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Inspiring active participation with the arts!
The Arts Center of Yates County is a nonprofit community arts center whose mission is to enrich the lives of Yates County residents, artists and visitors by providing opportunities to actively participate in the arts.
The Arts Center includes the Flick Gallery, the Rosenfeld Studio upstairs—where the bulk of the Center’s workshops are held—and Sunny Point, a seasonal facility on the east side of Keuka Lake that includes housing for visiting instructors and artist residencies, a studio barn for workshops and events, and a lakeside pottery studio.
The Arts Center is primarily a volunteer-driven organization with more than 60 active volunteers. It is funded by grants, memberships, donations, fees from workshops and commissions from the sale of art work and often partners with local businesses and other area nonprofits in developing programs and projects. The Arts Center’s artists are primarily drawn from Yates County and the surrounding region and are juried in, in order to exhibit regularly. The Flick Gallery displays a broad mix of original art in mediums including painting, photography, pottery, sculpture, jewelry, woodwork and a variety of mixed media work. There's no admission and everyone is welcome!
OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Kris Pearson has been Executive Director of the Arts Center since May 2011, when she began working with Arts Center volunteers on the capital campaign that supported the organization’s move to its current Main Street location. With a background in rural community development and nonprofit fundraising, Kris cheerfully admits to knowing little about art but she nevertheless has a house filled with unique art because “I know what I like.” The results of her efforts to become more artistic by taking creative workshops through the Arts Center generally elicit guffaws from family and friends but leave her with a glow of accomplishment. Kris is very active in the community, working to ensure that the Arts Center remains an integral part of life in Yates County. Her Chocolate Labrador, Cara, can often be found in the Arts Center office and loves Kris despite her artistic shortcomings. (Cara loves EVERYONE!)
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Arts Center of Yates County is governed by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors. The Center is grateful for the immense contribution the Board makes in time and energy to make the Arts Center a growing, exciting and fulfilling art experience for all.
Board members serve three-year terms and can be elected for a maximum of two consecutive terms.
Meetings are the second Wednesday of the month at 5:30 PM.
2022 BOARD MEMBERS:
OFFICERS
Kathy Ring, President
Daryl Davis, Vice-President
Anita Maroscher, Treasurer
Karen Morris, Secretary
Class of 2022
George Dornberger
Caryl Flickinger
Howard LeVant
Dixon Zorovich
Class of 2023
Daryl Davis
Kristi Hoag
Karen Morris
Class of 2024
Cindy Kowalski
Pat Jackson
Marianne Martin
Dick Murphy
Kathy Ring
Deb Scharf
Executive Director
Kris Pearson
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ARTS CENTER OF YATES COUNTY
1975: Founded as Yates County Arts Council
1982: Incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
1982-1992: Received New York State Council for the Arts (NYSCA) funding. Under guidance of Executive Director, Linda Canham, the Council provided artists in the area with an outlet for their work and provided resource information on grants, workshops, etc. Crooked Lake Gallery opened.
1995: Norma Pealer took over presidency of the board navigating a one-woman ship until 2000.
2000-2001: New blood energized the organization under President Bonnie Barney and a new vision evolved. The exhibit area was renamed "The Gallery."
2002: NYSCA representative recommends the Council become an Arts Center in accordance with the new direction.
2002-present: Ever expanding educational programs involving all ages throughout the year with qualified instructors. Renovations made to The Gallery space. Expansion of workshops into upstairs space. Exhibitions numbering six to eight annually featuring local, national and international artists.
2007-2008: Achieved NYSCA recognition again and hired a part-time Executive Director
2008: Sunny Point property on Keuka Lake inherited from Dr. Annie Smith.
2010: With NYSCA assistance, hired a full-time Executive Director, Kris Pearson.
2012: Moved the Arts Center to the Maxwell Building at 127 Main Street, Penn Yan.
2018: The Arts Center takes over the Keuka Arts Festival