Letter to the Publisher
Letter to the Publisher
Supporting the Arts: A Collaborative Vision for a Creative Community
Photo / TCAC
OLEAN - As 2024 ends, the Tri-County Arts Council (TCAC) reflects with gratitude the incredible support from our community. Together, we’ve achieved milestones that showcase the power of collaboration and the shared belief in the transformative impact of the arts. Thanks to your support we have been able to accomplish a lot this past year.
We have continued to work with our local partners within the tri county region. Working with organizations like the Genesis House of Olean, YMCA, United Way, Big Brothers and Sisters, Pearl City Clay House in Jamestown, Wellsville Creative Arts Center, local veterans and school groups helps expand our reach to bring the art to more and enrich inspiring artists. We are thrilled to be adding Intandem in 2025 as a creative partner.
One of the most exciting projects we launched in 2024 was the TCAC Youth Gallery. A dedicated space has been created to showcase artwork from youth throughout the tri county. In December we launched our first show that showcased the work of brother and sister artists Templeton and Sara. It was an exciting event for everyone, it shared an opening reception with our “A Little Something Small Works Member Show”. We look forward to working with our community youth to continue to inspire young artists and showcase their work.
We also continue to innovate, seeking new ways to encourage and support local artists and community arts programs, such as offering digital design classes and programs for local high school students. However, there is much more work to be done, and your support as a member will help to ensure quality arts and cultural activities are available for Tri-County residents. Your donation will make it possible for us to continue to host 13 public gallery exhibitions, highlighting the talent in our region; and to offer more than 60 classes attended by 300-plus community members, including school-age children and adults of all ages, providing opportunities they would otherwise not have had.
The Tri County Arts Council vision is to be the inspiration in the Tri-County region to be the place where the community is filled with diverse, talented, and creative people and programs, inspiring a vibrant and unique multi-county arts scene. However, we can’t do that without your help. Community support is not just important—it’s essential. Your membership and donations ensure that programs like ours remain accessible to everyone in the Tri-County region. The arts cannot thrive alone; they depend on the collective energy, enthusiasm, and investment of the community to flourish.
TCAC programs and events are built on the foundation of local involvement. Every dollar donated and every hour volunteered contributes directly to allowing TCAC to continue hosting public gallery exhibitions that showcase local and regional talent, providing artists with a professional platform. Your support also enables us to offer diverse classes, ranging from clay workshops to digital design sessions, inspiring creativity in children, teens, and adults alike. Additionally, community contributions make possible the creation of public art projects, such as Alex Derwick’s “The Moment,” which transformed a space into a celebration of artistic collaboration with volunteers that came to community paint day that made it a true community project.
These initiatives would not be possible without the dedication and generosity of our community. Local support ensures we can afford the materials, maintain facilities, and offer scholarships to participants who might not otherwise have access to the arts.
When you support TCAC, you’re not just helping to fund an organization—you’re investing in the fabric of the Tri-County region. You’re fostering a sense of belonging, creativity, and cultural vibrancy that extends far beyond gallery walls or class sessions.
Art is more than a luxury; it is a vital part of our lives. It connects us, inspires us, and helps us express our shared humanity. In challenging times, the arts offer hope and resilience. With your continued support, TCAC can remain a place where art is accessible to all, regardless of background or resources.
Whether it’s through attending events, becoming a member, or spreading the word about our programs, your participation makes all the difference. Together, we can continue to grow and evolve, ensuring that the Tri-County region remains a thriving hub for creativity.
Thank you for believing in the power of the arts and for helping TCAC create a lasting impact. Let’s keep building a brighter, more inspired community—together. To learn more, donate, or become a member, stop in to meet us at 110 West State Street in Olean, or visit us at www.tricountyartscouncil.org. Keep up with local shows, events and classes, sign up for our newsletter, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Here’s to 2025 filled with art, creativity, and connection!
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Thank you,
Paula Bernstein
Executive Director