New arts center called "View" officially opens in Old Forge
Story Created:
Jul 8, 2011 at 4:12 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Jul 8, 2011 at 6:25 PM EDT
OLD FORGE, N.Y. (WKTV) - It's been a long process for all involved, but 'View', the new arts center in Old Forge held its official grand opening Friday morning. The dedication and ribbon cutting was held in front of a large audience outside the building's entrance on Route 28.
Miriam Davis Kashiwa was one of the keynote speakers. Kashiwa held an art show on the front lawn of her old forge home in 1952. She later founded The Arts Center/Old Forge on Route 28, and Friday morning she realized a lifelong dream right across the street with the help of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development which provided more than $3 million in loans and grants to help "View" become a reality.
The new facility is a green facility, all run by solar power panels which stand in front of the building for all to see.
USDA Rural Development New York State Director Jill Harvey says this type of development is what her office is all about.
"It's just a great gathering center," Harvey said. "It's a wonderful, wonderful thing to have in this community, and it brings people in. It's a destination."
A number of artists who have their work displayed in the gallery were onhand for Friday's ribbon cutting, including Lorraine Alexander from outside of Philadelphia, PA. Alexander says her mother was one of the first art pioneers in Old Forge who helped get things started.
She says when the ribbon was cut, it sent chills up her spine.
"It was very exciting, and I turned around to some of the other people that I've known forever, and said to them, 'I wished my mom was here,' because it's history, and knowing that this is happening for this area is a very exciting thing for me," Alexander said.
The work on the building may be complete, but there is some behind the scenes work yet to be done.
"It's very humbling to be responsible for a four million dollar debt," Miriam Davis Kashiwa told the crowd.
A capital campaign is underway to help pay for the remaining four million dollars still owed on this new center, a center which expects to draw in much more than that economically to the region.
If you missed Friday's festivities, don't worry, as there are plenty of events planned for 'The Gala Weekend at View' including workshop demonstrations and live music.
Admission to the gallery is free all weekend long.
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