Nigra Arts Center Announces Further Changes in Schedule Due to COVID-19 Disruptions

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The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts would like to provide an update on changes in their schedule caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It will no longer re-open in May, as previously announced, due to changed recommendations and mandates from the state.

According to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s guidelines for New York Forward and information from the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council, the earliest the Nigra Arts Center can re-open is Wednesday, July 1, subject to change if guidelines shift in the future.

Some of the schedule changes and updates for the rest of the spring and summer are as follows:

  • For the first time, the Nigra Arts Center has released a virtual tour of its current show, “Women’s Movement: Art By, About and For Women,” on its Facebook page for the enjoyment of guests who did not have the chance to see the show in person. This virtual tour can be found at www.facebook.com/PaulNigraCenter.

  • The Nigra Arts Center’s next art show will be the 2020 New York State Summer Art Show. This show is expected to be on display July 30 to September 25, and will include the special exhibition of award-winning photographers featured in Adirondack Life magazine that was previously intended to hang alongside the Regional Art Show.

  • The Nigra Arts Center has been exploring ways of offering virtual art classes for its members. Plans should be finalized by the end of the month, and members should watch their email inboxes for more information on how to participate.

  •  Due to restrictions on travel and social gatherings necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nigra Arts Center must cancel all of its remaining bus trips for 2020. Anyone who purchased tickets for these excursions will be contacted for options on refunds or deferment for future trips.

  • The Lexington Golf Tournament, originally scheduled for June, has now been tentatively rescheduled to Thursday, August 27, at Hales Milles Country Club.

The priority of the Nigra Arts Center at this time is establishing new policies and procedures to keep guests, artists, instructors, employees and visitors safe and healthy when they do re-open. While the Nigra Arts Center is closed to the public, its staff remain available to address any questions or concerns the public might have. They may be reached at (518) 661-9932 or info@pnarts.org.

Up-to-date news on any further changes to the Nigra Arts Center’s operations can be found on its website, www.pncreativeartscenter.org, and its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/PaulNigraCenter. The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is located at 2736 State Highway 30 in Gloversville.

Nigra Arts Center is Looking for Community Input!

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Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts Looking for Community Input for Its Programming for 2020
Online survey available for opinions on classes, workshops

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is looking for community input as it puts together its programming for 2020.  The Nigra Arts Center encourages people to fill out an online survey about its offerings at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JQZNX85.

The survey will only take 3-5 minutes to complete.  Paper copies of the survey are also available at the Nigra Arts Center, which is open Monday through Friday from 8am-6pm and Saturdays from 9am-12pm.  The survey will be open until Friday, November 15.

If you have any questions or need further information please call (518) 661-9932.

Nigra Arts Center Selected as a Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program Beneficiary

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The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts has been selected as a beneficiary of the Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program for the month of June.

The Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program, which launched in April 2014, is a reusable bag program that facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities where shoppers live and work. The Nigra Arts Center was selected as the June beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Hannaford located at 235 5th Avenue Ext., Gloversville. The Nigra Arts Center will receive a $1 donation every time the $2.50 reusable Community Bag is purchased at this location throughout June. 

“We are honored to have been chosen to participate in this great program, which benefits the environment as well as the Nigra Arts Center. The public has always given generously to support us in the past and we hope they will continue to do so,” said Wally Hart, Executive Director of The Lexington Foundation, which operates the Nigra Arts Center. “Proceeds from this program will go toward our efforts to offer fun, inclusive, arts-themed activities and events to the public, including our upcoming New York State Summer Art Show and our six-week summer kid camp program, which starts in July.”

The Nigra Arts Center is a non-profit community arts center based in Gloversville, NY. Founded in 2015, it provides art classes of all kinds, rotating art exhibitions, day camps for children, performances, special events and more to the community at large. Learn more about by visiting www.pncreativeartscenter.org or calling (518) 661-9932. The Nigra Arts Center is located at 2736 State Highway 30, Gloversville. It is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon.

For more information on the Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program, visit hannaford.bags4mycause.com.

Call for Singers!

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The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts in Gloversville is introducing the formation of The Sacandaga Singers, an adult (18+) choir which will rehearse weekly and feature a repertoire of popular and classical vocal compositions. Besides performances at local events, concerts will be held bi-annually at the arts center with a holiday concert in December and a spring concert in May.

Participants must able to commit to the rehearsal/performance schedule and become members of the Nigra Arts Center.  In addition to being part of choir, membership benefits include discounts on admission to exhibitions, workshops, classes, select performances and special events at the arts center.

