Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts to host Easter Family Fun Day on April 15

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts will host its second annual Easter Bunny Family Fun Day on Saturday, April 15, from noon until 3 p.m. Children of all ages are welcome to come enjoy an Easter egg hunt, a Bunny Hop dance and a contest to win a giant chocolate bunny donated by EMVI Chocolate.

Admission to the event is $5 per person. For an additional $5, participants can enter the Easter Bonnet Contest. Those interested should bring a hat. The Nigra Arts Center will provide all other materials necessary to design a beautiful Easter bonnet.

The Nigra Arts Center is also offering an opportunity for children with special needs to meet with the Sensory Friendly Easter Bunny, who will be stationed nearby in a quiet location. Steps will be taken to reduce sensory triggers and create a more comfortable and subdued environment where children with special needs can meet and take photos with the bunny.

Families with children who have special needs may also be interested in the Nigra Arts Center’s True Colors: An Autism Awareness Celebration on Friday, April 14 from 2-4 p.m. April is Autism Awareness Month, so the Nigra Arts Center is celebrating by exploring how the arts benefit people with autism every day. Representatives from Transitions will man stations that share how this premier Apprenticeship program helps young adults with autism and other learning differences live independent and fulfilling lives. The band Flame will provide live entertainment. This free event is open to children and adults of all ages.

Easter Bunny Family Fun Day is sponsored by Fidelis Care, a provider of health insurance coverage to New York State residents of all ages. For more information about them, visit www.fideliscare.org.

Student work sought for Fulton-Montgomery at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts

Students from public schools in Fulton and Montgomery Counties are invited to submit their work to be featured in the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts’ first ever Fulton-Montgomery Art Show. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to have their work hung alongside that of some of our region’s most esteemed professional artists.

Students of all ages and grades are welcome to submit to the show, which will be on display from May 6 to June 5. Interested students should see their art teachers for submission forms. There is no fee for entry on student work.

High school students (grades 9-12) can submit individual and group pieces in all themes and media. Pieces created by this group will be juried and eligible for several awards.

Elementary and middle school students are also welcome to submit individual and group works in all media. Their pieces will be displayed on the wall under their teacher’s name, according to school and class. All themes are welcome, including works created for classroom projects.  Students looking for a theme may take inspiration from the county branding initiatives, “Fulton County Positive” and “Montgomery County: Made of Something Stronger.” These initiatives represent the efforts of both counties to promote future growth and development, so students are encouraged to interpret what that means to them in their work.

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is excited to see what the diverse work these young artists create. Student work can be delivered to the arts center between April 24 and May 3. An invitation-only reception open to featured artists and their guests will take place on Saturday, May 6, from 5-7 p.m. A public opening and meet-the-artist reception will take place on Thursday, May 11, from 6-8 p.m. Students may list their art for sale if they wish. Should their art sell during the exhibit, they will be subject to a 20% commission paid to the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts.

The exhibit will be open throughout its run for viewing by students, families, school groups and the public Monday to 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 in Gloversville. For more information about this show or the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, 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.

Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts seeks artists for Fulton-Montgomery Art Show

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is excited to host its first ever Fulton-Montgomery Art Show, featuring only the works of artists who live or work in Fulton and Montgomery Counties. This show and sale is a recreation of the former Fulton County Art Show that the Congregational Church in Gloversville hosted for many years. Like that show, the Fulton-Montgomery Art Show will feature the work of a special guest artist alongside other submissions. This year’s guest is Barney Bellinger, a local artist who specializes in steel sculptures, oil paintings and sculptural furniture.

Individual and group artists are welcome to submit pieces in all media, and the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is happy to include a special showcase of art created by students from the public schools of both counties as well. Students who are interested in submitting should approach their art teachers for submission forms. Artwork from students in grades 9-12 will be juried and eligible for several awards.

The Fulton-Montgomery Art Show will hang from May 6 to June 5. Throughout its run, the arts center will host a number of special events to encourage the public to visit and enjoy the artwork. Artists may submit work now until April 9 through www.OnlineJuriedShows.com. Please note that this is not a juried show, but this website is used for ease of submission and selection by the curators. Artists who wish to submit should visit the website and scroll down until they find the Fulton-Montgomery Art Show. Further submission guidelines are available there. Student artists who enter work through their art teachers do not need to submit through Online Juried Shows.

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts will hold two receptions for the featured artists. The first, invitation-only reception will take place on Saturday, May 6, from 5-7 p.m. This reception is a private opening where artists and their guests will have the first look at the artwork and the first chance to purchase pieces before the public is invited in. A public opening and meet-the-artists reception, where the greater public is welcome to view the show, will take place on Thursday, May 11, from 6-8 p.m.

