MALONE — Foothills Art Society, a local organization that aims to be a center of arts and culture in the North Country, is looking to the future, having completed the purchase of the Pearl Street building that houses the organization and named a new executive director with a wealth of experience.
The agency acquired the building late last year and were renting as they worked to raise the funds necessary to complete the purchase, and board president Jenny Gessler said the outpouring of financial support from businesses, organizations, and individuals has been key to helping Foothills grow. The building transfer became official on July 14, Gessler said.
“We quietly raised some money to purchase it,” she said. “Now we’re starting our capital campaign again so we can start the renovations.”
She said the current fund raising goal of roughly $3.5 million would allow the organization to expand its offerings and become the cultural center they envision for Malone.
“That would do the whole building – exterior, interior, the site work for the parking lot,” Gessler said. “We’d have artist studios downstairs, a workshop area for kids, theater, cafe. You name it.”
She said the design would allow for a space for class reunions, weddings, and other events.
She said fund raising and renovations would occur in phases, and that rent from current tenants in the building will also provide some income for Foothills moving forward.
Plans for the site also include indoor and outdoor performance spaces and gallery space for exhibitions. Foothills has already renovated the ground floor of the building to house the gallery, and the agency has continued work to expand through their sponsorship of Childstock Music Festival for the second consecutive year and a partnership with the Chateaugay theater.
Gessler said big donations came from several sources, including Stewart’s Shops, Price Chopper, and Citizen Advocates, Inc. (CAI), which allowed Foothills to put down $170,000 toward the $245,000 price tag on the site. Stewart’s donated $20,000, with $10,000 each coming from Price Chopper and CAI, respectively.
Gessler said while the building purchase is complete, much work remains to fulfill the agency’s vision for the site.
The first step, she said, is shoring up a wall behind the building that was compromised by the demolition of a neighboring structure several years ago.
“The back wall is severely damaged,” Gessler said. “It might last fifty years or we could have an earthquake tomorrow.
“We have to fix that wall before we spend any money.”
Essential repairs on the wall are expected to cost roughly $300,000, she said.
Gessler said summer events have been more lightly attended than last year, but this has served to help Foothills understand what works for the organization and the community it serves.
“I just keep saying it’s lessons learned,” Gessler said. “We’re learning what works and what doesn’t.”
She went on to say that a reception is planned for Sept. 29 at the North Star Gallery to recognize the donations that have helped Foothills grow over the last several months. The event will be open to benefactors as well as the public.
Other notable upcoming events include an exhibit and performance by Phoenix Mendoza at the North Star Gallery on Pearl Street, followed by a more intimate affair at a home on Upper Chateaugay Lake. Space is limited to 75 people for the lake event so people are required to make reservations at foothillsartsociety.com or by calling 518 319-4260. The exhibit on Pearl Street will run through Aug. 12 with a performance by Mendoza on Aug. 11. The outdoor concert on the lake is slated for Aug. 12.
The lake concert will be held at the home of Nikki Charboneau, who donated $60,000 to the organization, Gessler said.
New director named
Brenton Dumas, who took over as director in May, said he tendered his resignation in July and officially resigned Monday. In his place, Foothills has hired Scott Habes of Rochester, who Gessler said brings a wide range of experience specific to the agency’s needs and goals.
“For personal and professional reasons, I made the preeminent decision for myself and my family to resign from Foothills Art Society as the executive director,” Dumas told the Telegram Tuesday. “I wish nothing but the very best for Foothills Art Society for many years to come.”
His replacement most recently worked as executive director of the Genessee Valley Council on the Arts in Mount Vernon, and has worked as a curator in addition to several directorships, including more than ten years as the director of the Cornell Fine Arts Museum at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL.
Efforts to reach Habes for comment Tuesday were unsuccessful.
The agency acquired the building late last year and were renting as they worked to raise the funds necessary to complete the purchase, and board president Jenny Gessler said the outpouring of financial support from businesses, organizations, and individuals has been key to helping Foothills grow. The building transfer became official on July 14, Gessler said.
“We quietly raised some money to purchase it,” she said. “Now we’re starting our capital campaign again so we can start the renovations.”
She said the current fund raising goal of roughly $3.5 million would allow the organization to expand its offerings and become the cultural center they envision for Malone.
“That would do the whole building – exterior, interior, the site work for the parking lot,” Gessler said. “We’d have artist studios downstairs, a workshop area for kids, theater, cafe. You name it.”
She said the design would allow for a space for class reunions, weddings, and other events.
She said fund raising and renovations would occur in phases, and that rent from current tenants in the building will also provide some income for Foothills moving forward.
Plans for the site also include indoor and outdoor performance spaces and gallery space for exhibitions. Foothills has already renovated the ground floor of the building to house the gallery, and the agency has continued work to expand through their sponsorship of Childstock Music Festival for the second consecutive year and a partnership with the Chateaugay theater.
Gessler said big donations came from several sources, including Stewart’s Shops, Price Chopper, and Citizen Advocates, Inc. (CAI), which allowed Foothills to put down $170,000 toward the $245,000 price tag on the site. Stewart’s donated $20,000, with $10,000 each coming from Price Chopper and CAI, respectively.
Gessler said while the building purchase is complete, much work remains to fulfill the agency’s vision for the site.
The first step, she said, is shoring up a wall behind the building that was compromised by the demolition of a neighboring structure several years ago.
“The back wall is severely damaged,” Gessler said. “It might last fifty years or we could have an earthquake tomorrow.
“We have to fix that wall before we spend any money.”
Essential repairs on the wall are expected to cost roughly $300,000, she said.
