It’s been a busy six months for CNY Arts Center since their start as a grass-roots effort to open an arts center in Fulton and another milestone has been achieved. Along with receiving official non-profit status approval, the organization announces a slate of Board members has begun working to create a viable arts presence.
In the most recent board meeting, Nancy Fox was named as President of the Board. Fox has been spokesperson and coordinator of the group from its inception. “The response to the creation of an arts center has been overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic but there is so much to do to accomplish all that we’ve planned,” Fox said. “A committed and passionate Board of Directors will be the backbone of the organization and we are very excited to have a strong working board in place. I am proud to announce this talented group of professionals.”
Board member and Vice President Sheila Casper, licensed Insurance Agent, Accredited Risk Manager (ARM), and Accredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI) is the Commercial Marketing Manager at Eastern Shore Associates in Fulton working to assess insurance needs for businesses. Sheila sits on several carrier councils offering an agency perspective on clientele issues.
Of her interest in the arts Casper said “I have long had a passion for the arts, in ALL its various forms. I very much look forward to being a part of an upcoming nonprofit organization that will bring a much needed fresh breath into a community that will benefit from its presence. I believe CNY Arts to be that organization and I look forward to assisting in both a professional and personal capacity to make it a local reality.”
Deana Michaels, Branch Manager of Pathfinder Bank in Fulton is involved in a variety of local organizations and a current member of several boards including the Fulton Lions Club, American Red Cross and the Fulton Planning Board. She shared her commitment to the arts “Arts are an important element of a successful community. Having participated in the arts for over15 years, I can attest to the joy and excitement of my involvement in the arts. Now raising children in Fulton, I want them to have that same experience. I believe in the mission of CNY Arts and look forward to the future of the organization and its positive impact on the Fulton community.”
Carrie Hutchins, Licensed Insurance Broker at Eastern Shore Associates with the Commercial Lines Sales Team, enjoys being involved in the community as a Fulton Pop Warner Board member, cheerleading team coach and Certified tutor for the Oswego County Literacy Program.
She explains her interest in the arts: “I chose to be involved with CNY Arts mainly because it is a wonderful way to help the community get involved, get together and to enjoy every aspect of the arts. Also, my children enjoy music, drawing, dancing, singing, reading, arts & crafts, etc, so much that it made me want to be a big part in helping this organization do all that it can do to represent the arts in this community.” Carrie will serve as Secretary to the Board.
Alice Lamb was recommended to the Board Committee by several members of the organization and is a perfect choice for Member-At-Large where she will serve as the member representative. Alice is a Fulton Alliance Church Trustee, serving on the Mission Committee and Building Bridges committee. She is a Lake Ontario Regional Coach for the North Eastern District of Christian Missionary Alliance; a member of Oswego County LEAH(Loving Education at Home) group, a Pioneer Club Teacher for Challengers, girls in 7th -12th grades; Home school Teacher; a member of Oswego Numismatic Club; and is experienced as an event planner having served on the CNY Arts Center Events Planning Committee.
Alice expresses her first-hand experience with the arts. “I support the CNY Arts Center because I understand the benefits of the arts. After reading how music lessons can help students, our struggling reader took piano lessons. In that time period, his reading ability greatly improved.”
Kiley Casper is serving as Treasurer with a degree in Business Management. She serves as Accounting and IT Support at Eastern Shore Associates in Fulton and is also Market Coordinator of the Fulton Farmer’s Market for the Greater Oswego Fulton Chamber of Commerce. Kiley is also an avid artist reviving the traditional art of crocheting.
Her personal thoughts on the Arts Center …”I feel like CNY Arts will create a place for kids and families to come together, where they are excited to give back to the community, and can learn how to become more involved in it. It will be a great outlet for art education, art workshops, and for local artists to showcase their talents. I believe that with theatre events, art exhibits, outdoor art events, and so many other activities involved with the arts, that CNY Arts can help our local economy to grow.”
Nan Jacobson rounds out the Board of Directors and has been with the group from the very first meeting. She brings a passionate commitment to Fulton and the arts as a jewelry and handbag designer, and a corporate background in Human Resources. She also spends many days helping Fulton’s seniors get around to doctor appointments and meeting the challenges of daily life.
She had this to say about the arts… “By supporting the arts we can all help to provide opportunities that will bring economic growth and development to, not only our community, but also to surrounding communities. The arts encourages consumer spending and enhances the market appeal of an area that has local access to the arts. Consumers coming to our area will encourage corporate relocation and help generate new jobs. By working together we can revitalize this area and contribute to long-term positive impact for ourselves and our children.”
Job creation and economic revitalization are just a few of the benefits of the Center’s mission, and with this Board of Directors in place, CNY Arts Center, Inc can move forward with strategic plans to realize the goal of opening an arts center for the region. For more information about the group visit www.CNYArtsCenter.com.
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