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BCAC Awards Dept of Public Art a Grant

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BCAC ANNOUNCES OVER $261K FOR 2022 UNITED CULTURAL FUND (UCF) RECIPIENTS

The Broome County Arts Council (BCAC) announced $261,059.00 in 2022 United Cultural Funds (UCF) to 21 local artists, arts organizations and community non-profits – a substantial increase from the number of awards granted in 2021. Applicant statistics in Broome County reflect a nationwide picture: a greater number of medium and large arts organizations sought deeper levels of grant support to counteract loss of revenue due to COVID lockdown in 2020. However, more individual artists and small arts organizations seemed to demonstrate a renewed faith in the recovery of the Arts by launching fresh, new programs. “Altogether, this paints a very positive picture of creativity and economic recovery through the Arts in Broome County,” says Deb Colón, BCAC Board Chair. In the next several months, look for virtual writing workshops, events, and publishing opportunities, a production of the musical The Bridges of Madison County, a Haudenosaunee Festival, a ceremony and celebration for Twelfth Night, an urban farm mural, and much more.

2022 UCF General Operations awards were granted to Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra, Bundy Museum of History and Art, Discovery Center of the Southern Tier, Endicott Performing Arts Center, Goodwill Theatre & Firehouse Stage, LUMA, Roberson Museum and Science Center, and Tri-Cities Opera. 2022 UCF Project awards support the work of thirteen individual artists and smaller, community arts projects with Grants of $1000 each. 2022 UCF Project recipients included the following: The Dept of Public Art c/o The Center for Gender, Art, & Culture, the Kopernik Society of Broome County, the Vestal Museum & Coal House, Binghamton Community Orchestra, Binghamton Downtown Singers, The Binghamton Poetry Project, Binghamton Theater Organ Society, Cornell Cooperative Extension, First Presbyterian Church, Jenna McIntosh,The Madrigal Choir of Binghamton, The Nanticoke Valley Historical Society of Maine, NY, and SRO Productions. Additionally, Broome County Arts Council received 15% of UCF Campaign totals, reserved for BCAC’s general operations & programming.

DPA will paint a mural on a shipping container at the VINES Urban Farm on Tudor St. just off Susquehanna St. That area has a number of privately funded murals on residential and commercial buildings. In 2021, DPA received a grant to promote the Broome Co Public Art Directory which included a live event of painting utility boxes in Johnson City.

Major donors whose charitable gifts helped make UCF grants possible include: the Stewart W. & Willma C. Hoyt Foundation, Broome County Government, the Dr. G. Clifford & Florence B. Decker Foundation, the Miller S. & Adelaide S. Gaffney Foundation, IBM, Eugene & Judith Peckham, Columbian Financial Group, NBT Bank, Mediabrush Marketing, Sentry Alarms, Chianis & Anderson Architects, Dr. Pamela Smart, Visions Federal Credit Union, and other local businesses and individuals who believe in the value of arts investment.

Since 1987, the Broome County Arts Council’s United Cultural Fund has distributed over $11 million to the Arts in Broome County, while serving over 100,000 residents. UCF grantees typically return $3-$4 million dollars to Broome County’s economy, annually. The economic impact of revenue loss due to COVID has been hard-felt in the Arts community since March of 2020, but with an 18 month recovery period predicted (AFTA, 2020), United Cultural Campaign funding continues to be especially critical to the health and vitality of our County. As ever, we are grateful for the generosity of all who supported the recovery and sustainability of the Arts in Broome County with their donations.

Exterminator: A Horse Celebrated in the Arts

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‘Exterminator Extravaganza Month’ Begins in Binghamton

BCAC, County Executive Garnar & Mayor David Announce Events Commemorating Kentucky Derby Winner

(BINGHAMTON, N.Y.) — Broome County Arts Council Executive Director Nancy Barno Reynolds joined the Broome County Historical Society, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, Mayor Richard C. David and local officials at the Jeffrey P. Kraham Broome County Public Library today to kick off Exterminator Extravaganza Month, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the famous Kentucky Derby win by the Binghamton racehorse Exterminator.