Through the generous donations of supporters, the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is able to offer monetary awards to outstanding submissions. The grand prize winner will receive $100, while the second prize winner will receive $50 and the third prize winner will receive $35. All winners will also receive a membership to the arts center, which grants them access to special events and discounts on classes, workshops and future gallery submissions.

The fee for entry of up to three works is $15 for members of the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts or $25 for non-members. Artists may submit an additional two entries maximum for a fee of $7 each for members or $10 each for non-members. Notification of acceptance will be sent out by April 17 and the dates for drop-off or mailing of artwork are April 26-28 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and April 29 from 9 a.m. to noon.

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is located at 2736 State Highway 30 in Gloversville. For more information about this show or the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, 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.

Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts to host concert and brunch event

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is hosting a special concert and brunch event on Sunday, April 2, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Upswing Duo, a jazz group specializing in standards from the classic American Songbook, will provide music while participants enjoy a menu of quiche, stuffed French toast, bacon, sausage, potatoes, salad greens, desserts and beverages.

The food will be prepared by Kingsboro Catering, which provides training and experience opportunities for men and women supported by Lexington. The Upswing Duo will play during the meal, with a break for dessert prior to the second half of the concert.

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is hosting this special event in conjunction with its 2017 concert series, wherein a variety of local musical groups will play shows at the arts center throughout the year. Admission for this event, which includes a meal and the concert, is $25 per adult and $15 for children under 10. To reserve tickets, call (518) 662-9932 or visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org.

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.

Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts unveils 2017 Winter/Spring Art Show with Meet the Artists Opening Reception

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts will unveil its 2017 Winter/Spring Art Show with a Meet the Artists Opening Reception on Thursday, February 16, 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 Winter/Spring Art Show features paintings, photography, mosaics, fiber art and mixed media pieces by artists from all over New York State as well as Minnesota, Michigan, California and Utah. The show explores the theme of “Elements.” The elements of art and design are just as crucial to the human experience as the elements in science and nature. While the elements in science and nature form the building blocks of our world, making life possible, the elements of art and design govern how we perceive and interact with it, making life beautiful. Each artist presented a different interpretation of “elements,” proving that the theme is as limitless as the things we see and experience every day.

Through the generous support of donors, the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is able to offer monetary awards and prizes for the participating artists. The grand prize winner will receive $100, while the second prize winner will receive $50 and the third prize winner $35. Each winner will also receive a membership to the Nigra Arts Center.

Thirty-nine artists and 85 pieces are featured in this show, including more than 14 created by artists with disabilities. The featured artists include Barney Bellinger, Linda Biggers, Lacy Brower, Doreen Calhoun, Ross Carangelo, Douglas Countryman, Francis Dempsey, Ron Dennis, Richard Freeman, Larry Grossbeck, Jamie Hayner, Carol M Hesselink, Alexandra Higgins, Michael Hine, Linda Hinkle, Dennis Hoyer, Philip Jaros, Nancie Johnson, Gail Kessler, Linda Kollar, Faith LaFountain, Eva Marie Loucks, Greg Maklae, Richard Mittelstadt, Lynda Naske, Christian O’Callaghan, Kathleen Oughton, Ellen Rae Panero, Ana Pendlebury, Chip Perone, Adrienne Phillips, Terre Ritchie, Thelma Senecal, Dorothy Shepherd, Chance Steele, Kim Stewart, Paul Valovic, Setsuko Yoshida and Mikyle Woodward.

The show will hang until April 19. 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.

Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts invites you to Instructors Open House & Sensational Soup Cook-off

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts will host its Open House & Sensational Soup Cook-off on Saturday, February 25, from noon until 3 p.m. At this free family event, arts center instructors will show visitors all the programming the facility has to offer in studio arts, music, dance, culinary arts and much more. Visitors are invited to explore the Community Art Gallery, which will display work by local and regional artists from the 2017 Winter/Spring Art Show. There will also be live music and a concessions stand. Don’t miss this opportunity to find out why the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is the area’s premier community arts center!

Admission to the event is free, but visitors can also sample entries to the Sensational Soup Cook-off for $5 per person. Samplers not only enjoy tastes of delicious soups made by local chefs, they also vote on the winners. Prizes will be given for first, second and third places.

Members of the public can also enter their soups into the contest. Those who wish to enter should email Sue Nigra, director of the Nigra Arts Center, at nigras@pnarts.org to secure their spot. The deadline for entry is February 14. On the day of the contest, chefs should bring one crock-pot of soup to the facility for sampling.