For more information and to schedule an audition, please contact Tom Simek by email at sacandagasingers@gmail.com. 

EMVI Chocolate Provides Sweet Support to Nigra Arts Center  

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The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is grateful to EMVI Chocolate for its ongoing support, which happens to be exceptionally sweet.  

The Broadalbin business, owned by Irina and Victor Gelman, recently donated a giant chocolate bunny that was raffled off at the Nigra Arts Center’s Easter Bunny Family Fun Day on April 15th.  Also donated?  Hundreds of chocolates that were sold to visitors - with proceeds benefitting the center.  The generosity didn’t end there.  When EMVI held its own giant chocolate bunny raffle, $1,108 was raised:  $554 of which was donated to the Fulton County YMCA and $554 to the Nigra Arts Center. 

“We cannot thank EMVI Chocolate and the Gelman family enough,” said center director Sue Nigra. “We deeply appreciate their generosity and friendship. Plus - EMVI chocolate is absolutely amazing!”

EMVI Chocolate is also donating chocolate treats for a basket to be raffled off on May 18th during The Lexington Foundation’s Fashion Show and Luncheon.  For more information on the event, visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org.

Bellinger and Groesback collaboration on display at Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts

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If you visit the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts in Gloversville any time in the next month, you will be greeted by a striking steel sculpture next to the lower parking lot. Its form melding industrial repurposed materials with organic curves and almost delicate appendages, “The Story of Lucas” is at once the embodiment of man-made invention and perfectly at home in the woods surrounding it.

The sculpture is a collaboration between local artists Barney Bellinger and Lawrence Groesbeck, who graduated from the same class at Johnstown High School. The idea to collaborate came when Groesbeck visited Bellinger at his studio and Bellinger asked if he would like to build a sculpture together.

The artists began work on the sculpture without a plan and let it evolve before them, sharing the duties of selecting materials, fitting them into the form and welding them together. They worked on the sculpture for four months, taking turns selecting scrap metal and adding it to the form until the sculpture took shape as an abstract figure. It is made entirely of found materials salvaged from nearby sources.

The piece was named for Groesbeck’s son. Bellinger suggested the title because it evoked Lucas’ tenacity, strength, resilience and ability to endure hardship.

Groesbeck specializes primarily in abstract drawing and painting, though he has done some sculptural work with found materials, including cardboard, leather, wood and books. His pieces have been exhibited at the Arkell Museum in Canajoharie, the Shoe Factory Gallery in Rochester and many other locations. His work is also included in private collections across the United States and internationally. He works out of October Mountain Arts studio in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains.

Bellinger’s body of work is diverse and constantly evolving, from painting and photography to sculptural furniture and abstract forms made of scrap metal, wood and found objects. His work has been featured in several rustic furniture publications and exhibited at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, WY, the Smithsonian Institution, the Munson-Williams-Proctor Institute in Utica, and many more venues across the United States and internationally. He works alongside his wife Susan out of Sampson Bog Studio in Mayfield.

Bellinger is the featured artist of the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts’ 2017 Fulton-Montgomery Art Show. He will be exhibiting photography, paintings, industrial sculptural furniture and lighting, and a collection of abstract sculptures scattered around the grounds of the arts center. Groesbeck is also exhibiting five paintings in the show.

The Fulton-Montgomery Art Show, featuring the work of artists who live and work in Fulton and Montgomery Counties as well as the work of local students, will hang from May 6 to June 5. A public Meet the Artists Opening Reception will be held Thursday, May 11, 6-8 p.m. All are welcome to attend. The public may also view the show throughout its run Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is located at 2736 State Highway 30, Gloversville. For more information, 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

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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.

Nigra Arts Center announces collaboration with internationally acclaimed artist Barney Bellinger

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The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts and Transitions, located in Gloversville, NY, and operated by The Lexington Foundation, are collaborating with internationally acclaimed artist Barney Bellinger of Sampson Bog Studio. Bellinger is a renowned painter and rustic furniture maker who builds sculptures and mixed media pieces out of industrial objects blended with rustic materials and natural resources. Bellinger and his wife, Susan, work together in the studio to conceptualize and create highly sought-after masterworks.

Bellinger is currently utilizing space at the Nigra Arts Center to expand his workshop. In doing so, he is able to share his talent with both art students and the young adults who attend Transitions.