“This year, our community will host a slate of fun events to celebrate the centennial of Exterminator’s legendary upset at the 1918 Kentucky Derby,” Reynolds said. “Not only was the racehorse beloved by the Binghamton community, his story is one of the most exciting pieces of local history, and we’re eager to bring the community together to celebrate with a series of great events.”

Exterminator belonged to Willis Sharpe Kilmer, the wealthy Binghamton newspaperman, who bought the horse in early 1918 to help his more-prized racehorse, Sun Briar, during workouts. When Sun Briar faced a medical issue ahead of the 1918 Kentucky Derby, Kilmer agreed to race Exterminator in his place. Regarded by Kilmer then simply as a workhorse, Exterminator “shocked the world” on May 11, 1918 when he overcame 30-1 odds to win the Kentucky Derby, according to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.

Exterminator competed in 99 races in his career, winning 50 of them and earning the title of American Horse of the Year in 1922. Nicknamed “Old Bones” for his scrawny appearance, Exterminator was eventually elected into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. He was moved to the Kilmers’ Riverside Drive stable in Binghamton after his retirement and came to be adored by the community. Kilmer’s wife held a party for community members each May to celebrate the horse’s birthday.

“Binghamton’s history is full of fascinating characters and interesting stories, and Exterminator’s story gives us a reason to celebrate,” said Mayor David. “We are grateful to the Broome County Arts Council, the Broome County Historical Society and the other partners involved in the centennial celebrations. Their events in the weeks ahead are part of what makes Binghamton such a great place to live and visit.”

“Thank you to the Broome County Arts Council and Broome County Historical Society for commemorating this anniversary and the legendary racehorse Exterminator. Broome County is proud to be a part of this historical celebration and share this story with the community,” said County Executive Garnar.

A full schedule of events for Exterminator Extravaganza Month is below. For questions or more information, please contact the Broome County Arts Council at (607) 723-4620.

2018 Exterminator Extravaganza schedule:

Tuesday, May 1 through October: Broome County Historical Society photo exhibit of “Old Bones” at the Jeffrey P. Kraham Broome County Public Library

Tuesday, May 1st- Friday June 1st: Roberson Museum and Science Center: Historic photograph of Exterminator and actress Kay Gardner at Sun Briar Court, on display in the lobby; open to the public.

Friday, June 1 (First Friday) at 6-9 p.m.: “Willis Sharpe Kilmer: A Life of Success and Scandal” and footage from the Kentucky Derby Race – viewing at Cooperative Gallery, State St.

Saturday May 5th, 4-8pm, Remlik’s Derby Day: Themed food and beverage options.

Wednesday, May 16, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at WSKG: Talk by Eliza McGraw, author of “Here Comes Exterminator”

Friday, June 1 (First Friday), 6 to 9 p.m. at Broome County Arts Council, 81 State St. in Binghamton: Exterminator Exhibition with work from local artists and Kentucky Derby- themed activities for children (make-your-own Kentucky Derby hats)

Sunday, June 3 at 1 p.m. at Kilmer Mansion/Lew Hecht, Temple President: Reader’s Theater of Old Bones; performance by Bill Gorman and STARR performers; light refreshments will be served.

Open Year Round: Exterminator burial/marker; Whispering Pines Pet Cemetery; Gardner Rd, Binghamton, 13903

 

Exterminator: A Horse Celebrated in the Arts

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Exterminator Extravaganza!

Broome County Arts Council Call For Artists!

June 1, 2018 (First Friday), 6-9pm

Visual Art Submissions Due: May 21-25

Literary and Musical submissions Due: May 14-25

Celebrate a proud moment in Binghamton’s history with your art. This year is the 100th anniversary of Willis Sharpe Kilmer’s wonder horse Exterminator winning the Kentucky Derby. The Broome County Arts Council with its Exterminator Extravaganza is encouraging an artistic celebration of his victory and his life by calling on all visual artists, literary artists and musicians to create work inspired by Exterminator’s history. All work will be displayed for the month of June beginning with an artists’ reception open to the public on June’s First Friday Arts Walk. A few pieces will be selected to hang in the Legislative Chambers of the Broome County Office Building.

