The mission of the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is to provide a creative education resource for people of all ages and abilities while celebrating the arts through classes, entertainment, exhibitions and special events.

From the Director...

Spring has sprung, and so have fresh offerings from the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts for people of all ages, abilities and artistic skills. While we continue adding new classes each week, we are also preparing another eclectic art rotation in our Summer Regional Show (details below). And kids just love our day camps - scroll down for information on the wide range of camps taking place at the center this spring and summer.
 
The new season has brought several new instructors into our family as well. Read on to learn about our featured instructor Beth Spraggs, who is teaching a fun and unique class about creating art out of glass.  
 
If you haven't already become a member of the Nigra Arts Center, I encourage you to do so. Members get great discounts on classes as well as other exciting perks. Click here for details.
 
I do hope you come see us soon. In the meantime, take care and have a wonderful spring!
 
Sue Nigra
Interim Director
Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts

Summer Regional Show

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts Summer Regional Show will be on display from May 2 through July 22. We hope you will join us for the opening reception on Thursday, May 12, from 6-8 p.m. The gallery is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 
Featured Instructor: Beth Spraggs

Beth Spraggs is one of the newest instructors to join the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts. The Gloversville artist says she loves working with things that are dimensional and rich with texture, such as fabric and glass. In fact, Beth will be teaching a monthly class on Abstract Glass Art . Students willcreate a stunning frame out of layered stained glass and a variety of other glass objects such as marbles, discs, tiles and mirrors. We are happy to welcome Beth to the center!

 
Artists Shine with Adaptive Arts

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is committed to providing accessible artistic experiences with classes that include people of all abilities and artistic skills. We recently launched a wide range of adaptive arts classes on everything from cooking and dance to photography and painting. Our specially trained instructors and support staff are happy to provide a rewarding and satisfying creative journey for people with intellectual and developmental differences in an inspiring atmosphere where anyone from the community can participate. Adaptive tools and equipment are available. Individual/group classes may be booked upon request.

 
Register NOW for Summer Kid Camps!

Summer Day Camps
We are happy to offer several day camps for children over the summer, from Rock & Roll Kid Camp to Kids Cooking Camp to Adirondack Adventure Camp! In addition, local actress, director, singer and drama teacher Roberta Esposito will instruct theater-based camps for children and teens at the arts center. Kids of all experience and skill levels are welcome at any of the camps.


Prominent Artist Shares Talent



Renowned painter, furniture artisan and 3D artist Barney Bellinger is often hard at work in his studio at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, and sometimes he has company. Recently, Transitions Apprentices enjoyed an unforgettable artistic experience with Barney, who taught them the ancient and delicate process of applying gold leaf to works of art. Transitions and the arts center extends a big thank you to Barney for sharing his skills and talent with young creators and for letting the Apprentices help him finish one of his pieces.

Spring Fever and Presidents' Week Camps Educate and Entertain



The Nigra Arts Center LOVES kid camps!  In April, children had a blast at our Spring Fever Day Camp. This camp featured all kinds of activities - ranging from live music and singing to puppet making!   Back in February, young campers got to have fun and learn a thing or two about American history at the Red, White & YOU Day Camp! Held during Presidents' Week, the camp featured cooking classes, music, art and lots of education about our nation's presidents.
 
CLICK HERE for information on our upcoming Summer Kid Camps! 
 
Rock for ABILITIES Benefit Concert
 
Thanks to everyone who came out to the Rock for ABILITIES concert, featuring the band Flame, on March 18! The concert, held in Gloversville, celebrated abilities, as March was National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
 
This concert was part of the NYSARC Gives Back initiative. Proceeds went to the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts and all food donations went to local food pantries. Thanks to Melissa Spencer for taking such a great photo.
Easter Fun at the Nigra Arts Center

Sensory Easter Bunny Brings Smiles 



A sensory-friendly Easter Bunny paid a visit to the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts on March 11, offering children a subdued environment in which to meet him. During the event, steps were taken to reduce sensory triggers, creating a more comfortable environment for every child to visit with the bunny on his or her own terms.
 
Easter Bunny Family Fun Day
We were happy to welcome kids of all ages to the center on March 12 for this creative and fun event. Little ones enjoyed activities ranging from Easter egg decorating and crafts to dancing at our Bunny Hop. The day also included a big Easter egg hunt with prizes and photos with our guest of honor, the Easter Bunny himself!



THANK YOU to Our Donors

We would like to recognize and thank the donors that have made generous contributions to the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts and Transitions Capital Campaign. Since September 2015, the following individuals, families and businesses have made substantial pledges that will further our efforts to secure the long term viability of the Nigra Arts Center by helping us meet our goal of paying off the mortgage on our new facility. 
 
Capital Campaign Naming Opportunity Gifts :
Ruby & Quiri | Nigra Arts Center Lexington Foundation Office | $25K
The Nigra Family | Nigra Arts Center Music Studio | $10K
Barbara Treadwell | Nigra Arts Center Gift Shop (given in memory of Terry Treadwell)| $10K
Jean and Bob Schultz | Transitions Cedar Advisement Room (given in memory of Mr. Floyd and Mrs. Mary Schultz and Dr. Lawrence and Mrs. Margaret Miano) | $10K
John and Sunday Blackmon | Nigra Arts Center Library | $10k 
Bill Crankshaw and Wally Hart | Nigra Arts Center Lexington Foundation Meeting Room | $10K
Priya and Shaloni Winston | Transitions Aspen Advisement Room | $10K 
Nancy Kosinski | Nigra Arts Center Reception CafĂ© (in remembrance of Lloyd and Amelia Higgins and James and Emily Wilson)|$5K 
Dan Richardson | Nigra Arts Center Studio/Office | $5K
Clayton and Jane Sitterly | Nigra Arts Center Studio/Office | $5K

Become a Member

Membership dues support programming at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts.  All members receive the following basic benefits for one year: 
  • a membership card
  • discounts on exhibition admission, workshop and class fees, and select performances
  • invitations to gallery receptions and special events
  • a subscription to our e-newsletter
  • a charitable tax deduction to the extent provided by law

CLICK HERE to learn more about how YOU can become a member. 

 
 
The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is a program of The Lexington Foundation. To learn more about The Foundation, click here.




For the latest news and information about classes and events at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, visit our website.


 
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