Gessler said summer events have been more lightly attended than last year, but this has served to help Foothills understand what works for the organization and the community it serves.
“I just keep saying it’s lessons learned,” Gessler said. “We’re learning what works and what doesn’t.”
She went on to say that a reception is planned for Sept. 29 at the North Star Gallery to recognize the donations that have helped Foothills grow over the last several months. The event will be open to benefactors as well as the public.
Other notable upcoming events include an exhibit and performance by Phoenix Mendoza at the North Star Gallery on Pearl Street, followed by a more intimate affair at a home on Upper Chateaugay Lake. Space is limited to 75 people for the lake event so people are required to make reservations at foothillsartsociety.com or by calling 518 319-4260. The exhibit on Pearl Street will run through Aug. 12 with a performance by Mendoza on Aug. 11. The outdoor concert on the lake is slated for Aug. 12.
The lake concert will be held at the home of Nikki Charboneau, who donated $60,000 to the organization, Gessler said.
New director named
Brenton Dumas, who took over as director in May, said he tendered his resignation in July and officially resigned Monday. In his place, Foothills has hired Scott Habes of Rochester, who Gessler said brings a wide range of experience specific to the agency’s needs and goals.
“For personal and professional reasons, I made the preeminent decision for myself and my family to resign from Foothills Art Society as the executive director,” Dumas told the Telegram Tuesday. “I wish nothing but the very best for Foothills Art Society for many years to come.”
His replacement most recently worked as executive director of the Genessee Valley Council on the Arts in Mount Vernon, and has worked as a curator in addition to several directorships, including more than ten years as the director of the Cornell Fine Arts Museum at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL.
Efforts to reach Habes for comment Tuesday were unsuccessful.
Citizen Advocates Gifts $5,000 for Capital Campaign.
February 21, 2022
A big thank you to Citizen Advocates! On February 8, 2022, Citizen Advocates gifted Foothills Art Society with $5,000 for our Capital Campaign. We are looking forward to working with them and others in the future. Stay tuned for more news about our campaign and the Malone Arts and Cultural Center.
February 21, 2022
A big thank you to Citizen Advocates! On February 8, 2022, Citizen Advocates gifted Foothills Art Society with $5,000 for our Capital Campaign. We are looking forward to working with them and others in the future. Stay tuned for more news about our campaign and the Malone Arts and Cultural Center.
From left to right: Nancy Child, Lorraine Cartier, Kati Jock (Citizen Advocates), Tamar BenArdout and Sue Levitre.
New York Main Street Grant Funding.
March 18, 2021
Foothills Art Society has been selected for a $20,000 award as part of the 2020 New York Main Street (NYMS) Program funding round. These funds from of the Housing Trust Fund Corporation (HTFC) and the Office of Community Renewal (OCR), will provide a marketing and architectural study at Saint Joseph’s Church on Main Street Malone to determine the feasibility of creating an arts and cultural center. The study will occur during the summer months of 2021 and will allow Foothills Art Society to determine the viability of its plan for the project.
“The Board of Directors is excited by the opportunity to work with the Housing Trust Fund Corporation and the Office of Community Renewal to bring this project to our community, “ stated Jenny Gessler, Board President. “ These funds will help us advance our goal for building a centralized location for the arts and creating another economic opportunity for Malone. ”
March 18, 2021
Foothills Art Society has been selected for a $20,000 award as part of the 2020 New York Main Street (NYMS) Program funding round. These funds from of the Housing Trust Fund Corporation (HTFC) and the Office of Community Renewal (OCR), will provide a marketing and architectural study at Saint Joseph’s Church on Main Street Malone to determine the feasibility of creating an arts and cultural center. The study will occur during the summer months of 2021 and will allow Foothills Art Society to determine the viability of its plan for the project.
“The Board of Directors is excited by the opportunity to work with the Housing Trust Fund Corporation and the Office of Community Renewal to bring this project to our community, “ stated Jenny Gessler, Board President. “ These funds will help us advance our goal for building a centralized location for the arts and creating another economic opportunity for Malone. ”
Installation of Third Stained Glass Map of Franklin County Villages at the Courthouse !
July 15, 2021
Artist and Facilitator Michael Hart worked with Maya Massaro to create this representation of Tupper Lake in Stained Glass. The work of art joins two other Stained Glass maps - one of Malone and one of Saranac Lake, which are hanging on the second floor of the Franklin County Courthouse. The project, which consists of a professional artist working with a student artist to create a community work of art was made possible by the Bev Quenville Art Fund which is managed by the Adirondack Foundation. Foothills Art Society was the recipient of the grant money for completion of the project. The Franklin County Bar Association, led by Tammy Gordon, also contributed towards the expenses of the project. In the picture: professional artist Michael Hart, student artist Maya Massaro, Judge Robert Main, retired art teacher Bev Quenville, and Foothills Art Society President Jenny Gessler and Vice President Nancy Child.
July 15, 2021
Artist and Facilitator Michael Hart worked with Maya Massaro to create this representation of Tupper Lake in Stained Glass. The work of art joins two other Stained Glass maps - one of Malone and one of Saranac Lake, which are hanging on the second floor of the Franklin County Courthouse. The project, which consists of a professional artist working with a student artist to create a community work of art was made possible by the Bev Quenville Art Fund which is managed by the Adirondack Foundation. Foothills Art Society was the recipient of the grant money for completion of the project. The Franklin County Bar Association, led by Tammy Gordon, also contributed towards the expenses of the project. In the picture: professional artist Michael Hart, student artist Maya Massaro, Judge Robert Main, retired art teacher Bev Quenville, and Foothills Art Society President Jenny Gessler and Vice President Nancy Child.