 

On May 11, 1918, a horse they called “Old Bones’ and the “Galloping Hat Rack” because he was so ugly, surprised everyone and endeared himself to the American public by beating out the favorite and winning the Kentucky Derby at 30-1 odds. After his successful racing career was over he spent his final years at Kilmer’s stable on Riverside Drive in Binghamton. On May 30th his birthday, children were invited to celebrate with him by taking a ride on his back or feeding his companion, a Shetland pony called “Peanuts”.

For the Exterminator Extravaganza Visual artists are called on to use any visual medium ( painting, mixed media, collage, digital art, photography, video, animation, graphic novel, sculpture ) to capture or portray the essence of Exterminator, his story or the events of his life. The work may be literal, but does not have to be.

Literary artists are encouraged to create a poem, short story, children’s story, short play, essay, script, memoir or interview with a person who remembers seeing Exterminator.

Musicians are encouraged to create and record a piece of music ( folk song, ballad, rap, etc.) inspired by Exterminator.

Written work and music should be submitted to the arts council office from May 14-May 23. Visual art should be submitted from May 21-May 25

 

For more information call the Broome County Arts Council (607) 723-4620 or go to:
Broome County Arts Council website

“Veterans’ Photography Show”

Featured Artists: Local Veterans   “Veterans’ Photography Show”

The Broome County Arts Council proudly salutes our local veterans with a showing of their photography.

As part of a cooperative effort to involve our veterans in the arts, the Josephine Herrick Project, Department of Veteran Affairs and the Broome County Arts Council collaborated in this project.  Local Photographers, JW Johnston and William Bay conducted classes with local veterans to teach some of the finer points of photography.  The results of the veterans’ work is the subject of the show.

The Josephine Herrick Project is a nonprofit that enlists photographic community volunteers to educate students who have not had the opportunity to learn the communicative power of photography. Through partnerships with local organizations, JHProject’s completely free programs inspire children, teens, adults, veterans and seniors with the visual language of photography, enhancing their abilities to transform communities through artistic vision.

BC ARTS COUNCIL First Friday Events

Exciting happenings on
First Friday, June 2nd at the Broome County Arts Council
Local Artists Work Exhibited, Boys & Girls Club Photography Recognition Ceremony
Live Music: Folk, Barbershop Quartet, and Pop/Rock
Opening Reception (open and free to the public) from 6-9pm
81 State Street, 5th Floor, Binghamton
www.broomearts.org, information@broomearts.org, 607.723.4620
 
The Broome County Arts Council displays its 8th Annual "Collectors Items: Leading by Example" art exhibit opening Friday, June 2nd as well as the Binghamton Boys & Girls Club’s “Exploring Documentary Photography” Exhibit.  
                  
Susan Appe, President of the Broome County Arts Council, joins Karen Tomic and other Board Members to showcase their growing private art collections, which include pieces from all over the world as well as works by local artists.
 
"As BCAC Board Members, who better to set the example of collecting art work for our homes and offices? I have been looking forward to all year displaying a new work by local artist Joanne Thorne Arnold, which I purchased in the last year," Appe said. Thorne Arnold, who also serves BCAC as a Board Member, is one of several local artists whose pieces have made their way into the private homes and offices of Broome County. Additionally local artists such as Orazio Salati, JW Johnston, and Ernestine Bucking will be displayed.
 
Appe explained that purchasing local art is especially on the minds of BCAC Board Members and Staff as they work to promote community-wide support for what has become a vibrant arts community. "I love having pieces of art in my home and many of us are committed to growing our art collections to include more local artists."
 
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Additionally, on First Friday June 2nd at 6pm at the students from the Binghamton Boys & Girls Club will be honored by County Executive Jason Garnar and the Broome County Arts Council for their artwork at a recognition ceremony.  Through a grant from Broome County Arts Council’s United Cultural Fund, professional photographer, Nate Ely, gave at-risk, disadvantaged youth the opportunity to participate in a creative after school photography program entitled “Exploring Documentary Photography”.  The past few weeks the students have been exploring documentary photography – capturing/photographing moments of the student’s everyday life. This helps them tell their story while providing innovative, high-quality arts programming that stimulates learning, inspires creativity, encourages self-expression, and motivates participants to continue their education. It’s part of a national curriculum and is very impactful for program participants (not often having creative opportunities that are educational and transformational as well as therapeutic).   
The Boys & Girls Club “Exploring Documentary Photography” Exhibit as well as the “Leading by Example" Exhibit will be on display at the Broome County Arts Council, 81 State Street, Suite 501, Binghamton through June 30th, M-F, 11-5pm
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*Live Music by Andru Bemis (Folk singer/songwriter) at 6-6:30pm, 7-7:45pm.
Andru’s unmistakable voice, exquisitely crafted songs of travel, love and longing, uncommon skill on multiple instruments, quirky humor, and engaging stage presence have endeared him to countless audiences and fellow performers in venues of every size and description, from libraries to Lincoln Center. www.andrubemis.com
 
