Finger Lakes Community College and the Ontario County Arts Council have forged a new alliance to expand art exhibits and events in downtown Canandaigua.
Through an agreement established in January, both organizations will manage neighboring galleries at 36 and 32 S. Main Street. The collaboration kicks off on Feb. 22 during the downtown Canandaigua Fire and Ice Festival, where visitors can engage with local artists and participate in creative activities.
FLCC’s ArtSpace36, launched in 2019, has become a hub for exhibits, readings, and workshops, such as Create + Connect art nights for youth and Letters and Lattes sessions for young adults. Meanwhile, the Ontario County Arts Council’s new Gallery 32 aims to support local artists by offering exhibit opportunities and student memberships.
“This community arts partnership will help our students network with local arts organizations and professionals,” said FLCC President Robert Nye.
The council has promoted the arts for 35 years and provides scholarships to FLCC students pursuing visual or performing arts. Joyce Kowba, the council’s president, emphasized the benefits of a downtown presence, stating that shared events would boost artistic exposure and mentoring opportunities for both students and local residents.
ArtSpace36 and Gallery 32 will be connected by an interior doorway and share workshop spaces, fostering collaboration and encouraging visitors to explore both galleries. Liz Brownell, an FLCC professor and co-founder of ArtSpace36, highlighted the potential to strengthen the regional arts community through this partnership.
“The Ontario County Arts Council is delighted to have a downtown presence,” added Kowba. “We look forward to collaborative events that will increase opportunities for residents to experience the arts.”
Visitors attending the Fire and Ice Festival can observe artists at work from noon to 5 p.m. on Feb. 22. FLCC will also host art activities for children and adults, including the creation of artist trading cards. Brownell’s mixed media exhibit, “My Whole Life is Two Different Stories,” which delves into themes of adoption and reunion, will be on display during the event.
For event updates and workshop details, visit events.flcc.edu, ArtSpace36.com, or ocacgallery32.org.
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