and aspirations. This has helped them feel respected and to be true members of the community,” said Shaloni Winston, Executive Director of Lexington and the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts. “We are grateful to CQL for this honor and recognition.”

The mission of the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is to provide a creative educational resource for people of all ages and abilities while celebrating the arts through classes, entertainment, exhibitions, and special events. Additionally, they are committed to offering accessible art programs for adults and children with developmental and physical differences.

Winners Announced as Popular Art Show Returns

On Thursday, May 11, hundreds of people packed the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts as winners were announced for the 2017 Fulton-Montgomery Art Show. The award ceremony took place during the Meet the Artists Opening Reception. The exhibition features work from a wide range of artists who live or work in Fulton and Montgomery Counties. Pieces created by student artists are also showcased. The featured artist is renowned local painter, sculptor and photographer Barney Bellinger.

2017 Fulton-Montgomery Art Show Winners

Student Awards:

Congregational Church Art Show Committee Award

First Place: “Childhood Memories 2, A Day at the Beach” by Taylor Griffith, Grade 12, Johnstown High School

Second Place: “Frank Gallagher” by Carolyn Smith, Grade 10, Broadalbin-Perth High School

Third Place: “Reveal” by Michael Darling, Grade 12, Northville Central School

Runner Up: Shelby Dopp, Grade 12, Mayfield Junior/Senior High School

Community Artists’ Award – Best in Show

First Place: “Cat 2” by Sierra Luck, Grade 12, Mayfield Junior/Senior High School

Second Place: “Untitled” by Amy Laubenstein, Grade 10, Mayfield Junior/Senior High School

Third Place: “Baby Crying” by Carter Ivancic, Grade 12, Mayfield Junior/Senior High School

Runner Up: “Girl in the Harley-Davidson Hat” by Sara Albright, Grade 12, Mayfield Junior/Senior High School

Traditions Award: Sara Albright, Grade 12, Mayfield Junior/Senior High School

Helen I. Hays Memorial Award: “Flower Girl” by Charlene Walters, Grade 12, Broadalbin-Perth High School

Antoine Harazin Award: Lauryn Pianelli, Grade 11, Mayfield Junior/Senior High School

Community Artist Awards:

Best in Show – Photography

First Place: “Snowy Glare” by Warren Greene

Second Place: “Intricate Dandy” by Paul Valovic

Third Place: “Big Brother” by Ron Dennis

Best in Show – All Media

First Place: “The Hedgerow” by Nancie Johnson

Second Place: “Between Races” by Sharon Miller

Third Place: “In Pemaquid Park” by Lynne Vokatis

Fulton County Show Alumni Award

First Place: “Geraniums” by Marilyn Batty

Second Place: “The Glove” by Jack Horning

Third Place: “1949 Studebaker” by Robert Stangle

The Fulton-Montgomery Art Show is a re-creation of the long-held Fulton County Art Show at the First Congregational Church in Gloversville. This show no longer exists, so the Nigra Arts Center was happy to resurrect and expand it to include Fulton and Montgomery Counties. 

The show will hang through June 5. The public is welcome to view the winning pieces as well as the rest of the artwork in our Community Gallery Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saratoga Arts made this program possible with a Community Arts Grant funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. 

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts announces award recipients for 2016 Statewide Summer Art Show

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts has unveiled its 2016 Statewide Summer Art Show, featuring paintings, photography, mosaics, sculptures and mixed media pieces by more than 45 artists from all over New York State. Through the generous support of donors, the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts was able to offer $750 in awards and prizes for the participating artists, including the Helen Ireland Hays Memorial Award for watercolor works, the Mary Cleland Art Award for all eligible media and the Frank Nigra Memorial Art Award for all eligible media created by individuals with disabilities.

Pictured: Lucy Suhr, winner of the Helen Ireland Hays Memorial Award for Watercolor; Linda Biggers, honorable mention for the Mary Cleland Art Award; Linda Kollar, winner of the Mary Cleland Art Award; and Francis Dempsey, winner of the Frank Nigra Memorial Art Award.

Helen Ireland Hays was an avid painter with a particular fondness for watercolor. Born and raised in Johnstown, she lived there for nearly all of her 100 years. Hays was a strong supporter of the arts who encouraged and contributed to many arts organizations, programs and individual artists. The recipient of the award named in her honor is Lucy Suhr of Amsterdam for her watercolor painting “Chinese Eagle and Pine.” Honorable mentions went to James Leddick of Oneida Lewis ARC in Utica for his painting “Berries” and Sally Storman of Auburn for her still life “Two Apples.”

Mary Cleland is an artist who has worked many media, including oils, acrylics, watercolor and ceramics. As a retired art teacher, she has shared her love for art with countless people and is thrilled to have a granddaughter following in her footsteps as an artist. For the award named after her, Cleland selected Linda Kollar of Glen and her mixed media piece “Enlightened” as the recipient. Honorable mentions went to Linda Biggers of Broadalbin for her mixed media and eggshell mosaic piece “Moonlight Dancers” and Janene Bouck of Broadalbin for her photograph “Glove City Swamp.”

Frank Nigra was a prolific artist who painted more than 1,000 pieces in his lifetime. He was also the father of the late Paul Nigra, the former longtime executive director of Lexington who gave the arts center its name. Frank Nigra’s work is an inspiration to his family and to the men and women supported by Lexington. The recipient of the award given in his memory is Francis Dempsey of Mayfield for his mixed media piece “Freedom to the Galaxy.” Honorable mentions went to Pritpal Anand of AHRC in Suffolk County for his photograph “Timeless” and Stephanie Brown of AHRC in Suffolk County for her photograph “Inside Out.”  

Winners of each award will receive $250. The show will hang from August 4 to October 5. The public is welcome to view the winning pieces as well as the rest of the artwork in the Nigra Arts Center’s Community Gallery Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon. The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is located at 2736 State Highway 30, Gloversville. For more information, please call (518) 661-9932 or visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org.

Saratoga Arts made this program possible with a Community Arts Grant funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

Nigra Arts Center announces Cubby Creates scholarship fund

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is proud to announce its new Cubby Creates scholarship fund, made possible by a generous donation of $500 presented by Melissa Faville Hally and Mary Jo Faville on behalf of the Cubby Faville Memorial Fund. The scholarship fund will be used to help underserved young people attend classes at the arts center.

Nominees can be recommended to receive funds by a teacher or a representative from an organization, church or community group. Nominees must be age 16 or under and must be able to pay $5 at the door to secure a spot in the class. The scholarship fund will pay for the rest of the class fee. Cubby Creates only applies to standalone classes. The scholarship cannot be used to pay for camps, multi-session classes or special events.

Cubby Creates was made possible by the Cubby Faville Memorial Fund, which was started in 2014 to honor the memory of Everett “Cubby” Faville, a local teacher and lover of sports and the culinary arts. The Cubby Faville Memorial Fund is a non-profit organization that uses its energy to passionately advocate for the youth in our local community by promoting education and sports opportunities. The fund has provided assistance, scholarships and new materials for the Gloversville and Johnstown Little Leagues, Donate Life, the Johnstown accelerated reader program, Amsterdam Junior Iron Chefs and more.

For more information about the Cubby Creates Scholarship or to nominate a deserving young person, visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org/cubby-creates. For more information about the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts and its class offerings, visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org or call (518) 661-9932. For more information about the Cubby Faville Memorial Fund, visit www.cubbyfaville.com.