The St. Lawrence County Arts Council provides valuable services to this area for both artists and community members. Outreach into surrounding communities and helping people in the whole region, not just in the town where they are located, is very important to this organization. They are really good about listening to what their clients need and want and responding with solutions.
The St. Lawrence County Arts Council has been an valuable resource for helping our community, based in Watertown, NY, begin our own Arts Council. Hilary and staff have been consistently knowledgeable and generous resources for everything from ideas for administration to feedback on projects. Members and leaders of our organization have also benefited from workshops, professional development opportunities, and the NYSCA decentralization grant administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council.
The St Lawrence Count Arts Council has done an excellent job working with other great organizations such as NYFA. Through their work together i was able to participate in a class that provided me with some of the most practical and straight forward professional development information. I look forward to when the St Lawrence Count Arts Council is able to open the arts center this area needs so badly
When I moved to the North Country, I knew no one, but all that changed when I got involved at the arts council. The St. Lawrence County Arts Council has truly enriched me by helping me connect with a community in a way that is important to me. The staff is friendly and welcoming, the store is beautiful, and I am proud to have such a wonderful organization in my community.
The St. Lawrence County Arts Council is a vital part of the regional community in Northern New York State. They not only provide wonderful classes in all types of artistic mediums to a wide range of skill and age levels, but they support the creative artists in the area with their knowledgeable and passionate staff and dedicated volunteers. The host numerous events featuring local artists; from musicians, to painters and photographers; to quilters and writers. Each year they coordinate a free self-guided studio tour. This event provides the general public the chance to visit over 30 artists and craftspeople and watch them work in studios and galleries across the region. The St. Lawrence County Arts Council has remained a vital organization in the region that is serves, despite the cuts to their funding over the years. They continue to educate the public about the arts.
I enjoy participating in the classes at the Council and also enjoy special gallery showings. The service the council provides to the North Country is invaluable since it encourages local artists to create and the community to get involved and appreciate the efforts. The Council provides a ray of sunshine for the people who continue to struggle with our ongoing depressed economic situation. Greater funding could supply needed studio and performing space for local artists and provide a greater variety of art for local and regional patrons. I also hope class options for adults can be expanded. They provide a wonderful opportunity for people to share space, time and ideas while learning new skills.
My daughter and I have taken a number of classes at the Arts Council. The variety of classes is impressive as well as the quality of the instructors. My daughter has significant physical and cognitive challenges and is always welcome at any class, modifications are available and enhanced by suggestions. I know the Arts Council is behind many of the community based activities showcasing many forms of arts and I think that is part of what makes Potsdam a very special community. If there was only one local organization that I could support it would be the Arts Council.
Living in the North Country for many years, I was aware of potters and wood carvers and fabric arts doing this or that, selling things at craft fairs, etc. It's been stunning seeing the whole wide spread local art scene concentrated in one venue. Great talent pours into town from the rural outback. A local minister sculpts; an engineering professor paints; a farm woman weaves,etc. The music scene has always been strong in the area, with the Crane music school at SUNY Potsdam. Now it seems art of many different kinds often reaches as high as Rene Fleming did while she was here. At an opening at the down town center a while back I came face to face with the self portrait of an engineering professor I'd known for years, without knowing of his talent. The image of the man staring back was deeper and more beautiful than I had imagined. What a revelation. Jan Wojcik, retired English teacher, writer.
In my experience, this Arts Council has strived hard to offer many facets which nurture the arts in our community and surrounding areas. This includes various classes, demos, exhibits and musical programs. They are instrumental with the Visiting Artist Program which is available to area schools. Therefore, the students are exposed to a much broader range of artistic opportunities, which they otherwise would miss out on. This aspect alone is a HUGE benefit to the community.
Their store in Downtown Potsdam always had great events for the community and provides unique shopping opportunity and gifts. Classes are held regularly in a variety of areas. They are open to new ideas and making the Council better for the community
A few years ago, I took some of my art work in to be sold in their shop. It was a totally rewarding experience. They were friendly, and made the 'business end' of selling my works so so easy. I hope to have more to sell as my art-creating schedule permits. And I certainly hope they are able to work a deal and get the art space they deserve over at Clarkson University.
The St. Lawrence County Arts Council is a great organization. I have taken a number of wonderfvl workshops in jewelry-making,calligraphy, and water colors and have as a result been able to improve my skills in these areas. The gift shop is abundantly stocked with a variety of items made by local artisans which make wonderful, thoughtful gifts. Local artists also have a gallery to showcase their various mediums. Becoming a member of the Arts Council and receiving its quarterly newspaper keeps me in touch with what is going on in the regional art world. Three cheers for this great organization.
I have been a member of the Arts Council for several years and marvel at the depth and variety of classes and services offered to North Country Artists. While I do not live in the immediate area, I am treated like an old friend each time that I visit. As an artist with consigned work, I am pleased at the amount of sales and traffic generated through this gallery. I have had a very positive relationship from that stand point, with care given to my pieces and timely artist payments. I never have had to worry about my work there, something I cannot say for other galleries I have worked with.Hillary and her staff are a great asset to the Potsdam community and a true local treasure.
The St. Lawrence County Arts Council is a great organization that has helped me to develop my artistic abilities and has given me an avenue to share my jewelry and expertise in this area with others. The people there are always inviting and helpful. It just gives you a great feeling to walk in and see all of this beautiful local artwork from so many talented people!
SLCAC supports the arts, all the arts, and participating artists in St. Lawrence County. I have received assistance from SLCAC in marketing, in class planning and site hosting, in support and honest dialog about the concerns I have as an artist who doesn't make a living from the arts, but who would love to move closer to this ideal. A fine example of a service SLCAC performs is the Artists in the Schools. SLACA hosts an event to introduce artists to educators, and provides all the administrative work, leaving the artist free to work out the experience with the teacher. Artists are appropriately compensated by SLCHA as well.