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June 2025

Thousand Islands Arts Center Announces Inaugural Summer Arts Kick-Off Celebration

Clayton – The Thousand Islands Arts Center ~ Home of the Handweaving Museum invites the
public to its Summer Arts Kick-Off, a brand-new free community celebration of the arts on
Saturday, June 28, from 3 to 6 PM. This is a free event and open to the public.

This lively afternoon event will feature a wide array of creative activities and performances,
including plein-air artists Cheryl Simeone and Jan Byington, a live raku pottery firing, a sidewalk
chalk art competition, kids’ craft tables, and a collaborative community mosaic project.
Attendees can also enjoy live music by Darden MacWade, shop from local artisans, enter raffles,
and grab a bite from an on-site food truck.

“We’re thrilled to bring the community together in celebration of art in all its forms,” said
Katherine Lake, Events Coordinator at the Arts Center. “It’s a fantastic way to kick off the
summer and introduce what we hope becomes a cherished annual tradition.”

The event is underwritten by Michael and Billie Jo Radecke, The Eagle Shoppe, French Creek
Marina, Cross Island Farms, and Watertown Savings Bank.

Looking ahead, the Arts Center envisions future Summer Arts Kick-Offs taking place at its new
museum location on James Street, further deepening its connection to the heart of the Clayton
community.

With June 28 shaping up to be a busy day in Clayton, the Arts Center is excited to add to the
day’s festivities and offer something for all ages to enjoy. For information, call (315) 686-4123 or
visit TIArtsCenter.org.

Located in Clayton, NY, the Thousand Islands Arts Center ~ Home of the Handweaving
Museum is a nonprofit cultural organization dedicated to preserving and promoting art, craft,
and design. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and community events, the Arts Center
inspires creativity and celebrates artistic heritage across the region.

Staff Potter Kathy Morris removing hot raku pieces from the kiln.
Staff Potter Kathy Morris removing hot raku pieces from the kiln.
Raku with the community.
Raku with the community.

Thousand Islands Arts Center Unveils “Step up for the Arts” Paver Initiative

CLAYTON – The Thousand Islands Arts Center ~ Home of the Handweaving Museum (the Arts
Center) is launching its “Step Up for the Arts” Paver Initiative, inviting the community to cement
their legacy within the new Arts Center campus. This unique opportunity, part of the ongoing
Campus Capital Campaign, runs from now through Sept. 1, 2025.

Community members, fans, and sponsors are invited to purchase commemorative pavers to
form beautiful, permanent walkways surrounding the new James Street building. Each engraved
paver offers a chance to honor connections to the Arts Center, paving the way for the future of
arts and education in the Thousand Islands region.

“This is a wonderful way for visitors, partners, and families to honor loved ones, while directly
ensuring the magic of the arts remains accessible to our entire region,” explained Sarah
Riddoch, the Arts Center’s Executive Director.

Available in three sizes and starting at $750 (12″x12″ inscribed with a choice of sentiment or
name), these custom pavers will be installed before the new Arts Center’s Grand Opening in
2026. Each purchase directly supports vital improvements and the continued expansion of the
Arts Center programming.

Pavers will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis and will be available
while supplies last or through September 1. The pavers will be installed before the Grand
Opening of the new Arts Center, scheduled for 2026!

Step up for the Arts! Purchase a paver today and leave a lasting mark on the heart of Clayton’s
vibrant arts community. Visit TIArtsCenter.org/pavers to secure a paver and learn more.
Additional information about the Arts Center can be found at TIArtsCenter.org.

Thousand Islands Arts Center Unveils 2025 Dine-Around Schedule

CLAYTON – On Monday, June 9, the Thousand Islands Arts Center ~ Home of the
Handweaving Museum, released the 2025 Dine-Around schedule. This year includes ten
different unforgettable parties to choose from. Each event offers a one-of-a-kind experience,
hosted by friends and supporters of the Thousand Islands Arts Center.

Some of the events include a guided meditation on Grenell Island, a mosaic necklace class with
a tour of an iconic Grindstone cottage, an organic wine tasting with a tour of Thousand Island
Park, learning the ancient (but trending) game of Mahjong, a sunset river cruise, and more
exciting events to peruse.

