A local art organization is working to create free and low cost art and music workshops thanks to a newly obtained not-for-profit status.
betterArts, located on Cottage Hill Road in Redwood at Better Farm, only received their 501 (c)3 status a month ago, but already have workshops and events scheduled to benefit North Country residents.
Nicole Caldwell, executive director of betterArts and Better Farm, began accepting artist residency’s from across the country nearly three years ago. Strong positive feedback inspired Caldwell to create betterArts and spread music and art across the tri-county region.
betterArts relies strongly on fundraising and donations from local residents and other art organizations. Currently Caldwell is working with the St. Lawrence Arts Council on two separate grants that will allow for area art and music teachers, who have partnered with betterArts, and artist residents staying at the farm to offer free workshops.
On May 26th, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. betterArts will hold their annual fundraiser and open house event.
The event will feature live music and performances, interactive art projects for the public to participate in, information on upcoming workshops and private instruction, arts and crafts stations, a gallery exhibit of work by local and visiting artists, a tour of their studios, an afternoon barbecue at 3 p.m. and more. Admission is free and open to the public.
The event is in conjunction with the First Annual Artists' Studio Tour scheduled for the Thousand Islands Region from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 26th and 27th.
For more information visit www.betterArts.org.
To hear from Nicole Caldwell on the mission of betterArts and to learn more about the annual open house and fundraiser, watch the complete video story.
