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Marina Loew

About Marina Loew

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Arts Center Seeks Submissions for Wearable Exhibition

Clayton – The Thousand Islands Arts Center is pleased to announce a call for wearable art for the upcoming juried exhibition, Wear Art Thou! The exhibit will run May 28-July 5.

Wearable art is one-of-a-kind, handmade fashion items designed to be worn – from belts, hats, shoes, and purses, to pants, dresses, shirts,  jewelry, and glasses. If it can be worn, it can be entered! All mediums are welcome. Knit a sweater, paint an apron, sew a handbag, braid a grass hat, or sculpt some jewelry. The Arts Center wants artists to show how creative they are! 

The deadline for submissions is April 27 and artists are welcome to submit up to three original pieces. There will be a fashion show in conjunction with the exhibition on June 8 – check out Facebook or Instagram for updates! For more information, visit our website at TIArtsCenter.org or email Marina@tiartscenter.org.

Student Art on Exhibition at The Arts Center

The Thousand Islands Arts Center is currently exhibiting local student art. This is the second annual collaboration with the art teachers from Thousand Islands Middle and High School showcasing work from their students. It’s on display through Apr. 11, with a reception Thursday, Apr. 3, 6-8 pm. There will also be a musical performance from the school’s vocal select students at the reception, under the direction of Choral Director Colin Zehyr.

High school art teacher Nicky Badour and Stephanie Martin, middle school teacher, selected work from the students in various mediums including pen and ink, ceramics, 3-D room design, pastels, painting and pencil drawings. There will be two People’s Choice Awards presented at the reception. Awards are $100 each, donated to the Arts Center by supporters of young local artists.

The exhibition is open to the public and free. Visitors are invited to stop in and see the young talent that’s in the community! It’s likely at least one of the arts is someone familiar. This might be the first time these artists have work on display and the launch of a career in art, or just feeding a passion to create.

For over 50 years, the Arts Center has enriched the community, showcasing artists, housing a world-renowned handweaving collection, and offering diverse educational programs.  Now, to meet growing demand, is expanding. The new facility on James Street will create a cultural hub with expanded exhibition space, enhanced educational opportunities for all ages, and a permanent home for our celebrated collection, establishing the Arts Center as a regional destination and ensuring the arts thrive for generations to come.


To learn more about the Arts Center, call the office at 315.686.4123 or visit tiartscenter.org.

Thousand Islands Arts Center Receives Northern New York Community Foundation Grant

Clayton, NY (February 19, 2025) – The Thousand Islands Arts Center ~ Home of the Handweaving Museum (TIAC), announced today that it has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the Northern New York Community Foundation. The grant will be used to support the Arts Center Campus Project, which includes construction of a new museum and arts center in the Village of Clayton, and to increase the TIAC endowment fund held at the Community Foundation.

“We are extremely grateful to the Northern New York Community Foundation for this very generous grant,” Kathryn B. Elliott, TIAC’s newly elected Board of Trustees chairwoman, said. “The Arts Center has had a decades long partnership with the Foundation, and we share common goals — among them to improve the quality of life for North Country citizens by enriching the art and cultural experiences in the North Country.”


The Foundation will provide a $150,000 grant in support of the capital campaign with an additional $50,000 to be awarded as the campaign reaches certain benchmarks. An additional $50,000 will be added to TIAC’s endowment fund at the Community Foundation.

“This project has the potential to be transformational for the Arts Center and will position it as a hub for the advancement of arts and culture in our region,” said Rande S. Richardson, Community Foundation executive director. “Building upon our past investment in their work, we are hopeful this grant will help propel them forward to reach their goal and provide longterm support of their mission through our endowment partnership.”

The Arts Center Campus Project is made possible by a foundational $2 million capital grant from the New York State Council on the Arts, and a matching grant by an anonymous donor. Construction is now underway and on schedule for completion in the spring of 2026 followed by a Grand Opening Celebration in the summer of 2026.

The Thousand Islands Arts Center is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional arts and handcrafts through educational programs, classes, lectures, and exhibitions. Home to a nationally renowned permanent collection of handwoven textiles and an extensive weaving library, the Arts Center also offers a wide variety of classes for all levels of students — from beginners to professional artists. The Thousand Islands Arts Center’s mission is to advance art, craft, and our unique handwoven textile collection through education and exhibition.