The snow date for this event is February 26.

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is located at 2736 State Highway 30, Gloversville. For more information about the arts center, visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org or call (518) 661-9932.

Family fun events at the Nigra Arts Center this weekend

The weekend of December 10 and 11 will be full of holiday fun for families with children of all ages at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts.

The arts center will host its Polar Express Celebration for the second consecutive year on Saturday, December 10, from noon to 3 p.m. Children and their families are welcome to join the celebration as the center transforms into the North Pole. Attendees will enjoy crafts, live entertainment and all kinds of family fun inspired by Chris Van Allsburg’s classic book “The Polar Express.” Concessions will be available for purchase and Santa Claus, the guest of honor, will be available for photos. Admission is $5 to benefit the Nigra Arts Center or a new, unwrapped toy to benefit Toys for Tots.

The arts center will also host a Sensory Santa event on Sunday, December 11, 2-4 p.m. Sensory Santa is ideal for children with special needs such as autism and sensory processing disorders who may be overwhelmed by large crowds, bright lights and loud music. Children will meet with Sensory Santa alone in a quiet, soothing atmosphere, where they will receive individualized attention. Sensory Santa’s suit will be extra soft for a comforting sensory experience and there will be no nearby distractions such as elves, colorful decorations or blinking lights. While they wait to meet with Sensory Santa, children will be provided with coloring books and crayons. Attendees may register in advance by calling (518) 661-9932 or visiting www.pncreativeartscenter.org.

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is located at 2736 State Highway 30, Gloversville. For more information about these events or the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org or call (518) 661-9932.

CALL FOR ARTISTS: 2017 Winter/Spring Art Show

CALL FOR ARTISTS
2017 Winter/Spring Art Show
The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts  
Show Dates: February 2, 2017 - April 19, 2017
Submission Deadline: January 9, 2017

Exhibition Details

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is seeking submissions for its latest juried show. The 2017 Winter/Spring Show at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts will showcase art that explores the theme of "Elements." The elements of art and design are just as crucial to the human experience as the elements in science and nature. While the elements in science and nature form the building blocks of our world, making life possible, the elements of art and design govern how we perceive and interact with it, making life beautiful. For this exhibition, we invite artists of all kinds to submit pieces that explore what "Elements" means to them. The interpretations of the theme are as limitless as the things we see and experience every day.

All works must be submitted via the website www.OnlineJuriedShows.com

Awards

Through the generous donations of supports, the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is able to offer three prizes to outstanding submissions. The grand prize is $100 and a membership to the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, while second prize is $50 and a membership and third prize is $35 and a membership.

Eligibility

This exhibit is open to all. Members of the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts receive a discounted submission rate. Details about membership may be found at www.pncreativeartscenter.org.

Fees

The fee for entry of up to three (3) works will be $25 for non-members ($10 per additional entry) for a total of five entries. Members of the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts may submit three entries for $15 ($7 per additional entry) for a total of five entries.

 Legal

All works must be of original design and copyright of the artist. 

Insurance and Sales Tax - The artists are responsible for insuring their artwork and paying sales tax on any that are sold.  The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts will take reasonable care in the display of the artwork. 

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts reserves the right to utilize all images submitted to the Statewide Summer Art Show in promotion of the exhibition and for the general promotion of the Art Center without restrictions.

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts may rescind the right of hanging any work unsuitably presented or misrepresented.

Important Dates

• Call for entries is open November 3, 2016, and works must be submitted by January 9, 2017.

• Notifications of acceptance will be sent out on January 11, 2017.

• Drop-off or arrival of artwork is January 25-27 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. or January 28 from 9 a.m. to noon.

• A "Meet the Artists" reception will take place on February 16, 2017, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. This event is open to the public and widely publicized.
   
• Throughout the show there will be multiple public events located in or near the gallery and we expect over 750 visitors to view the work during the run.

Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts announces next installment of concert series featuring the JECCO Trio

The next installment of the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts’ 2016 concert series will take place on Thursday, November 10, with a performance from the JECCO Trio. The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the arts center’s facility at 2736 State Highway 30 in Mayfield. Admission is $10 in advance or at the door. Tickets are available for advance purchase at www.pncreativeartscenter.org/concertseries.

The JECCO Trio is a high-octane fusion group that pulls from a wide array of influences to radically interpret classic jazz standards and pop tunes along with original songs. Hailing from the Capital Region and comprised of Lecco Morris on piano, Jeff Nania on tenor sax and Rob Morrison on cajon, tabla and drumset, this trio sports a unique stylistic blend of jazz, funk, pop and free improv that is sure to surprise and delight listeners across the musical spectrum. Their sound pulls from each of the members’ wildly different backgrounds, including classical composition, free jazz, Indian classical music and progressive rock.

