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...

It is so gratifying to see happy faces on students who take classes at the Nigra Arts Center. Art Studio #1 is right across the hall from my office and every day I'm treated to the sound of laughter and the sight of creations from artists of all ages and levels of abilities. It is impossible not to smile.
 
Our wonderful volunteers see firsthand how inspiring the arts center is - just ask Toni Christiano and Claudia Lake. They are kind enough to donate their time at the reception area, where they work on special projects, greet visitors, answer the phone and keep an eye on our gift shop. THANK YOU, Toni and Claudia, for all that you do at the center!
 
  
 
If you are looking for a rewarding experience, we'd love to have YOU volunteer! As the Nigra Arts Center continues to grow, we need volunteers to assist with a wide range of events, exhibits and programs. You can donate two or three hours or volunteer for an entire event - it is totally up to you! CLICK HERE to read more about our Volunteer Program.
 
Trust me: if you donate your valuable time, you will be rewarded with smile after smile after smile.
 
Sue Nigra
Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts

Center Showcases Art Trails Artists

On August 13 &14, the Nigra Arts Center was a popular destination of the Sacandaga Valley Arts Network's Annual Art Trails. People from all over stopped by the Center as they enjoyed a self-guided tour of artists' studios and galleries throughout the Sacandaga Watershed Region.  Our visitors were able to meet artists Barney Bellinger, Vanessa Rhodes and Thelma Senecal and see their outstanding work. Thanks to everyone who came out to show their support! 
 
 
Featured Instructor: Dori Daknis

Our Featured Instructor would bend over backwards for her students - literally! Dori Daknis is a well-known and beloved yoga instructor who has taught for years in Fulton and Montgomery Counties. " Many think yoga is about flexibility, but that's just one part," said Dori. "Yoga is really about mindfulness, bringing your body, mind, heart, intellect and spirit into alignment." She added, " You may find you sleep better, your energy level improves, and many say they have more moments of happiness." Dori welcomes you to join her at the Nigra Arts Center on a path to a happier and more harmonious life through yoga. CLICK HERE to see the classes Dori offers. She is certified in:
  • Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga
  • Perfect Health/Ayurveda
  • Primordial Sound Meditation
  • Master Educator for Chopra Center
  • 500 Hour Kripalu Teacher
We are so happy that Dori is part of the Nigra Arts Center family. She may be reached at (518) 331-3616.
Adaptive Arts = Huge Success

Our Adaptive Arts program is a tremendous hit at the Nigra Arts Center! Specially trained instructors and support staff provide classes for people with intellectual and developmental differences in a welcoming atmosphere where anyone from the community can take part. Adaptive Arts classes include photography, painting, dance and cooking. One recent class, Ooey Gooey Chocolate  Delight, resulted in a lot of positive feedback and mouth-watering joy!   
     
Individual/group classes may be booked upon request. CLICK HERE for more information.
 
Cubby Creates Scholarship Launched

Our deepest appreciation to Melissa Faville Hally and MaryJo Faville for presenting a check for $500 to the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts on behalf of the Cubby Faville Memorial Fund. The funds will help underserved young people attend classes at the center. If you know a young person (age 16 or under) who could benefit from a Cubby Creates scholarship, we'd love to hear from you! CLICK HERE to fill out a Cubby Creates scholarship application.

New Dance Studio to Open at the Nigra Arts Center

 
Coming September 13th - The Dance Company will open its newest location at the Nigra Arts Center!  Under the direction of long-time area dance instructor Gretchen Salvione, children ages four and up are invited to put their best feet forward with classes ranging from hip hop and jazz to ballet. There will also be an adaptive dance class for dancers of all levels of ability.  CLICK HERE   to see a full class schedule and to register. You may also join Gretchen at the Nigra Arts Center  for two   Registration Nights: August 29th and 30th from 5-7:30 pm. Gretchen is a dance instructor with 20 years of experience in choreography, dance and competition. A resident of Broadalbin, she has taught several dance workshops at the Nigra Arts Center and welcomes the opportunity to pass along her love of dance along to even more students.  We are thrilled to have her!
 
Concert Series Rocks Center

We are in the middle of our 2016 concert series featuring performances from a wide range of exciting bands! So far, concerts have included Annie and the Hedonists, The Revival, Vinny Saj and DJ Mike Garrasi, not to mention the Adirondack Foothills Rock Festival. We are just getting started as concerts will continue throughout this year and beyond. For more about the concert series, CLICK HERE , call (518) 661-9932 or email Maria Nestle.

Kid Camps Heat Up Summer









All summer long, scores of children have attended our widely popular kid camps. Campers have immersed themselves in such themes as rock & roll, cooking, art, theater and adventure! And guess what? Our camps don't stop when school starts. The Nigra Arts Center will continue offering day camps during the year when kids are on break from school.

Must-See Art Show Shines

It is an art lover's dream at the Nigra Arts Center! We are currently showcasing an eclectic sampling of work from artists across New York at the
2016 Statewide Summer Art Show . With its bold and exciting pieces, this exhibit has quickly become the talk of the town.







 

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 show will remain on display to the public until Wednesday, October 5. The Center is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

NEW! Sensory Birthday Parties

At the Nigra Arts Center, we offer birthday parties (pizza or painting themed) for children of all ages. We now have customized birthday parties for children with autism and other special needs. Staff members work closely with parents, ensuring every detail is worked out. For example, the food menu can be tailored to those with sensitivities to texture. We also offer sensory play periods for children.

For more about our birthday parties, CLICK HERE .
 
Retired Teachers Learn
About Center

The Fulton County Retired Teachers were treated to a presentation about the Nigra Arts Center during their spring luncheon at the Holiday Inn in Johnstown. Sue Nigra shared a video highlighting the center and had a wonderful time with the group. Sue was thrilled to accept a generous contribution from the teachers. THANK YOU!

Moms Honored in Celebration



Thanks to all the wonderful moms and children who came out to our Mother's Day Celebration in May. This event, dedicated to MOMS, featured a beautiful brunch, makeovers, massages and live entertainment, plus "creation stations" where children made their own unique and wonderful gifts for mom!  

 
Meet Our Donors

Our donors continue making a difference the growth of the Nigra Arts Center. Each donation helps us make capital improvements and expand educational and artistic offerings as we work to make this a community arts center people and their families visit again and again.
 
CLICK HERE to see a list of our generous donors and their gifts and how YOU can donate!
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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