Be the next Art of The Year winner!

CLAYTON – The Thousand islands Arts Center is holding an art of the year contest. Anyone age 16 or older can submit artwork with the hope of being chosen to be their “Art of the Year.”

The winner will receive a $200 commission award, stickers of their piece, and recognition in all marketing/social media materials and posts of their work. The selected original artwork will be raffled, with proceeds benefiting the Arts Center.

Here are the details; any creative and fun theme is welcome! The winning piece should be easily translated to a sticker format. Submissions may be in any drawing or painting medium (pencil, acrylic/watercolor/oil, pen and ink, chalk, crayon, pastel, etc.). Digital drawings are acceptable, however, no photographs. Unlimited, free entries. Finished pieces should be no bigger than a regular, 8 1/2 x 11 – inch piece of paper. Artwork must be original and AI images will not be considered.

Submit through our website tiartscenter.org, find exhibitions tab and look under the call for artists. Deadline for submissions is April 13.

Questions? Contact Marina at marina@tiartscenter.org.

After School Arts Program to begin at the Arts Center

CLAYTON – The Thousand Islands Arts Center ~ Home of the Handweaving Museum is excited to announce its spring season of After School Arts starting Tuesday, Feb. 11, and running through Thursday, Apr. 10.

After School Arts (ASA) is an eight-week art and craft educational program that the Arts Center offers for children ages 5 – 12. Classes are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 – 5 pm. The spring session begins Feb. 11, and culminates Apr. 10. Note that ASA classes will not be held during the public school’s February and April breaks. The program is open to students from all area schools, as well as homeschooled children.


Marcia Rogers, Education and Membership Coordinator, says, “We’re excited to have our young students back to the Arts Center each week! They have so much fun being creative, and are exposed to diverse materials through the planned projects in each class. This year, the instructors are teaching woven CD dreamcatchers, spatter spinner painting, felt pop tarts, and the  science of art, to name a few.”


Even though there won’t be ASA during the winter school break, the Arts Center is offering a Kids Craft Day planned for Wednesday. 19, 1-3 pm. The cost is $30 per child. This is a great place to spend time during that week. Children can be inspired, create, and also be with their friends on a day when there is no school. It might be just what’s needed to re-energize them during the week off!


Details on the ASA program and Kids Craft Day can be found at TIArtsCenter.org or by calling Marcia at 315.686.4123. Scholarships are available; the Arts Center strives to make learning art accessible to all.


For over 50 years, the Arts Center has enriched our community, showcasing artists, housing a world-renowned handweaving collection, and offering diverse educational programs.  Now, to meet growing demand, the Arts Center is expanding! The new facility on James Street will create a cultural hub with expanded exhibition space, enhanced educational opportunities for all ages, and a permanent home for our celebrated collection, establishing itself as a regional destination and ensuring the arts thrive for generations to come.

Jump into the holiday spirit at the Arts Center Dec. 7!

On Saturday, Dec. 7, the Thousand Islands Arts Center invites the community to join its third annual Elves’ Fair! The family-friendly Elves’ Fair is free to the public and features over 15 regional artisans, a special holiday-themed cocktail bar, and children’s activities. Visitors can meet local artists, do a little holiday shopping, and visit the galleries. This event will be held at the Thousand Islands Arts Center, 314 John Street in Clayton, on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 am to 2 pm. Freshly baked pies are being sold to support the Arts Center’s children and adult arts programming.

During this special one-day event, the Arts Center’s galleries and classrooms will be transformed into a festive, family-friendly experience with artisans and artists selling handmade jewelry, paintings, handwoven items, clothing, and more. Children can enjoy a complimentary cocoa bar, make a holiday craft led by students from the Thousand Islands Central School District, and pose for a photo with Spanky, the miniature horse, and Kranky, the elf. The Travelling Sisters, a company providing holiday-themed cocktails will provide a cash bar. Raffle tickets for gift baskets will be available at the event and can be purchased online at TIArtsCenter.org. Winners will be announced on December 7. You do not have to be present to win.

