Staff Updates at the Thousand Islands Arts Center: A New Hire, a Promotion, and a Retirement
Clayton – The Thousand Islands Arts Center ~ Home of the Handweaving Museum is pleased to share several important staff updates, highlighting new beginnings, exciting growth, and a well-earned farewell.
Marcia Rogers to Retire After Over a Decade of Service
The Arts Center announces the upcoming retirement of Marcia Rogers, the museum’s longtime Education and Membership Coordinator, effective September 1. Marcia has been a cornerstone of the organization since 2012, shaping its educational programming and class offerings with passion and care, while also overseeing all aspects of membership in a professional and courteous manner.
Her ability to connect with artists, instructors, and members alike has made her a beloved figure within the community. Under her guidance, the Arts Center’s educational programming has flourished and her warm presence in the office has welcomed countless members—most of whom she knows by name. Marcia’s retirement marks the end of an era and while she will be greatly missed, her legacy of community-building and commitment to the arts will endure. The Board of Trustees and staff extend their deepest gratitude for her many years of outstanding service and heartfelt dedication.
Ericka Bearup Joins the Arts Center as Membership Coordinator and Office Manager
The Arts Center warmly welcomes Ericka Bearup, who is stepping into the role of Membership Coordinator and Office Manager. Ericka’s creative journey began in high school, studying Fashion Design and Textile Construction under Sonja Wahl at Jefferson-Lewis BOCES Bohlen Technical Center. She went on to earn an Associate of Fine Arts from the Munson-Williams-Proctor Institute School of Art / Mohawk Valley Community College, followed by a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from SUNY Cortland. With more than two decades of success in the corporate world—most recently as a Global Operations Manager—Ericka brings with her deep experience in leadership, people development, and strategic problem-solving. In August 2022, she made the heartfelt decision to return to the Thousand Islands region to be closer to family and reconnect with her roots, both creatively and geographically.
Now at the Arts Center, Ericka is excited to once again embrace her artistic side while supporting the
museum’s mission to keep the arts vibrant and accessible. She is eager to contribute to the creative
energy of the organization and inspire the community she holds dear.
Katherine Lake Promoted to Programming and Communications Coordinator
The Arts Center is also proud to announce the promotion of Katherine Lake to Programming and
Communications Coordinator. Since joining the Arts Center in April 2023 as the Events, Marketing, and
Volunteer Coordinator, Katherine has launched new events, significantly expanded outreach, and
strengthened both online and in-person community engagement.
In her new role, Katherine will oversee the development, coordination, implementation, and evaluation
of all educational programs. She will also lead the Center’s communications, marketing, and social media
strategy—further ensuring that its mission to educate, engage, inspire, and enrich the community
through art continues to thrive.
The organization is excited to see Katherine bring her energy, creativity, and strategic vision to this
expanded role and looks forward to the continued impact of her work.
For nearly 60 years, the Arts Center has enriched its community, showcasing artists, housing a
world-renowned handweaving collection, and offering diverse educational programs. Now, to meet
growing demand, it’s 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
its celebrated collection, establishing the Arts Center as a regional destination and ensuring the arts
thrive for generations to come.