This performance is part of the Nigra Arts Center’s 2016 concert series. The concert series features local bands 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 show 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.

Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts announces next installment of concert series featuring Irish Tenor Tim Keegan

The next installment of the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts’ 2016 concert series will take place on Thursday, October 20, when they host Irish Tenor Tim Keegan. 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.

Tim Keegan is a well-known Irish tenor who sang for many years with the Foothills Trio and, more recently, the Inter-Mountain Trio (IM3). Keegan often performs at private and community settings where his silky tenor voice can sell any tune from ballad to love song to Irish Folk song. He will perform solo, accompanying himself on guitar, and will share some new songs and a few old favorites. Keegan is also an engaging and approachable storyteller, sharing laughs and history between songs. This intimate concert is not to be missed.

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.

Call for Artists for Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts 2016 Fall/Winter Show

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is seeking submissions for its latest juried show. The Fall/Winter Exhibit at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts will showcase art that tells the story of Transitions. Few times of the year remind us of the transitory nature of life more than the shift from fall to winter. As the days get shorter and one season fades into the other, we are often inspired to explore change in ourselves and our own work. For this show, we are seeking pieces that creatively interpret the theme of transition, evolution and rebirth. Both 2-D and 3-D works of all media are welcome. 

The show opens on October 27 with a “Meet the Artists” reception. It will close on January 25, 2017. The deadline for submission is September 18. All works must be submitted via the website www.OnlineJuriedShows.com. Notifications of acceptance will be sent out Wednesday, September 21. Drop-off or arrival or work is October 5-8 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The jurors for this show are Brenda Dwyer and Mary Cleland. Both are artists and instructors with extensive exhibiting and teaching credentials. Both have completed works in watercolor, acrylics and oils as well as ceramics and mixed media. The prizes for this show will be juried by Constance Dodge, an accomplished painter and teacher with more than 30 years of experience. Through the generous donations of supporters, the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is able to offer three prizes to outstanding submissions. The grand prize is $100 and a membership to the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, while second prize is $50 and a membership and third prize is $35 and a membership.

The fee for entry of up to three (3) works is $25 for non-members and $10 per additional entry, for a total of five entries. Members of the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts may submit three entries for $15 and $7 per additional entry, for a total of five entries.

All are welcome to attend the “Meet the Artists” reception on October 27 from 6-8 p.m. at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, 2736 State Highway 30, Gloversville. These receptions are highly publicized; the most recent reception garnered more than 125 attendees. Throughout the show there will be multiple public events located in or near the gallery. We expect more than 750 visitors to view the work during the run.

For further questions about how to submit to the show, contact Brenda Dwyer, gallery administrator, at dweryb@lexcenter.org or (518) 661-9932. For more information about the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org or call (518) 661-9932.

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.

The Dance Company opens new location at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts and The Dance Company have come together to bring the joy of dance to children of all ages in Fulton County. The Dance Company is opening its newest studio at the arts center, located at 2736 State Highway 30, Gloversville. Classes begin September 13 and will run through June of 2017.

The Dance Company is a studio run by Gretchen Salvione, a longtime dance teacher. At the Nigra Arts Center, she and her staff will teach hip hop, jazz, lyrical, tap, ballet and clogging to children ages 4 and up. They will also offer an adaptive dance class for students of all levels of ability who want to learn a wide range of dance genres. Special accommodations are available for adaptive dance classes.

The first session of classes runs from September 13 to December 10, 2016. Session Two runs from January 3 to June 10, 2017. When Session One begins, The Dance Company will offer classes on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Tuesday classes include Hip Hop & Jazz for grades K-2, Hip Hop & Jazz for grades 3-5, Hip Hop & Jazz for grades 6-8 and Teen Hip Hop & Lyrical. Thursday classes include Adaptive Dance for ages 5-17, Tap & Ballet for grades Pre-K-1, Tap & Ballet for grades 2-4, Lyrical & Clogging for grades 5-7 and Teen Lyrical & Clogging. Saturday classes include Ballet, Jazz & Hip Hop for ages 4-7 and Ballet, Jazz & Hip Hop for ages 8-13.

Recitals take place on the last day of each class.

To see a full course schedule, fee information and to register, visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org/dance-company. To contact Salvione, call (518) 848-1843 or email salenterprize@outlook.com. For more information about the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org or call (518) 661-9932.

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 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.

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 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.

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.