In support of our mission of giving back to the community, the Arts Center is also hosting a gift drive to benefit the Victims Assistance Center of Jefferson County. Gifts donated will be used for a free holiday market for parents to shop for their children at no cost. Individuals wishing to donate can drop off new, unwrapped toys at the Arts Center through December 15. Experience the Elves Fair and get to know the Arts Center! Exposure to the arts has the power to spark creativity, challenge the mind, inspire the soul, promote cultural expression, and strengthen communities. In pursuing these ideals, the Arts Center recently broke ground on its expanded campus facility, located at 321 James Street. The new facility will complement the Arts Center’s existing antique home on James Street and enable the organization to expand its impact and ability to enrich the lives of the Thousand Islands community.


For more information, visit TIArtsCenter.org, and the Thousand Islands Arts Center’s Facebook page.

As always, guests are invited to stop by anytime to be inspired, whether it is through a class, event, or just browsing through the galleries.

NYSCA Support for Organizations Grant Awarded to the Arts Center

CLAYTON, NY (November 21, 2024) – The Thousand Islands Arts Center ~ Home of the
Handweaving Museum (Arts Center) is pleased to announce that it is the recipient of a $40,000
Support for Organizations grant award from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA).
For FY2025, NYSCA has awarded over 2,000 grants totaling $62 million to support individual
artists and nonprofit organizations. The Arts Center is one of the 1,497 organizations across
New York State chosen for this award.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the grants in a release issued earlier this week. “As the
unparalleled leader of arts and culture, New York’s creativity and innovation inspires the world,”
Governor Hochul said. “Our continued investment in our dynamic creative sector will further
boost tourism, strengthen our local economies and continue New York’s success as a rich and
vibrant place to live, work and visit.” The Arts Center will use the monies to support general
operating expenses.

Sarah Riddoch, Executive Director, said, “We are extremely grateful to have received this award
from the New York State Council on the Arts. This funding allows us to continue to offer classes
and scholarships, showcase multiple and diverse exhibits, and build awareness for the
museum’s unique collection dedicated to handwoven textiles produced in the United States.”
Executive Director of NYSCA Erika Mallin said, “The continued support from the Governor and
Legislature is a testament to their dedication to the importance of our sector, which is critical to
the health of our communities and economy. On behalf of the Council, we congratulate and
thank all the grantees. Their work will continue to ensure our state’s influence as the artistic
capital of the world.”

About the New York State Council on the Arts
The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth
of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the
arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award $162 million in FY 2025. The
Council on the Arts further advances New York’s creative culture by convening leaders in the
field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational
resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of
Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is
part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit www.arts.ny.gov,
and follow NYSCA’s Facebook page, Twitter @NYSCArts and Instagram
@NYSCouncilontheArts.

Thousand Islands Arts Center Welcomes Two New Trustees

CLAYTON – The Thousand Islands Arts Center ~ Home of the Handweaving Museum, is pleased to welcome Mary Jo Champion and Alex Hazard to its Board of Trustees, effective Jan. 1, 2025.
 
Mary Jo Champion retired in 2010 from nearly 40 years working in, or closely related, businesses in the legal community. She spent 30 years with American Arbitration Association administering large commercial and construction disputes and working with national organizations across the country promoting, educating and designing specific dispute resolution programs. From there she went to work for a short time in career services at a junior college and then finished her career in a major Syracuse law firm in their HR department administering the 2nd year internship program and Associate recruitment. She served on the board for Vera House, a domestic abuse and rape crisis center in Syracuse and worked with the American Heart Association as a volunteer. After retiring, she relocated to SW Florida in the winter and The Thousand Islands area in the summer. In 2018 she moved from Hammond to Clayton. At about this time she started to develop an interest in painting and soon became a frequent attendee to the many offerings available at the Art Center.
 
Mary Jo and her husband are supporters of the Thousand Islands Arts Center along with other organizations in the Thousand Island area.
 
Alex Hazard has spent the past several years building a career focused on fostering meaningful connections and creating positive change in communities. Currently, he is part of the national HIV, Ryan White, and Grantee team at CVS Health, where he supports the organization’s mission to improve access to HIV and STD healthcare across the country. With a background in broadcast television, Alex has worked on large-scale events and non-traditional advertising campaigns, blending creativity with strategic execution. His work has consistently aimed at telling impactful stories and providing support to those who need it.
 
