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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.
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From the Director...
 It's been just over a year since we opened the doors of the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts. Looking back at where we began, it is incredible to see all the things happening today and every day.
CLICK HERE
for a video review of all we do for YOU.
There is no question: this is the finest arts center in the region and a tremendous resource for our community. There is simply nothing like us around! Consider all we offer:
- Classes in music, cooking, art, yoga and more
- Art exhibits
- Concerts
- Plays
- Family fun events
- New dance studio (The Dance Company)
- Year-round kid camps
We also provide elegant and professional settings to host meetings and events. Everything from birthday parties, weddings and showers to corporate gatherings, retreats and conferences has been held here. If you or someone you know is looking to plan an event, contact Events Coordinator Lori White at
[email protected]
or (518) 661-9932.
 Collaborating with our community partners makes the arts center thrive. Whether we're working with businesses on sponsoring concerts or other events or asking schools to promote our wildly popular kid camps, we welcome community involvement!
The Lexington Foundation recently held the NIGHT OUT to benefit the Nigra Arts Center and Trans
itions (keep reading for a closer look at this wonderful evening). As I visited with our NIGHT OUT guests, I was struck by how many friends came out to lend their generous support. As we near 2017, I remain committed to asking others in the community to lend their support and become part of the Nigra Arts Center's bold and creative vision for the future as we work together to embrace the arts today and every day.
Sue Nigra
Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts
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NIGHT OUT a Night to Remember!
  On September 22, the Nigra Arts Center was transformed into a spectacular party scene as the Lexington Foundation held its largest event of the year: the NIGHT OUT! Well over 200 people attended the occasion, which featured live music from the Upswing Duo and Flame, roaming magician Shaun Robison and delicious food, not to mention auctions and raffles. Proceeds benefited the Nigra Arts Center and Transitions, a wonderful program that prepares teens and young adults with autism and learning differences for college, career and life.
After dinner, the organizers honored community members and supporters who have generously contributed to the Lexington Foundation's capital campaign.
Click here for a list of all of the sensational sponsors.
A special THANK YOU to Ben and Mary Elmore
of Twin Technologies for their incredibly generous challenge grant for the Transitions Elmore Scholarship Fund. Attendees at the event met their $10,000 challenge and $24,020 was raised!
If you couldn't make it to the Lexington Foundation's NIGHT OUT, you can still make a donation. Contact Wally Hart, executive director of The Lexington Foundation, at
[email protected]
or at (518) 661-9932. And please save the date for next year's NIGHT OUT - Friday, September 22, 2017!
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Featured Instructor: Tom Simek
Every week, Tom Simek shares his extensive musical experience and talent by teaching children ages 6+ piano, guitar, bass and drums at the Nigra Arts Center. The Johnstown artist caters lessons to best suit each student's interests and skill level. In addition to teaching lessons, Tom is also involved in our kid camp program. During this summer's
Rock & Roll Kid Camp
, he was a hit as he helped children produce their own music video. You can watch it
here
.
Tom is a producer, songwriter and musician. He began playing piano at age 7 and earned a bachelor's degree in Music Composition from Hartwick College and a master's degree in Studio Music Composition from SUNY Purchase. He has performed throughout Europe and the U.S., published hundreds of educational children's songs which are distributed worldwide and appeared on TV and radio. Schooled both classically and in jazz theory, Tom collaborates with an eclectic array of musicians both live and in the studio. We are thrilled to have Tom at the Nigra Arts Center!
If you're interested in lessons, e-mail him at
[email protected]
or give him a call at (518) 774-6103.
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Star Tours Center & Jams Out
Drake Bell, perhaps best known from Nickelodeon's "
Drake and Josh
," visited the Nigra Arts Center in August.
Drake was in the area shooting a pilot episode for a reality TV show called "
Building For the Stars
,
"
which showcases craftsmen making custom-made furniture for celebrities. The performer not only took a tour of the center, he jammed out with members of the band Flame, singing the theme from "
Drake and Josh
." You can watch it here
.
While in the area, Drake also performed in a concert to benefit the American Cancer Society at Upstate Concert Hall in Clifton Park. During the show, Drake invited Michelle King from Flame to the stage to sing with him!
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The Dance Studio Opens - Delighting Dancers!
We are thrilled to now bring the joy of dance to children of all ages and levels of abilities through The Dance Company's newest location at the Nigra Arts Center! Gretchen Salvione and her team not only teach dance, they create happy memories to last a lifetime. Dance classes run September through June. For more details and to sign up for classes,
click here
.
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Polar Express to Roll into Center!
Join us Saturday, December 10th from Noon-3:00PM for the Polar Express Celebration! Kids of all ages are invited to celebrate the joy of the season as our Grand Gallery is transformed into a sparkling North Pole with crafts, live entertainment and all kinds of family fun inspired by the classic tale "The Polar Express." Concessions will be available and so will Santa Claus, our jolly guest of honor! Admission is $5 to benefit the Nigra Arts Center or a new, unwrapped toy to benefit Toys for Tots.
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Sensory Santa to Meet with Kids
Sensory Santa will meet with children on Sunday, December 11 from 2:00- 4:00PM at the Nigra Arts Center. Sensory Santa is ideal for children with special needs such as autism and sensory processing disorders who may be overwhelmed by external stimuli such as 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 soothing sensory experience and there will be no nearby distractions such as elves, colorful decorations or blinking lights. Children waiting to meet with Sensory Santa will be provided with coloring books and crayons. For more information, call (518) 661-9932. This is a free event. Please click here to register.
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Registration is Now Open for Winter Funderland Day Camp!
Your kids can leave their winter blues out in the cold during their holiday break from school! Join us December 27-29 for three days of non-stop fun. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., campers ages 5-10 will enjoy something different each day as our instructors keep them active, engaged and using their imaginations in a wide range of crafts and activities. Spots are limited, so register NOW! Cost: $130 pre-registration | $155 at door.
CLICK HERE to register or call (518) 661-9932.
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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!
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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.
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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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