Additional note about Andru: Since 2001, Andru Bemis has wandered the ends, edges and in-betweens of North America like a musical Johnny Appleseed, tuning neglected pianos and bringing joy to audiences wherever he goes. Traveling almost exclusively by foot, thumb, and public transportation, Bemis carries the tools of his trade in his pack: an assortment of battered musical instruments—banjo, fiddle, guitar, piano tuning kit, and an occasional banjolele. His unmistakable voice, exquisitely crafted songs of travel, love and longing, uncommon skill on multiple instruments, quirky humor, and engaging stage presence have endeared him to countless audiences and fellow performers in venues of every size and description, from libraries to Lincoln Center. Cincinnati.com calls Bemis "one of the country's greatest treasures of folk music." In August of 2016, Bemis relocated to Binghamton, where he intends to live for a very long time.  Photo by: Matt Erickson Photography
 
*Live Music by the Valley Harmony Quartet, 6:30-7pm.
Valley Harmony includes Mike Sheldon (Berkshire) singing tenor, George Lohmann (Berkshire) singing bass and Randy Kerr (Newark Valley) and J. Ladd Yost (Nichols) alternating baritone and tenor.  This all male quartet has done countless engagements throughout the Southern Tier since their founding in 2007. They enjoy singing folk songs, spirituals, barbershop, pop, rock, show tunes, and classical music.
 
*Live Music by Brittany Rose (singer/songwriter) at 8pm.
Back by popular demand, Brittany Rose is returning to the Broome County Arts Council, performing slower pop/rock and a few of her originals. Brittany Rose recently won the 2017 National Music Competition, awarded First Place for Women’s Lower College Musical Theater. Her music teacher Brenda Dawe and SUNY Broome Community College are so proud of her impressive accomplishment.
 

The Annual daVinci Festival Student Art Show 2017

The annual daVinci Festival Student Art Show will hold its opening gala reception at the Broome County Library on Saturday, May 6th, from 10am-2pm.  The show will be on display during regular library hours from May 6th – May 26th.  This is a non-competitive show that exhibits artwork from Kindergarten – 12th grade.  Over 50 art teachers from 15 school districts will be displaying their student’s finest works. The Broome County Library has graciously hosted this enormous show for the past 7 years and artwork will be located on both floors.  There will be over 1000 works of art showcasing our area’s finest artistic talents.  This show is a production of Binghamton Imaginink, a non-for-profit organization that also produces the Invention Convention.
 

About Face at Arts Council

“ABOUT FACE” digital photography art exhibit by JUDITH PRESENT opens First Friday May 5th at the Broome County Arts Council
(81 State St., 5th Fl, Suite 501, Binghamton)
 
Opening Reception to be held May 5, 6-9PM, with the exhibit open thru May 26, 2017, M-F, 11-5
The series “About Face” covers the different aspects of faces. In these digital photos there are faces you can read, some not fully formed. There are masked faces that represent faces other than the true face, in some faces you can tell what people know and where they have been. There are faces we all recognize and beautiful faces that can cause disasters. Judith Present states, “Our face represents who we are to the world and our expressions can deceive or delight.  I guess you can say we are our face”.  End even if you don’t like yours, you still have to take it wherever you go. But a face is the one thing we all have in common”.

