“ A cultural organization for artists and people interested in the arts.”
This is a non-profit art orientated organization having as it’s primary objective the providing of an outlet for the work of the artist and the creation of support for art in our community. Through a gallery program at City Hall in Glens Falls the North Country Arts Center is providing a prominent location for area artists to exhibit their creations. In the future we expect to establish galleries in additional locations.
North Country Arts Center began as a small shop in Warrensburg, NY in 1971. At that time artists from the North Country were able to exhibit and sell their work. It included craftspeople and fine artists. After a few years the group moved to Glens Falls where it found a new home on Ridge Street. There is no actual center but the office presently has space in the 6 Pine Street Gallery, Glens Falls.
NCAC has had a long and illustrious history. We celebrate thirty-nine years of continual membership. Many programs have come and gone but the mission to help “emerging” artists continues. The longest program was “On My Own Time”. Through this program the Arts Center provided annual competition for artists employed by or retired from area businesses. Employees in this competition had an opportunity to win prizes and display their works in the City Hall Gallery.
Along with the Lake George Opera Guild, the North Country Arts Center sponsored an annual Beaux-Arts Ball. In addition to fund raising, this activity became the highlight of the winter social calendar in the Glens Falls area.
Other activities sponsored by NCAC over the years were:
A golf tournament at the "Top of the World" golf course for members and non-members each summer. The “Seven to Eleven Club” an art program in area libraries for children ages 7-11. Face painting, a peep show, a tattoo parlor and spin art at LARAC’s Craft Festival in June. Spin art at The Chocolate Festival held at Adirondack Community Center and the on going “Colors of Fall”, which still takes place in Crandall Park in September. Also the North Country Arts Center sponsors an annual Juried Arts Show in December. We have been inspired to exhibit two member shows “in the style of” Degas and later Andrew Wyeth in conjunction with the Hyde Collection programs.
Several high school art shows have been developed by the organization. Students exhibited their work for the Centennial celebration in Glens Falls, NY. Area art students also designed models for the statewide art project on the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor; “ Art Walks On Water.”
The year 2010 has seen a change in NCAC as we seek to develop a chapter of the organization in the North Country by encouraging artists from the Adirondack region to join. A gallery will open in Northern Warren County during the months of July and August. A paint-out is being sponsored in the village of Chestertown, NY this July.
