Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts announces next installment of concert series featuring Dick Solberg, the Sun Mountain Fiddler

The next installment of the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts’ 2016 concert series will take place on Thursday, September 8, when they host Dick Solberg, the Sun Mountain Fiddler. The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the arts center’s facility at 2736 State Highway 30 in Mayfield. Admission is $10 and tickets are available for advance purchase at www.pncreativeartscenter.org/concertseries or at the door.

Born in New York City, Dick Solberg was trained classically on the piano and the violin, but when he encountered "fiddling" in old-timey, bluegrass, Celtic and Cajun styles, he was hooked. His professional career started in 1976, when he fiddled on the streets in places such as Ann Arbor, Michigan; Provincetown, Cape Cod; and Coconut Grove, Florida. He has performed at the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland, on the Great Wall of China and at the American University in Cairo. Dick continues to play across America and in the Caribbean, where he has spent 34 winter seasons in St. Thomas.

This show is part of the Nigra Arts Center’s 2016 concert series. The concert series features local performers in a wide variety of genres and styles. Visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org/concertseries to see the full lineup.

For more information or questions about this performance and the 2016 concert series at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org/concertseries, call (518) 661-9932 or email nestlem@lexcenter.org. For more information about the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org or call (518) 661-9932. For more information about Dick Solberg, visit www.sunmountainfiddler.org.

Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts announces next installment of concert series featuring Gloversville Community Music faculty

The next installment of the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts’ 2016 concert series will take place on Friday, August 19, when they host a recital performed by faculty members of Gloversville Community Music. The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the arts center’s facility at 2736 State Highway 30 in Mayfield. Admission is $15 and tickets are available for advance purchase at www.pncreativeartscenter.org/concertseries or at the door.

Faculty members of Gloversville Community Music Kelly Lockwood, oboist, and Joshua Thompson, French hornist, will perform an evening of chamber music with special guest artists. Kelly and Joshua are freelance musicians and educators who perform throughout the northeastern United States. They can often be seen playing as a duo for local events, including those for the Micropolis Art Cooperative in downtown Gloversville.

This recital is part of the Nigra Arts Center’s 2016 concert series. The concert series features local performers in a wide variety of genres and styles. Visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org/concertseries to see the full lineup.

For more information or questions about this recital and the 2016 concert series at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org/concertseries, call (518) 661-9932 or email nestlem@lexcenter.org. For more information about the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org or call (518) 661-9932. For more information about Gloversville Community Music, visit www.facebook.com/gloversvillecm.

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.

Meet the Artists Opening Reception for Statewide Summer Art Show to be held at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts

A Meet the Artists Opening Reception for the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts’ 2016 Statewide Summer Art Show will be held on Thursday, August 4, 6-8 p.m. Light refreshments will be served at the reception, which will be attended by some of the featured artists. All are invited to view the pieces and talk to the artists about their work.

The Statewide Summer Art Show features paintings, photography, mosaics, sculptures and mixed media pieces by artists from all over New York State. Through the generous support of donors, the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is able to offer $750 in awards and prizes for the participating artists, including the Helen Hays Memorial Watercolor Award for watercolor works, the Mary Cleland Art Award for all eligible media and the Frank Nigra Memorial Award for all eligible media.  

More than 45 artists and 80 pieces are featured in this show, including more than 20 created by artists with disabilities. Some of the featured artists include Jacqueline Abodeely, Pritpal Anand, Stanley Baxter, Barney Bellinger, Cheryl Bielli, Linda Biggers, Sansanee Booyad, Janene Bouck, Stephanie Brown, Kaylob Chenaille, Tim Conlin,  Bethany Cramer, Michael Darling, Susan Ferron, Kristina Fosmire, Francisco Garcia, Bill Gilmartin, Yana Golikova, Makayla Gray, Deborah Handy, Peter Hathaway, Nicole Hauser, Antoine Hawkins, Carol M. Hesselink, Michael Hine, Linda Hinkle, Scott Hook, Nancie Johnson, Linda Kollar, Joey Ladd, Phyllis Lapi, Nancy LaPorta, James Leddick, Caroline Locatelli, Eva Marie Loucks, Greg Maklae, Amy Marlett, Ellen Rae Panero, Michelle Raspanti, Vanessa Rhodes, Thelma Senecal, Madison Smrtic, Sally Stormon, Lucy Suhr, Brian Tanner, Michael Teal, Mary Thayer, Breauna Theobald, Paul Valovic, Kathy VanLoan and collaborators from Lexington’s Creative Expressions Studio, Liberty ARC’s Community Connections Day Program,  and the Saratoga Bridges Creative Endeavors Art Center.