Transitions is a supportive apprenticeship program for young men and women with autism and other learning differences who want to attend college and/or prepare for a career. It is co-located with the Nigra Arts Center, so recently it was able to arrange for 12 of its Apprentices to take a series of classes with Bellinger, where they will not only learn about his creative process, but also see it in action. The Apprentices will get hands-on experience as they use the objects and tools Bellinger employs in his technique. The classes will continue throughout the spring and eventually culminate in the development of the Apprentices’ own unique vision for an art piece.

Bellinger also plans to lead a series of workshops open to artists and patrons of the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts who are interested in learning more about his process and the development of a completed piece. For more information about Barney Bellinger and Sampson Bog Studio, visit www.facebook.com/BarneyBellinger. For more information about the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org.

Transitions Apprentices Make Art with Barney Bellinger

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Earlier today, Transitions Apprentices enjoyed an unforgettable artistic experience with critically acclaimed Adirondack artist and designer Barney Bellinger (Barney Bellinger Collection). Barney was kind enough to give a tour of his studio at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts. The renowned painter, furniture artisan and 3D artist also taught the Apprentices the ancient and delicate process of applying gold leaf to works of art. We would like to thank Barney for his generosity in sharing his workspace, skills and talent, and for letting the Apprentices help him finish one of his gorgeous pieces.

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

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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

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts Announces Summer 2015 Artists-in-Residence

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The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is honored to welcome its first two artists-in-residence, Gwyneth Scally and Michaela Worosz, who are visiting for the next five weeks. They will be working on their own projects at our facility as well as sharing their talents with the public through a series of public workshops. Sign up for one of them for an exclusive sneak peek at the arts center before its September grand opening. Scally will present a three-week Portrait Painting in Oil workshop from 6 – 8PM on the following dates: 7/27/15, 7/29/15, 8/3/15, 8/5/15, 8/10/15 and 8/12/15. Worosz will teach two Fold and Cut Paper Art workshops. The first, a condensed two-week workshop, will go from 6 – 9PM on 7/14/15, 7/16/15, 7/21/15 and 7/23/15. The second, a three-week workshop, will be taught from 6 – 8PM on 7/28/15, 7/30/15, 8/4/15, 8/6/15, 8/11/15 and 8/13/15. All classes take place at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, all materials will be provided, and the cost for each workshop is $100.

Scally is known and acclaimed internationally for her art, which includes large-scale paintings, installation and fiberglass sculpture. Born in Washington, D.C., Scally taught and created art in Arizona for about a decade before relocating to Brooklyn in 2012. She has worked as an instructor, assistant professor and adjunct professor of visual arts, career development, art appreciation, art history and more at six institutes of higher learning, including the University of Arizona, Southwest University of the Visual Arts and Bronx Community College.

Scally’s work has been featured in 20 solo exhibitions, 13 two- and three-person exhibitions and more than 60 group exhibitions throughout the United States, Europe and Mexico. The quality of her work has earned her 18 special awards, grants, scholarships and fellowships since 2000, and she has participated in nine other residencies, research trips, lectures and other such projects in the United States, Europe, Canada and East Asia. 33 reviews, articles and interviews about her work have been published in more than two dozen publications and television stations nationally.

Worosz, a native of Dunkirk, NY, will finish her degree in Visual Arts and New Media, with a minor in Art History, at SUNY Fredonia this coming winter. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in Curatorial Studies afterward in preparation for a career in cataloging and preserving old works of art.

Worosz works in installation, pen-and-ink illustration and book arts. She has participated in three exhibitions – all installation work – in the past year and worked as a gallery assistant in the spring. This fall, she will work at the Burchfield Penney, a Buffalo, NY, gallery, as an archival processing intern. 

Both artists are also teaching classes at Transitions, a supportive apprenticeship program for young adults with autism spectrum disorders including Asperger’s syndrome, nonverbal learning differences, ADHD, dyslexia and other learning differences. The program prepares its students for life after high school in college, at a career and/or living independently. Scally and Worosz’s classes are part of the arts enrichment section of the curriculum, which allows students to express themselves and be introduced to a wide variety of arts disciplines during their time at Transitions.

Visit http://www.pncreativeartscenter.org/summer-2015-workshops/ for more information about and to register for these workshops, as well as updates on other events the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is offering. For more information about Scally and to see examples of her work, visit her website at www.gwynethscallyart.com. For more information about Worosz and to see examples of her work, visit mworosz.weebly.com. For more information about Transitions, visit http://www.transitionsusa.org.