Posted:
Update:
From the Tioga Arts Council:
Tioga Arts Council (TAC) has a special announcement! Fannie C. Hyde Charitable Trust has awarded $ 8,498 to TAC to create a children’s area and a Zine library in the back part of our building at 179 Front Street in Owego.
Overview
The renovations will support the creation of two new spaces in our building:
Children’s gallery space
The gallery would be created by installing and painting new display walls, as well as purchasing new lighting and suspension systems in the space that leads from our current office to the back entrance of the building. In this space, children of all ages could exhibit works of art; learn how to create a solo or group art exhibition; and create small works with art supplies provided by TAC.
Zine Library
TAC also has a collection of zines (also known as house magazines, chapbooks, or brochures). With this support, we will create a space to showcase our zine library and encourage zine creation! Once the challenges of COVID-19 begin to subside, this space will also serve as a mixed-use area, where small groups – like book or book clubs, knitting groups, computer classes, etc. etc. – will be able to meet and establish links around common interests. .
Work’s extent
In December 2020 and January 2021, volunteers began cleaning up the space and preparing for demolition. Additional work valued at $ 1000 was donated by the following TAC volunteers / board members:
T. Benjamin Hobbs, Stanton Hill Studios
Tim Jackson, Tim Jackson Designs and Katie Kreations
Darryl Lindsay, M&T Bank
Suzanne Poe, Cloud Croft Studios
Brandon Smith, Scott, Smith & Son
In February 2021, we are preparing the next phase of work which will consist of:
Install and paint new drywall
Remove existing flooring and install new non-slip and water-resistant laminate flooring – updating the space while improving its functionality and safety
Repair of the existing hardwood floor in a section of this building
Purchase and installation of new lighting
The work will be completed by our Ahwaga paint and flooring as well as Rick Arnold.
Look ahead
Once complete, TAC will host a ribbon cutting for our Kids Gallery and Zine Library, facilitate a Zine Exchange to build our collection, and host other arts-related youth activities. We will also look to reconfigure our offices and possibly add retail space in 2021.
Over the long term, TAC will continue to seek funding to support building renovations as part of our Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) matching commitment. All renovation projects will aim to:
Preserve and improve our historic building
Maximize our space to better serve our community and advance our mission
Inspire and support a vibrant and creative community in and around Tioga County
While renovations are underway in February, TAC will not have an exhibit in our gallery and office hours will be limited. Please email [email protected] or call 607.687.0785 if you need assistance. For the most recent information, subscribe to our e-Newsletter or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tiogaarts.council.