Launched in 2014 with the guidance of former trustee Linda Yenawine, the Dine-Arounds have
become a beloved tradition, blending creativity, community, and culture. There is something for
everyone this year with our Dine-Around offerings,” said Katherine Lake, Events Coordinator for
the Thousand Islands Arts Center. “Whether you’re interested in art, history, architecture,
mindfulness, or simply enjoying the beauty of the river, our events promise meaningful and
memorable experiences.”

New to the Arts Center’s offerings this year is an online “Artful Auction” of incredible art-inspired
auction items. Some of the items include a custom painting of your cottage or house done by
Helen Cardamone, a long weekend stay on a riverfront cottage in the Palisades, a custom
weaving by Harriet Burris, a private birthday party in the Arts Center’s pottery studio, and more!
Check out the online auction by visiting the Dine-Around page on the Arts Center’s website.
The Dine-Around series offers attendees the chance to participate in events hosted by
supporters and friends of the Arts Center. Each event is designed to showcase the rich culture,
natural beauty, and creative spirit of the Thousand Islands region.

All proceeds from the Dine-Around events and Artful Auction support the ongoing mission and
programming of the Thousand Islands Arts Center. For more details, to view the full schedule, or
to participate in the online auction, visit the Dine-Around page at www.TIArtsCenter.org.

A guided meditation at the Grenell Chapel is a unique experience not to miss.
A guided meditation at the Grenell Chapel is a unique experience not to miss.
Custom painting by Artist Helen Cardamone.
Custom painting by Artist Helen Cardamone.

Thousand Islands Arts Center Receives Robert F. Schumann Foundation Grant for “Nesting Change” Project

CLAYTON – The Thousand Islands Arts Center is thrilled to announce it has received a grant
from the Robert F. Schumann Foundation in support of its innovative “Nesting Change” project.
This unique initiative directly aligns with the Foundation’s core grantmaking priorities,
encompassing environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and enhancing quality of life through
arts and cultural engagement.


Earlier this spring, community members and students from Lyme Central School learned about
the habitat and migratory patterns of the federally protected Cliff Swallow while crafting clay
birdhouses intended to encourage the relocation of the birds during their seasonal habitat in the
region. This collaborative project emerged from a pressing local need. A popular picnic pavilion
at the state park has become unusable due to nesting Cliff Swallows. Lauren Eggleston,
Regional Education Coordinator for the New York State Office of Parks, reached out to the Arts
Center to develop a creative solution: the construction of custom birdhouses to safely relocate
the swallows.


“The Nesting Change program provided an exceptional opportunity for our community to
connect with nature through art, embodying Mr. Schumann’s enduring legacy.” Said Sarah
Riddoch, the Arts Center’s Executive Director. “We are incredibly grateful to the Robert F.
Schumann Foundation for their vision and support of the program.”
“Nesting Change” supports the Schumann Foundation’s dedication to improving the planet
through environmental education and supporting artistic institutions that benefit local
communities.


The project is a collaborative project with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and
Historic Preservation at Thousand Islands Long Point State Park. Later this year, Parks staff and
conservation experts will strategically install the Arts Center-provided birdhouses to encourage
the birds to relocate within an acceptable distance from the picnic pavilion.

Arts Center Pottery Studio manager Kathy Morris explains to students how to create a nest from clay for the swallows.
Arts Center Pottery Studio manager Kathy Morris explains to students how to create a nest from clay for the swallows.

ARTS CENTER

MONDAY-FRIDAY, 9am-5pm

Additional Summer Hours:
SATURDAY, 10am-3pm

Please note: We are closed on all federal holidays.

 

FINDERS KEEPERS

WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY, 10am-4pm
Memorial Day – Columbus Day
Contact the store manager for more information at (315) 748-2088

 

Thousand Islands Arts Center

The Thousand Islands Arts Center's programming made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

POTTERY STUDIO

Classes by appointment. Please contact the pottery studio at (315) 686-4123 x205 to schedule!

Copyright © 2025 Thousand Islands Arts Center. All Rights Reserved