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...
   
Ask anyone on the Nigra Arts Center team and you'll find that community plays a major part in all we do. Whether chatting with senior citizens during a cooking class, helping children find their creative side in one of our kid camps, laughing along with families at one of our many events or watching the Adaptive Arts program have a positive impact on lives, the people of our community mean the world to us.
That is why it was a special thrill to join members of the Nigra Arts Center team out in the community on January 20th for the Annual Celebration of the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce, held at 308 Prime at the Holiday Inn Johnstown-Gloversville. During the event, the Nigra Arts Center and our parent company, Lexington, were honored to receive the Edward L. Wilkinson Industry of the Year Award. It was a privilege to be among other community members and businesses that were also recognized for their many contributions: RicMar Design & Print Shop, Ft. Plain Museum, Gloversville Mayor Dayton King, Barbara Madonna, Gloversville Public Library, Randall Implements and KeyMark/Kasson & Keller.

CLICK HERE and HERE
to read media coverage of the event. 
 

As our team ventured out into the community, members of the community continue coming to us! Now, more than ever, individuals, groups and businesses are taking advantage of our beautiful facility to hold parties, meetings, conferences, retreats and other special events. For example, we recently provided an elegant setting for the Ladies Luncheon Soiree, a benefit for Mountain Valley Hospice. Attendees marveled in their surroundings as they had a wonderful time for an exceptional cause.
 
If you are interested in holding an event at the Nigra Arts Center, contact Lori White, Events Coordinator at 661-9932 or at [email protected] .
 
I look forward to seeing you at your community arts center soon!
 
Sue Nigra
Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts


Featured Instructor: Ellen Lauziere

Each month, students are treated to Ellen Lauziere 's painting classes. A self-taught artist, she has had a love for painting since she was young. Ellen started with oils before taking a watercolor class at her local college while living in New Hampshire. In recent years, she has enjoyed the ease and versatility of acrylics.
 
"My favorite part of teaching at the Nigra Arts Center is seeing students realize they can paint," said Ellen. "I love the look on their faces when they walk out with paintings they can hang in their homes."
 
Whether she is teaching you to paint a still life or beautiful landscape, Ellen Lauziere 's enthusiasm shines as she shares her talent with her students! Find a full list of her classes HERE .
 
Artist Profile: Vanessa Rhodes
 

Vanessa Rhodes is an artist that loves to be creative and has an amazing eye for color and composition. Vanessa draws, paints and is an avid photographer. Since the Nigra Arts Center opened, she has been expanding her talents and exploring new ways to play with color and images and was  featured in the Fall Art Show with an entire wall of her watercolors and photography. With the guidance of Brenda Dwyer, she has explored new techniques and topics for her art. Vanessa loves animals of all kinds and her cats and chickens often figure prominently in her work. Her expressive creations lift everyone's spirits and her artwork often sells when it is on display. Three of the pieces she created at the Nigra Art Center and displayed in the Fall Show sold, helping to make Vanessa's dream to be an artist come true.
Spots Going Fast for Kid Cooking Camp!



Sign up your kids NOW for our next Kid Cooking Camp, February 21-23 from 9:00AM-1:00PM. This creative culinary camp is very popular with children! Young chefs ages 8-12 will keep deliciously busy in our professional teaching kitchen as they prepare (and gobble up) a gourmet lunch each day. Additionally, they will create fun food-related art projects they can take home. Campers should bring a water bottle each day. Cost*:  $130 pre-registration | $155 at door. To register,  CLICK HERE  or call 661-9932.
 
*Members receive a 20% discount. Don't forget to enter the code at checkout.
 
Meet the Instructors Open House



Bring the whole family to our annual Meet the Instructors Open House & Sensational Soup Cook-Off on  Saturday, February 25 from Noon-3:00PM (snow date February 26). Our outstanding instructors will show you all the Nigra Arts Center has to offer in art, music, dance, culinary arts and much more. While you're here, explore our Community Art Gallery, listen to live music and satisfy your appetite at our cafe concessions stand. Admission is FREE! Plus, f or just $5 per person, you can sample delicious soups and help decide the winners of our Sensational Soup Cook-Off. Prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place s . We hope to see you there!
Center "Drums Up" Senator's Interest
 
It was an honor to recently welcome State Senator Jim Tedisco, R-Glenville, to the Nigra Arts Center. Senator Tedisco was very interested in all we offer our community.



During his tour, he took a moment to play around on Flame's drum set - the Nigra Arts Center is the band's home. Senator Tedisco serves the 49th State Senate District, which includes all of Fulton County. He succeeds long-time Senator Hugh Farley who stepped down last year. 
 
 
Girl Scouts Hit High Note
 

Photo by Bill Trojan.

More than a dozen Girl Scouts recently took part in a Songwriting 101 class with popular instructor Tom Simek. Tom took the girls on a musical journey and helped them earn their Musician Badges. The Nigra Arts Center was happy to present the class in association with the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York. The scouts will b e back soon for more classes wh ich are also open to the public.
 
Art Show Embraces Elements
 
 

Our latest juried show exp lores the theme of "Elements." 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, artists of all kinds submitted pieces that explore the "Elements" theme. This stunning show will remain in our Community Art Gallery until April 19th. You are welcome to drop by Monday through Friday 9:00AM-6:00PM and Saturday 9:00AM-12:00PM.

 
Sponsor a Concert and Support the Arts!

Make YOUR mark by becoming a sponsor of our 2017 Concert Series! Your sponsorship will allow the Nigra Arts Center to provide our community with wonderful year-round entertainment. In 2016 alone, we showcased 12 intimate, family-friendly shows featuring a broad range of musical styles, from blues, country and folk to rock, jazz and chamber music. With your help, we can make 2017 a musical year to remember while promoting your business as a proud supporter of the arts! We have opportunities for corporate/business sponsorships as well as patron sponsorships. For more information, CLICK HERE.   
 
Contact Wally Hart at (518) 661-9932 or  [email protected]
to learn more about how to become a sponsor.
ve
Cubby Creates Scholarship
 








There are still funds available for this scholarship that helps under served young people attend classes at the Nigra Arts Center! To qualify, the applicant must:
  • Be age 16 or under
  • Be able to pay a fee of $5 at the door to secure a spot in class (Cubby Creates will pay for the rest)
  • Be recommended by a teacher or representative from an organization, church or community group
CLICK HERE for the application. 
Winter Fun Warms Hearts
 
We are all about family fun at the Nigra Arts Center! We held several events around the holidays for kids of all ages, big and small. First, the Polar Expre ss Celebration rolled into the C enter as our Grand Gallery was transformed into a sparkling North Pole. Attendees enjoyed crafts, live entertainment and all kinds of fun inspired by the classic tale "The Polar Express. " The annual event - which was also a benefit for Toys for Tots - is on track to return next year.

For the second year in a row,
children were able to meet Sensory Santa for free. Sensory Santa is ideal for young people with special needs such as autism and sensory processing disorders who may be overwhelmed by large crowds, bright lights and loud music. Sensory Santa met children alone in a quiet, soothing atmosphere. We look forward to having him back next year.

 
 
Our Winter Funderland Day Camp had kids using their imaginations as we turned up the heat with three days of non-stop fun. From yoga to cooking to art, there was something for everyone .
 
Easter Bunny Hopping Back to Center


Save the date for our annual Easter Bunny Family Fun Day on Saturday, April 15th! Activities will range from Easter egg decorating and crafts to dancing at our Bunny Hop. The day will also include a big Easter egg hunt and photos with our guest of honor, the Easter Bunny himself! More details to come...
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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