The show will hang from August 4 to October 5. The public is welcome to view 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.

Nigra Arts Center announces Adirondack Foothills Rock Festival

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts will host its first ever Adirondack Foothills Rock Festival on Saturday, July 30. The festival will feature performances by four local rock bands at the arts center’s facility at 2736 State Highway 30 in Mayfield. Admission is $15 and tickets are available for advance purchase at www.pncreativeartscenter.org/concertseries or at the door.

The festival will begin at noon with a performance from Flame, a cover band comprised of musicians who happen to have disabilities. At 1 p.m., Third Rael will take the stage to perform some of the greatest rock songs of all time. The Smythe’ Brothers 2 will play rock and blues music at 2 p.m. Jocelyn and Chris Arndt will take the stage at 3 p.m. to close the festival with their original retro-rock music.

Chicken barbecue dinners from Whitey’s Meat, Deli and Catering will be available for $10 each, but must be bought in advance. Simply add the dinners to your order when you buy advance tickets online. Each dinner includes half a chicken, a baked potato, a dinner roll and coleslaw.

This festival is part of the Nigra Arts Center’s 2016 concert series. The concert series features local performers in a wide variety of genres and styles. Visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org/concertseries to see the full lineup.

For more information or questions about the Adirondack Foothills Rock Festival and the 2016 concert series at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org/concertseries, call (518) 661-9932 or email nestlem@lexcenter.org. For more information about the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org or call (518) 661-9932.

Nigra Arts Center announces its third concert of the year featuring Vinny Saj and DJ Mike Garrasi

The next installment of the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts’ 2016 concert series will take place on Thursday, July 7, with a performance by local country artist Vinny Saj and DJ Mike Garrasi.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the arts center’s facility at 2736 State Highway 30 in Mayfield. Presale tickets are $10 and available at www.pncreativeartscenter.org/concertseries or at the door for $15.

This concert is the third of several the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is hosting on its grounds in 2016. The concert series will feature local performers in a wide variety of genres and styles. Visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org/concertseries to see the full lineup.

Call for Artists – Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts 2016 Statewide Summer Art Show

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is calling for artists to submit pieces for its 2016 Statewide Summer Art Show. Artists are asked to submit works using the website https://onlinejuriedshows.com. The deadline for submission is Sunday, July 10, and artists will be notified of acceptance on Friday, July 15. Accepted artwork may be dropped off at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, located at 2736 State Highway 30, Gloversville, NY 12078, on Saturday, July 23, from 9 a.m. to noon or Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, July 25-27, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. We welcome all artists and encourage artists who have shown with us to consider submitting new pieces to the exhibit.

Works will be on display in our Community Gallery with a free opening reception on Thursday, August 4,  from 6 to 8 p.m. The show will remain on display to the public until Wednesday, October 5.

Through the generous donation of supporters, the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is able to offer $750 in awards and prizes.

For more information about classes, events and workshops for the public at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org or call 518-661-9932. The Center is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saratoga Arts made this program possible with an Arts Education 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 Revival Comes to the Nigra Arts Center Thursday, June 9!

The second installment of the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts' 2016 concert series will take place on Thursday, June 9, with a performance by local multi-genre cover band The Revival. The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the arts center's facility at 2736 State Highway 30 in Mayfield. Admission is $15 and tickets are available at the door or for advance purchase by clicking here.   

Composed of musicians who have played locally, nationally and internationally, The Revival features an extensive library of cover songs that span generations and genres. They come from a variety of musical backgrounds and produce a sound that is unique and fun. The Revival believes that audiences should be entertained rather than just played to, so audience engagement and participation are essential ingredients to their shows. The comedic exchanges, distributing percussion, great music and audience interaction create a one-of-a-kind and fun experience at every concert. 

