Fulton Art Association Shines Light on Local Animation

FULTON – The Fulton Art Association delivered its Local Luminary Award on Saturday, May 1st, to the production of a feature length animation being created through the Art Scene @ CNY Arts Center. The award was given to director Nicholas Gentile and members of cast and crew of MYTHOLOGY, a compendium of independent but interrelated vignettes highlighting the work of local artists alongside industry professionals. This endowment is intended to help augment a recent New York State GRACE Grant from CNY Arts, Inc. with assistance in production costs, material expenses, and talent stipends.

“The Fulton Art Association was formed in 1973 to promote awareness of arts and culture in our community,” says President Kathy Mihalek, “And one of our main goals has always been to sponsor and encourage artists of all experience levels and mediums, then help them find ways to exhibit their work. Gentile’s Mythology fits our mission perfectly, as it incorporates both amateurs and professionals, showcasing the talents and efforts of our own ‘local luminaries’ with those already in the field. It elevates not just art in our area, but our artists themselves.”

Glenn Prior, one of the local artists who will be assisting with visuals, says: “This project is awesome because not only does it follow the plight of an artist whose trying to make it in different mediums, but it’s presented in a wide variety of different mediums. It’s far out. There’s nothing else like it.”

“Everyone involved is just so incredible!” says voice-over actress Kathryn Donovan. “And it’s just wonderful to see how much amazing talent is in our own backyard! Thank you to the Fulton Art Association for this remarkable honor!”

The Fulton Art Association aims for the Local Luminary Award to be more than just an honor, but a tangible support to exceptional projects that further the goals of their organization. The Fulton Art Association has a long history of empowering art in the region, especially for budding young creators. Their biggest annual event is the High School Invitational Art and Photography Show, with students participating from Fulton, Oswego, Phoenix, Hannibal, and surrounding areas.

“Two foundations critical for the success of any artistic endeavor on this scale,” says director Nicholas Gentile, “are local interest and multi-organizational support. The Fulton Art Association is an invaluable mechanism for creative expression in our county… and beyond. The crew, the cast, and I humbly accept this generous accolade, which is a true testament to their championship of nurturing imaginative manifestation.”

Gentile’s previous efforts were most recently Chef’s Kiss at Canale’s, with Lifetime Channel Movie screenwriters Keith and Juliet Aires Giglio, last summer’s SPACE RACE, and 2023’s The 1812 Underture, a comic opera within Fort Ontario. His first animated feature, which combines various forms of animation with thematic elements from the annals of ancient myth, is set to premiere November of this year.

6th Ward Alderman Jonathon Weldin, present for the ceremony, states: “As councilor of the 6th Ward, I’m proud to be representative of the FAA and all they bring to our community. And I must say that Nicholas Gentile’s productions have been extremely well-received around our county and he has become a great addition to our thriving local arts.”

The FAA presented the award with the help of Raby’s ACE Hardware, JP Jeweler’s, Canale’s Restaurant, Picture Connection, Maida’s Flowers, and The Art Scene @ CNY Arts Center.

Artists interested in lending their talents to this project are encouraged to reach out to Nicholas Gentile at [email protected]