The Art School of Columbia County’s mission is nurturing creativity and community through the visual arts, and our vision is “imagining art for everyone.”
We offer programming for all members of our community: from pre-Kindergarteners to those in their 80s, 90s and above. In 2016, we served over 1000 members of our community.
What we do:
Art on Wheels: free art outreach in our community
- free Art in the Library programs in libraries throughout Columbia County and beyond
- free take-home art kits with many of our kids’ programs, so children can teach art to others
- free art enrichment programs in schools K-12 (currently working with the Chatham, Kinderhook, and Hudson School Districts)
- free community outreach programs (pre-K-12th graders and their families)
- free “Art & Memories” programs to seniors in need and those with cognitive issues
Art Classes:
- fine art classes for adults and older teens
- scholarship program: need-based, funding up to 90% of tuition
- free teen mentoring program
- present our annual ARTalks panel lecture series and exhibits
- host faculty exhibits and receptions year-round
- present our semi-annual student-faculty art shows and receptions (May and November)
Other benefits and programs:
- we present our annual Frame & Canvas Sale Fundraiser, up-cycling affordable art supplies back into the community
- we employ artists in our community (with benefits) and engage artists in the enriching experience of connecting with students of all ages
- we offer opportunities for volunteers, including those seeking non-profit/arts internship and job-training experience
- our community-centered adaptive reuse of an 1842 historic schoolhouse and landscape provides an inspiring setting of natural beauty for our students and visitors to enjoy, and preserves this historic crossroads location and the surrounding natural landscape
Please join us for a program, class, or exhibit, and find out how you can support our vision.