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Rauber Hill Sunrise, by Mel Hunt

Allegany Arts Association enters 40th year of service to the community

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AAA is searching for collaborators, members, and volunteers

By Andrew Harris

One of Allegany County’s cornerstone cultural groups is about to begin a fifth decade serving the community. The longevity and success across generations has been possible because AAA as adapted to meet the needs of the artists, students, and partners. Current President Sheila Kalkenbrenner has led the groups latest “upgrade,” and in a recent newsletter explained the direction of AAA:

“Now in our 40th year of service to Allegany County, we have recently adjusted the scope of our Mission Statement and By Laws in compliance with our Cultural Policy of Belonging. AAA is expanding its mission to include the provision of our existing county-wide youth programs as well as increased arts services for adults, emerging artists, and established artists. We are beginning to reach out to a list of other community members and entities to grow potential partnerships and collaborations to assess the ways in which all of us can utilize and expand equitable access to the arts to support the wellness of our community as we promote and uplift the work of our local creators.  

This list includes but is not limited to: Arts groups, Wellness organizations, Schools, Veteran’s organizations, NYFarmNet, Economic Development, Cultural Groups, Individual Artists, and Local Art Studios. Operating with a reduced number of staff/volunteers, fewer funds, and reduced membership these last few years; we hope that these changes will generate a more unified interest in the arts in Allegany County. “

AAA has some events on the horizon that they would like the public to be informed about:

Upcoming AAA Sponsored Events and Programs
2022 POETRY SLAM
 – The Allegany Arts Association is planning its first Joanne Allen/Adam Gayhart Memorial Poetry Slam during poetry month on April 21st at 6 p.m. in the David A. Howe Library. Prizes will be awarded.
2022 URGENT CALL FOR ARTISTS – Help the Allegany Arts Association raise funds to continue its various programs by entering its Painted Chair or Table Auction in August. Artists can register by May 29th

March is Youth Art Month and The Allegany Arts Association is thankful to announce the 2022 “Summer Arts for Youth” Program Planning Schedule, Once again, we will be offering FREE art for youth in our area.  Drawing, painting, printing, book arts, music and dance are among the offerings.
 If you are an artist interested in teaching our local youth, please email the Allegany Arts Youth Activities Coordinator Susan Doran at doransusan57@gmail.com to find out more about our program. Host sites will be contacted in April to set the schedule that will be finalized by May 15th. 
Schedule: 
March/April: Connect with Libraries/Host Sites and Instructors to match up and schedule classes.
April 30th: Final contracts from Artists/Instructors due to the AAA Youth Activities Coordinator. 
May 15th: Deadline for schedule 
May 16-31st: Printing schedule and social media posts. 
June 1st: Classes and Locations announced
July-August: Classes held in a variety of accessible locations in Allegany County

Are you interested in being a board member ?

The Allegany Arts Association Board is currently seeking new and current members to fill paid and volunteer positions working in service of the AAA mission to expand local access to the arts. Details on page 7 of the Spring 2022 Quarterly Art News. Application Deadline: As filled

You may also email AAA directly to inquire about collaborating, contributing, and learning:

 alleganyartsassociation@hotmail.com

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