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.

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.