The mission of the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is to provide a creative education resource for people of all ages and abilities while celebrating the arts through classes, entertainment, exhibitions and special events.
From the Director...

The year 2016 is upon us and the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is already off to a great start! Since our Grand Opening in September, we have grown by leaps and bounds, offering inspiring art exhibitions and classes in everything from painting, music and culinary arts to dance and yoga. In addition, the Nigra Arts Center has become the community's premier destination for events, activities and programs dedicated to children and families. Keep reading for a recap of our recent happenings and for a sneak peek into the future, including our Easter Bunny Family Fun Day and Mother's Day Celebration. I welcome you to CLICK HERE to be directed to our website for the latest on classes and other offerings.

Everything we do is made possible through the generous support of our members, donors, students and volunteers. We extend a sincere thank you for your dedication, time and tireless spirit in making the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts YOUR community arts center. I hope to see you soon!
 
Sue Nigra
Interim Director
Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts
We've Got Class!

The past few months have been incredibly busy at the Nigra Arts Center, with a multitude of classes given to students of all ages and levels of ability. Our instructors pride themselves in providing the very best classes in art, music, yoga, dance, culinary arts and more!
Group classes and events are available! To schedule yours, call our office at (518) 661-9932.
  


 



CLICK HERE to book your party!
New Art Exhibition to Launch

The Nigra Arts Center is committed to sharing the talents of individual artists and exposing the public to a variety of artistic media. Visitors enjoy artwork on display in the Community Art Gallery, the Grand Gallery, and in various studios and locations at the center.

 
Right now we are gearing up for our first proper rotation of artwork. A rotation is the changing of a piece or multiple pieces on display; as one is taken off view, another takes its place. Once the new pieces are up, the public will be invited to meet the artists and celebrate the launch of our newest exhibition, the Winter Regional Show. The show will feature work from critically acclaimed Adirondack artist and designer Barney Bellinger and many other talented and well-regarded artists such as Joe Anagnostopulos, Karen Cooper, Deborah Deming, Katherine Ehle, Alex Higgins, Leah Junquera, Marion Kratky, Ellen Rae Panero, Dusty Sage, Jonathan Swartwout and MORE! We hope you will join us:

Meet the Artist Reception
Winter Regional Show
Thursday, February 11 
6:00 - 8:00PM 

If you are an artist or know of an artist who may be interested in exhibiting at the Nigra Arts Center, contact Brenda Dwyer, gallery administrator: (518) 661-9932, ext. 157 or dwyerb@lexcenter.org. 


 
Hop on over to the Nigra Arts Center on Saturday, March 12, for the
Easter Bunny Family Fun Day! Join us from 10:00AM to 1:00PM for plenty of activities ranging from Easter egg decorating and crafts to dancing at our Bunny Hop. The day will also include a big Easter egg hunt (with prizes) and photos with our guest of honor, the Easter Bunny himself! Admission is $7 per child (age 2+).
Kids' Camp Featured on Channel 6 News! 



Albany's WRGB Channel 6 meteorologist Steve LaPointe was a hit at our Winter "Funderland" Day Camp. Not only did Steve talk to campers about the weather, he highlighted our campers on WRGB news! Held for three days over holiday break, the camp gave children ages 5 to 10 something different to enjoy every day as our instructors kept them active, engaged and using their imaginations in a wide range of crafts and activities.

  
Our next big camp is the Red White and YOU Day Camp, February 16-18. The camp, held during Presidents' Week, is already sold out! Stay tuned for more day camps and fun events for children throughout the year.
Chamber "Roars" into Center



On January 22, the Nigra Arts Center served as the backdrop for the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Celebration & Cocktail Party. The theme of the event was the "Roaring 20s," and it featured signature cocktails, a selfie booth, themed raffles and silent auction prizes. The annual Chamber Awards were the highlight of the celebration, which was catered by Wine & Roses Restaurant of Broadalbin.

Do you have an event you'd like to hold at the Nigra Arts Center? CLICK HERE for more information.


 
Make May 7 a Mother's Day Saturday your mom will cherish forever at our Mother's Day Celebration! Admission is $15 per person, but moms will be admitted FREE. Moms are invited to sit back and relax in our beautiful Grand Gallery, where they will be treated to a wonderful brunch and music. 

While the moms take a break, their children will make them something truly memorable at each of our craft stations, from special handmade jewelry to top secret Mother's Day cards. Our teaching kitchen will also be open to boys and girls so they can create individualized Mother's Day cupcakes. Join us Saturday, May 7, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for the Mother's Day Celebration at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts!

Polar Express Celebration Brings Joy, Benefits Needy



On December 12, children were transported to an enchanting winter wonderland at our Polar Express Celebration! Kids of all ages enjoyed holiday crafts, live entertainment and all kinds of family fun inspired by the classic tale The Polar Express. The event served as a benefit for Toys for Tots, which helps less fortunate children in the area have a good Christmas.
Sensory Santa Touches Lives

On December 20, Sensory Santa held free one-on-one meetings with children at the Nigra Arts Center. Sensory Santa is ideal for children with special needs such as autism and sensory processing disorders who may be overwhelmed by large crowds, bright lights and loud music. Children met Sensory Santa alone in a quiet, soothing atmosphere, where they received individualized attention. We look forward to inviting him back next year.  

Prince & Princess Holiday Tea Brings Royalty to the Center



Foothills Family Productions brought its annual holiday tradition, The Prince & Princess Holiday Tea Party, to the Nigra Arts Center in November. Little princes and princesses enjoyed crafts, storytelling, songs, dances and, of course, a royal tea party. As you can see, everyone dressed to impress! 
 
THANK YOU to Our Donors

Our wonderful donors are the reason the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts has become such a success. THANK YOU to the generous individuals who are truly making a difference in our growth. Every little bit helps us make capital improvements and expand educational and artistic offerings as we work to give the community an arts center that everyone can enjoy and be proud of!
Become a Member

Membership dues support programming at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts.  All members of the Nigra Arts Center receive the following basic benefits for one year: 
  • a membership card
  • discounts on exhibition admission, workshop and class fees, and select performances
  • invitations to gallery receptions and special events
  • a subscription to our e-newsletter to give you the latest information
  • a charitable tax deduction to the extent provided by law

CLICK HERE to learn more about how YOU can become a member. 

 
 
The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is a program of The Lexington Foundation. To learn more about The Foundation, click here.




For the latest news and information about classes and events at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, visit our website.


 
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