Alex is particularly passionate about the arts and The River community. He has previously served on The Clayton Chamber of Commerce Board, Opera House Board, Association of the United States Army Board at Fort Drum, Clayton Jazz Fest Board, and numerous planning committees throughout the years. He currently also serves on the Northern New York Pride board that oversees Watertown Pride, River Pride, and Lewis
County Pride. He is especially excited to continue this work by volunteering with The Thousand Island Arts Center. Alex also has a love for unique pieces of art that reflect the community they’re in, and his favorite art museum is the Isabella Gardner Museum in Boston.
 
Outside of work, Alex enjoys spending time in New York and Florida, exploring new places, and connecting with friends and family, always finding ways to contribute to the communities he cares deeply about.
 
Board chair Jan Hampton says of the newly elected trustees, “Mary Jo and Alex have wonderfully diverse and accomplished backgrounds and will be a great complement to our organization’s leadership. I am excited to welcome them, and look forward to their contributions at this exciting time of growth of the Thousand Islands Arts Center.”

The Arts Center Hires Executive Director

Clayton – Thousand Islands Arts Center is pleased to announce Sarah Riddoch has been hired as its executive director as of Sept. 1. She has been working as the interim executive director for the past eight months.

Robin Lucas, search committee chairperson and trustee, says, “Sarah’s knowledge, positive and practical thinking, local connections, enthusiasm, and commitment to the future of the Arts Center is just perfect. I look forward to supporting and continuing to work with her.”

“We are fortunate to have such an enthusiastic and forward-thinking leader on our team,” Arts Center’s Board Chairperson Jan Hampton says.

“It’s an exciting time for the Arts Center! As our campus is expanding with a new facility being built on James Street, and so many events and exhibitions we’re planning, it makes me proud to be a part of this organization. I look forward to our evolution into being the cultural hub of the north country!” Sarah replies when asked how she feels about the new position.

The Thousand Islands Arts Center is open year-round, five days a week, and has a staff of five, four full-time and one part-time. Classes are offered year-round and exhibitions and events are open to the public.

Along The River’s Edge Juried Exhibition Opens Aug. 28

Clayton – The annual juried exhibition “Along the River’s Edge” will open and be on display from Wednesday, Aug. 28-Nov. 15. There will be an opening reception Aug. 28 from 5-7 pm and all are welcome to attend. Along the River’s Edge has long been a highlight of the summer season and promises to showcase the finest in paintings, photography, sculpture, mixed media and ceramics. More than 80 pieces by 60 regional artists will be on display. All artwork will be for sale.


This year’s exhibition was juried by Virginia Hovendon, a secondary art teacher at Copenhagen Central School. Always interested in portraiture, she is currently creating a series of large-scale charcoal drawings and oil paintings of artists. Ginny works in many mediums, to include charcoal, oil paints and ceramics. Subjects of Ginny’s, and ones she often goes back to, are studies of fish and birds. Besides being a teacher, Ginny is an adjunct instructor at Jefferson Community College and teaches figure drawing for the North Country Arts Council. In 2007 her painting “Walleye” was featured in the American Artist Magazine. She has won numerous awards for her work and exhibits throughout the Northern New York.


Marina Loew, arts center’s curator, said of the exhibition, “We have a phenomenal show in store for our patrons, friends, and visitors! The pieces have been arriving ahead of the installation and we’re amazed once again by the talent in our area. We have some new artists and are happy to see many returning from previous years. Many thanks to the juror for her hard work selecting pieces for this exhibition!”

All are welcome to attend the Along the River’s Edge opening reception on Wednesday, Aug. 28, from 5-7 pm, at the Thousand Islands Arts Center, 314 John Street in Clayton. This is free to attend with a suggested donation of $5.


The Thousand Islands Arts Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of traditional arts and handcrafts through educational programs, classes, lectures, and exhibits. Home to a nationally renowned permanent collection and library of handwoven textiles, they also offer a wide variety of classes for all levels of students – from the beginner to the professional artist. The Thousand Islands Arts Center’s mission is to advance art, craft and our unique handwoven textile collection through education and exhibition. For more information, visit tiartscenter.org or call 315-686-4123.

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