Nigra Arts Center announces its first concert of the season featuring Annie and the Hedonists

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is kicking off its 2016 concert series on Saturday, May 21, with a performance by local blues, jazz and Americana band Annie and the Hedonists. The concert begins at 8 p.m. at the art center’s facility at 2736 State Highway 30 in Mayfield. Admission is $15 and tickets are available for advance purchase by visiting http://www.pncreativeartscenter.org/concertseries/ or at the door.

This concert is the first of several the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts will be hosting on its grounds in 2016. The concert series will feature local performers in a wide variety of genres and styles. Visit http://www.pncreativeartscenter.org/concertseries/ to see the whole lineup.

For more information or questions about this concert and the 2016 concert series at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, visit http://www.pncreativeartscenter.org/concertseries/, call (518) 661-9932 or email nestlem@lexcenter.org. For more information about the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org or call (518) 661-9932. For more information about Annie and the Hedonists, visit www.annieandthehedonists.com.

Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts to host Mother’s Day Celebration

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is holding a Mother’s Day Celebration on Saturday, May 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. One mother per family will be admitted free to this special family event. The cost for the rest of the family is $15 per person.

Mothers are invited to enjoy brunch and music among beautiful works of art in the center’s Grand Gallery. While they relax, their children will rotate between craft stations, making them handmade gifts such as jewelry, cards and individually decorated cupcakes. Arts center instructors at each station will help the children make something truly special and personal for their mothers.

All are welcome to attend the Mother’s Day Celebration. It will take place at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, 2736 State Highway 30, Gloversville. Pre-registration is required. To reserve your family’s place at the celebration, visit conta.cc/1SyrCVa or call (518) 661-9932.

 For more information or questions, visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org, call (518) 661-9932 or email nigras@pnarts.org.

Nigra Arts Center announces Mother’s Day Celebration

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is holding a Mother’s Day Celebration on Saturday, May 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. One mother per family will be admitted free to this special family event. The cost for the rest of the family is $15 per person.

Mothers are invited to enjoy brunch and music among beautiful works of art in the center’s Grand Gallery. While they relax, their children will rotate between craft stations, making them handmade gifts such as jewelry, cards and individually decorated cupcakes. Arts center instructors at each station will help the children make something truly special and personal for their mothers.

All are welcome to attend the Mother’s Day Celebration. It will take place at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, 2736 State Highway 30, Gloversville. Pre-registration is required. To reserve your family’s place at the celebration, visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org/events or call (518) 661-9932.

2016 Summer Show Call for Artists

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is calling for artists to submit works for a new rotation of artwork in the Community Gallery at the Center on Saturday, April 23, 2016. We welcome new artists to our Center and encourage artists who have shown with us to consider submitting new works to the exhibit.

Works will be on display in our Community Gallery with an opening reception on Thursday, May 12, 2016 and will be on display to the public until Saturday, July 22, 2016. All works in the show are for sale unless marked NFS by the artist on the entry form and on the reverse of the work. The Nigra Arts Center assumes a 20% commission from the listed price. Each artist will have a bio and artwork description displayed adjacent to the work in the Gallery. Please include all pertinent information on the application so we can share this information.

We are excited to hang another show and share your talent with our visitors during this busy summer season.

Click here for the application.

Sensory Friendly Easter Bunny event held at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts

Children with special needs had the opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny in an environment tailored to them at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts on March 11.

Traditional Easter Bunny photo ops at malls and other public places can be challenging for children with autism, sensory processing disorders and other special needs that make it hard for them to handle crowds, bright lights and dissonant noises, but the Nigra Arts Center’s Sensory Easter Bunny eliminated those sensory triggers. Instead, children met the Easter Bunny in a subdued, open space while relaxing music played quietly.

The children traveled between several activity stations while they waited for their photo op. Outside was an Easter egg hunt and in the kitchen children decorated bunny-shaped sugar cookies. In the art studios they worked on Easter-themed and sensory friendly painting, coloring, egg decorating and yarn crafts.

The event was a success, with 25 children in attendance.

“Both boys absolutely loved it,” said Heather Tomlinson. “For Caleb to stay through the event and complete everything there says so much. And Jacob says he had a lot of fun.”

