Honor Cedar Arts Center

Senate Resolution No. 747 BY: Senator O'MARA COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of 171 Cedar Arts Center of Corning, New York on June 15, 2019 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor and pay tribute to those cultural institutions and organizations whose commitment to promoting the richness and diversity of the arts and entertainment world has contributed to the strength, vitality, and cultural enrichment of their communities and the great State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of 171 Cedar Arts Center of Corning, New York, to be celebrated with its inaugural event, Kaleidoscope - a Grand Soiree, on Saturday, June 15, 2019; and WHEREAS, An Associate Institutional Member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts, 171 Cedar Arts Center is a not-for-profit multi-arts community center which presents performances in dance and music, as well as exhibitions of fine art and crafts; and WHEREAS, In addition, 171 Cedar Arts Center is committed to providing quality, professional experiences in the arts in a warm and welcoming environment by offering educational programs for people of all ages and skill levels in visual arts, music, dance, ceramic arts and theater; and WHEREAS, For five decades, 171 Cedar Arts Center has upheld the values which reflect its passion for art's power and possibilities; and WHEREAS, 171 Cedar Arts Center was established by a forward-thinking group of community members consisting of arts advocates, artists, and business entrepreneurs, in the former Knights of Columbus house at 171 Cedar Street in the heart of Corning, New York; and WHEREAS, Douglass Bruce, a creative and civic-minded businessman, purchased the home from the Knights of Columbus and began renting out its elegant old rooms as studios to weavers, painters and musicians; and WHEREAS, Soon, along with Justin Lubold, Bill Belden, Barbara Wilson and others, Douglass Bruce conceived of creating an organization which would be a place for artists and the community to come together in an atmosphere where both could thrive and grow, and thus 171 Cedar Arts Center was born; and WHEREAS, Incorporated as One Seventy One Cedar, Inc., in 1968, this vital organization has been a place for the professional artists in multiple venues to hone their skills and show their talents, as well as a home for those who want to learn; and WHEREAS, In 2000, 171 Cedar Arts Center more than doubled its capacity with the opening of the newly renovated historic Drake House at the corner of Cedar and First Streets; today, the organization continues to operate out of its two historic buildings and remains a unique and cherished community arts center in the Southern Finger Lakes region; and WHEREAS, The success of 171 Cedar Arts Center is in direct correlation to the efforts of its dedicated staff, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of 171 Cedar Arts Center of Corning, New York on June 15, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to 171 Cedar Arts Center, Corning, New York.