Judith Present majored in Textile Design, Weaving and Fashion Photography at the Fashion Institute of Technology and had her own business for over twenty years. With digital work and the use of manipulation she found a medium where she could mix the two. When teaching photography Judith always told her students “a camera is only as good as the picture you take.  You can have the best Hasselblad, but if you take an unpleasing picture you can’t blame it on the camera. Let’s face it; even a pinhole camera can give a stunning picture if the photographer has the right eye.”  For Judith, the digital photograph opened a world of never-ending possibilities, and though she struggled in the beginning learning from her mistakes, she soon learned those mistakes should be remembered to use later. “I had become in charge of the medium and no longer relied on those mistakes, which led me to create the ideas I dreamt up.”

Also on First Friday, May 5th at the Broome County Arts Council: Live JAZZ Music by JORDEN & THE WOMBATS from 6:30-8pm with Jorden Link on tenor sax, DJ Hendrix on piano, Caleb Dorwart on bass guitar, and Ben Telfer on drums. (photo attached)

Johnston/ Jablon Win Heart of the Arts Awards

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Broome County Arts Council Announces 2016 Recipients of the Heart of the Arts Awards

The Broome County Arts Council announced the recipients of its 2016 Heart of the Arts and Lifetime Achievement Awards during a news conference at 10am,  Wednesday, August 10th. Nominated by the public and chosen by the votes of BCAC’s 100+ members, the following honorees are being recognized for significant recent or long-term contributions to the arts in Broome County:

2016 Heart of the Arts Awards: Peg Johnston, Department of Public Art and Emily Jablon, Jablon Studios,

2016 Heart of the Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement: Dr. Timothy Perry, Binghamton Community Orchestra, Binghamton University and Harold & Toby Jean Manker, Phelps Mansion Museum

Awards will be presented Monday September 19th at the 11th Heart of the Arts Award Celebration, DoubleTree Hotel Grand Ballroom, downtown Binghamton.  The event starts at 6pm with cocktails at 5pm.  Features include many exciting performances, wonderful food, an award winning high school art display, and a lavish award ceremony. All proceeds from the Heart of the Arts Celebration and raffle ticket sales go back into the LOCAL Arts Community (nonprofits and individual artists) through the United Cultural Fund, the locally-funded combined campaign for the arts in Broome County.
Tickets are $55 for general admission and $50 for arts council members.
For more information e-mail information@broomearts.org or call 607-723-4620 or visit website: www.broomearts.org/hota/
The event is sponsored by IBM, SUNY Broome Community College, Visions Federal Credit Union, Curcio Printing, Excellus, and Jim Rollo State Farm as well as raffle sponsors Atomic Tom’s, Cooperative Gallery 213, Freshy Sites, Kapow! Art Studio, Orazio Salati Studio, TR Events, and Uncorked Creations ….. and sponsorship opportunities are still available!
 

2016 Heart of the Arts Award Recipients – Nominations Statements

Peg Johnston – 2016 Heart of the Arts Award

Honored for bringing public art to the streets of Binghamton and making “blight the inspiration for art,” Peg was nominated for her critical role in “sparking” and continuing an arts renaissance in Binghamton. She has made this endeavor possible as a founding member of the Cooperative Gallery 213 on State Street and transforming that “derelict” block into the “State of the Art.” As one of the founders of the Department of Public Art, Peg was a driving force that brought about the Water Street “Birthplace of Virtual Reality Mural Project.” This successful project involved 50+ volunteers and culminated in four murals and more than 100 stencils illustrating the history of this site. Her leadership in the Mural Fest 2015, placed on boarded-up properties throughout Binghamton. Moreover, her ongoing “Blight is our Canvas” project brings artistic inspiration and hope to the area through art. Peg is a photographer and installation artist, an exhibitor of regional and national photographers, artist promoter and mentor, and creator of a community that fosters and values creativity.

Emily Jablon – 2016 Heart of the Arts Award

Emily was selected for her love of the community which is exemplified by the creation of the mosaic public installations that bring beauty throughout downtown Binghamton. She offers her nationally renowned talent as a mosaic artist and support to at-risk and underserved populations, including individuals with disabilities, runaways, and the homeless. Emily provides guidance and training in mosaics art throughout project development. She initiated the “Confluence Arts Project” empowering individuals with disabilities to create art in their communities, and has generously given of her time to curate community art shows, and to offer classes at various venues for special needs participants.