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts also hosted sensory-friendly meetings with Santa Claus in December. On March 12 it welcomed families of all kinds from the community for its Easter Family Fun Day, which featured egg hunts, crafts, games, concessions and pictures with the Easter Bunny. More than 100 people attended the event.  

Families Invited to Easter Events at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts

This March, the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is getting into the Easter spirit with special events geared toward families and children of all kinds.

Easter Bunny Family Fun Day will happen on Saturday, March 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All families are welcome, with an admission fee of $7 per child above age 2. Activities will include Easter egg decorating, an Easter egg hunt with prizes, crafts, dancing and photos with the Easter Bunny. Please RSVP if you plan to attend at www.bit.ly/1QKEbON.

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is also offering an opportunity for children with special needs to meet the Easter Bunny. Their Sensory Friendly Easter Bunny event will take place on Friday, March 11, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. During the event, steps will be taken to reduce sensory triggers, creating a more comfortable and subdued environment for children with special needs to meet and take photos with the Easter Bunny. The cost is $5 per child. Please register for this event in advance at www.bit.ly/1QrUKjP.

All are welcome to attend these events. Both will take place at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, 2736 State Highway 30, Gloversville. For more information or questions about either, visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org or call (518) 661-9932.

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts Announces Winter “Funderland” Day Camp

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is offering a day camp this winter break for children ages 5 to 10. On December 28, 29 and 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., campers will enjoy a wide range of winter crafts and activities at the art center’s facility at 2736 State Highway 30, Gloversville.

The theme of Monday, December 28, is Beach Party. Campers should bring their beach towels and dress for the warmth as the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts turns up the heat. The day will include s’mores, a dance-off and creating special sand sculptures to take home.

The theme of Tuesday, December 29, is Outdoor Adventure. Weather conditions permitting, campers will participate in outdoor activities such as building snowmen and snow painting. Inside, campers will warm up with hot chocolate and paint their own winter pictures to take home.

The theme of the last day of camp, December 30, is Imagination Celebration. The campers will use their imaginations, abilities and interests – including dancing, singing, acting, and creating costumes and props – to put on a mini production in one day. 

All children within the targeted age group are welcome. Campers should bring their own labeled lunch and water bottle. Refrigeration will be provided. Advanced registration is required. Children can register for all three days of camp or for individual days. The cost is $25 per day or $60 for all three days. For more information and to register, visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org/winter-funderland-camp or call (518) 661-9932.

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts Announces Twin Technologies as Sponsor of its Grand Opening Gala

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is proud to announce that Twin Technologies will be a lead sponsor of its Grand Opening Gala, scheduled for Sept. 17, 2015 at 6 p.m. Twin Technologies, located in Altamont, NY, is a Digital Solutions and System Integration firm with clients across the globe. Owners Mary and Ben Elmore serve on the advisory board of Transitions, the program co-located with the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts that supports students with autism spectrum disorders and other learning differences who want to go to college or have a career and live independently.

The Grand Opening Gala will showcase the renovated facilities located at 2736 State Highway 30, Gloversville and will provide an opportunity for the public to see the type of classes, workshops and events that will take place at both the Creative Arts Center and Transitions. During the evening’s program, Ben Elmore and his son Haydn will tell Haydn’s story about what it’s like to live with autism and will encourage attendees and guests to underwrite scholarships for students to attend the Transitions program.

The Grand Opening is open to the public and tickets are available online at http://www.pncreativeartscenter.org/events/2015/9/17/grand-opening-of-the-paul-nigra-center-for-creative-arts.

What:  Grand Opening of the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts

When:  September 17, 2015, 6 p.m.

 Where:  Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts 2736 State Highway 30, Gloversville, NY, 12078

Cost:       $100 for individual ticket

                  $75 for young professional (under 40) ticket

                  $1,000 for table for 10

                  $1,250 for VIP table for 10

Contact and RSVP info:                    The Lexington Foundation, attn: Katherine Ehle

                                                                        465 N. Perry Street, Johnstown, NY 12095

                                                                        Phone: (518) 736-3909 Fax: (518) 762-0973

                                                                        ehlek@lexcenter.org