The Thousand Islands Arts Center Champions Youth Development Through Art, Bolstered by Northern New York Community Foundation Youth Council Grant
CLAYTON – The Thousand Islands Arts Center ~ Home of the Handweaving Museum is proud
to announce it has received a programming grant from the Northern New York Community
Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy Council. This generous support will directly fund the Arts
Center's youth summer camps, providing invaluable artistic experiences for children aged 5 to
14 in Clayton. This grant underscores the critical importance of art education for young people,
a belief passionately shared by both organizations.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Northern New York Community Foundation’s Youth
Philanthropy Council for their belief in the power of art to shape young lives,” said Sarah
Riddoch, Executive Director of the Arts Center. “This grant is not just about funding summer
camps; it's an investment in the creative development of our community’s children. When we
support arts education, we are fostering innovation, critical thinking, and empathy – essential
skills for the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.”
The value of investing in youth through arts education is supported by compelling data. Studies
consistently show that engagement in the arts correlates with improved academic performance
and increased emotional intelligence. A well-known report by Americans for the Arts found that
students who participate in arts programs are 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic
achievement and 3 times more likely to be awarded for school attendance. Furthermore,
research indicates that arts education can improve problem-solving skills by 70% and boost
creativity by 80% among young participants. By fostering creativity and critical thinking from a
young age, these programs help shape well-rounded individuals prepared for future success.
The Thousand Islands Arts Center has a long history of nurturing young talent. This past spring,
the Arts Center hosted its second annual collaboration with local schools to showcase student
artwork. Thousand Islands School art teachers Nicky Badour and Stephanie Martin selected
work from the students in various mediums, including pen and ink, ceramics, 3-D room design,
pastels, painting, and pencil drawings. This past school year, the Arts Center also inspired 150
local school students through its comprehensive after-school programs. This year's grant from
the Youth Philanthropy Council will enable the Arts Center to continue and expand these
impactful initiatives, supporting our vision to enrich lives through art and craft experiences.
The Youth Philanthropy Council, an advisory committee of the Northern New York Community
Foundation, plays a pivotal role in empowering the next generation. Since its inception in 2010,
the Council has awarded 145 grants totaling $255,070 to nonprofit organizations serving
Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties. This remarkable achievement highlights the power of youth engagement in philanthropy, promoting positive youth development and leadership
while deepening their understanding of community needs and the transformative impact of
giving back.
In response to the growing demand for accessible arts and culture in the region, the Thousand
Islands Arts Center is currently undergoing a significant expansion of its Clayton campus.
Construction is underway for a new 13,000 sq. ft. facility featuring state-of-the-art galleries,
classrooms, archives, and a library, alongside dedicated retail space. This expanded campus,
extending from John Street to James Street, will also offer enhanced access to the pottery
studio and feature an inviting art park. The Arts Center’s expanded campus is anticipated to
open to the public in Spring 2026, further solidifying its role as a vital hub for artistic expression
and youth engagement in Northern New York.