Dr. Timothy Perry, 2016 Heart of the Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement, selected for more than 30 years of contributions to the knowledge and enjoyment of music in our community and in our schools.  To quote his nomination form, Tim is “a local treasure.” He has just completed 30 years at Binghamton University, where he is Director of Orchestral Activities and Instrumental Conducting as well as Professor of Studio Clarinet.  He is active throughout the world as a soloist, chamber musician, teacher and, along with pianist Pej Reitz, his frequent collaborator.  In addition, he served as a U.S. State Department cultural ambassador performing throughout South America.  But while citing all of Tim’s PROFESSIONAL accomplishments, his nominators chose to focus on his dedication to the AMATEUR musicians of Broome County.  From 1994 to 2004 and again from 2013 through the present, Tim has directed the Binghamton Community Orchestra.  Said one string player: “He’s brought the BCO from a reasonably good amateur orchestra to a whole new level — still a group of musicians who get together to make music just for the love of it, but also performing at a level on par with many professional orchestras….. He inspires musicians to play better than they ever dreamed possible.”

Harold & Toby Jean Manker – 2016 Heart of the Arts Award
Although the Mankers have been active in the arts community for many years as educators, performers, promoters, and board members, they are being honored for their diligent and successful accomplishment in registering and chartering the Phelps Mansion Museum as a “house museum” in compliance with the New York State Board of Regents. As Chair and Vice Chair of the Phelps Mansion Museum Board of Directors, they developed and implemented the museum’s strategic plan and recruited numerous volunteers and docents, while raising funds through grant writing.  As Program Directors, they created the chamber music series, “Chamber Music at the Phelps,” originally known as, “Second Sunday at the Phelps” and collaborated with the Binghamton University Music Department which brings programs for voice students and student composers downtown to the Phelps. In addition they collaborate with other non-profit organizations in presenting public programs ranging from a Chinese New Year celebration to a Downton Abbey preview.

Photo: Johnston painting in Water St. Parking Garage

Guided Walking Tour of Public Sculpture & Architecture

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Broome County Arts Council and the Preservation Association of the Southern Tier present:
Downtown Binghamton Public Sculpture & Architecture
 
Guided Walking Tours ~FREE~ First Fridays, May-October 4pm & 6pm
 
Discover downtown Binghamton’s notable outdoor sculpture and beautiful historic architecture. You’ll hear about early and modern Binghamton as your guide shows you an enlightened city rich with artwork, theaters, businesses, and churches. Even locals are amazed and entertained by what they learn.

Tours begin at Kennedy Park with the Seven Seals of Silence (Henry Street/Chenango Street). The walk meanders through the most fascinating portions of one of the city’s historic districts, leading to three internationally proclaimed sculptures at Government Plaza on Hawley Street. Come and see!
Sculpture Outdoors in Broome County began in 2013 as a partnership between the Broome County Arts Council and Binghamton University’s Art History Professor Kevin Hatch. His students chose to research 14 often mysteriously unidentified public sculptures with major artistic and historic significance. The students’ research resulted in a catalog of public sculpture that can be found at www.broomearts.org/public-sculpture. This catalog will continue to grow, providing information for labels, which in most cases are not present on the sculptures.
 
The Broome County Arts Council has partnered with the Preservation Association of the Southern Tier (PAST), who has been offering architectural guided tours for over 10 years. The goal of this collaborative effort is to provide a memorable and historic walking tour of the fascinating sculpture and architecture in downtown Binghamton.

 

Tour Guides for Binghamton Sculpture Tours

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Photo by Bob Johnston

PAST is collaborating with the Broome County Arts Council on an outdoor sculpture/architectural walking tour in downtown Binghamton.  The walking tour will be conducted on First Fridays from May through October.

A Tour Guide Training is being offered by the two organizations on April 12th at 2 PM at the Binghamton University Museum in the Fine Arts Building.  On April 30th, the Tour Guides will meet at 10AM at the Seven Seals of Silence at Chenango & Henry Streets to walk through the actual Tour route.
 
PAST invites anyone interested in becoming a tour guide for this exciting new project to call the PAST office between 10AM and 2PM, Monday-Friday at 237-0887 or call Marcia Ward at 725-3535, anytime. We will be glad to provide more information and answer questions. Please let us know by Friday April 8th of your interest in participating in the Tour Guide training.

 

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