This organization has lost it's way. There is not much community outreach and interaction. If they have a mission, it is not clear what it is. They seem to have closed ranks and show no interest in doing anything outside of long time members. There is no transparency as far as where funds go and no budget (per the board).Community members are not made to feel welcome and the few events (holiday sale, a member exhibition) are chaotic and poorly planned.
Review from Guidestar
I have been observing the Art Association of Oswego for 2 years. I first noticed them when I saw an art show at a migrant workers' festival that was the result of work they did with the workers and their families. I was impressed by the blend of traditional/ethnic and pop culture subjects. I saw, and better understood, the struggle that these people have as they balance the attraction of US pop culture, and the value of their home culture.
A board member told me that the Association sends professional artists to where the migrant workers' families live. The association provides each artist all the materials needed for whomever shows up. The artists give the people opportunities to play with the materials, and guide them to use the materials to express what they are wanting and feeling.
Upon further investigation, I found that this association does the same for other remote populations in Oswego County. They solicit and receive requests from community centers in small villages and under-funded nursing homes.
I also found that they provide support for local artists by inviting them to display their work in well-attended shows and fairs that have various themes; hiring them for their summer children's camp; and offering them studio space.
Their gallery and fairs enrich the community by displaying the work of the finest artists in the area: from the most popular to the least known. The public can view the art for free, and often have the opportunity to purchase items.