Wayne County Council for the Arts has been a staple of the community for ovder 40 years. 2022 marks our 45th year in business! Since its founding in 1977 as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, Wayne Arts has fostered local creativity by offering classes and workshops, and exhibiting works by the finest artists in the area. With the continued support of our volunteers and members, Wayne Arts will do its part to keep the arts alive and well for many years to come.
Welcome to Wayne County Council for the Arts. Based in Newark, NY and serving all of Wayne County and beyond, Wayne Arts was established as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in 1977 to promote arts education and appreciation in the area. As a nonprofit, funding of the council comes from various avenues, all of which are vital for its continuation. From the membership program that offers exclusive discounts and opportunities, to the generous grants from arts foundations, Wayne Arts is able to foster creativity locally. The arts reflect and define who we are, and guide our growth as individuals and as a community, and that is why the classes, workshops, and exhibit space that Wayne Arts offers are so very important for Wayne County.
Wayne Arts strives to bring the love and knowledge of the arts to the local community. Nurturing creativity in all its forms and providing a central meeting place for local artists is the fundamental goal of the council. With the support of experienced and disciplined experts, Wayne Arts is able to offer classes, workshops, and day camps to artists of all ages and skill levels. For those who may not have a desire to learn a medium, but appreciate talent, Wayne Arts exhibits several well loved shows every year. Wayne Arts partners with schools, civic organizations, and individuals to encourage everyone in the community to appreciate and participate in the arts.
President: Alicia Linzy
Treasurer/IT: Jason Pasnikowski
Steve DeRenzo
Caryn Purdy
Secretary: Theresa Hoysic
Newsletter Editor: AVAILABLE
Volunteer Coordinator: AVAILABLE
Social Media/Website: Alicia/Jason
The Wayne County Council for the Arts has a long and proud history of supporting the arts in Wayne County. 2017 marks 40 years of exhibits, classes, and workshops which have brought enjoyment to all and enhanced the life of our region. WCCA is an all-volunteer organization and we are grateful to our past and present Board, volunteers and members who have kept us going all these years.
1977 - Wayne Arts is established as a non-profit arts council in Lyons, NY
1984 - Wayne Arts moves to Newark. Exhibits featured the work of Dexter Benedict and Bill Finewood
1987 - Wayne Arts moves back to Lyons to a much larger gallery space.
1990 - Kevin Schooner was the Executive Director and did an excellent job as financial manager and getting lots of good people involved. David Chapin did a fine job as newsletter editor
2001 - Wayne Arts moved from Water Street in Lyons to the Erie Canal Cultural Center in Lyons
2002 - Wayne Arts moved to our current location at 108 West Miller Street in Newark, NY
2004 - Wayne Williams retired from Finger Lakes Community College and became involved in Wayne Arts. He did everything from exhibits to classes and Board recruitment. Chris Fayad took care of publicity, membership, the gift shop, volunteers and grants. Wayne Arts begins to grow.
2006 - The Board grows and Wayne Arts receives a grant from the Rochester Area Community Foundation to develop a floorplan for the Wayne Arts space.
2008 - A board member suggested the front room across from the Gallery Store be used to feature smaller exhibits of works by Members. The board agreed and exhibits were scheduled for March through November. The works were and still are varied, interesting and attracted visitors. Our first year featured a jewelry artist, book signings, textile art, and work of students in the oil painting, figure drawing and sculpture classes. In 2012 the little gallery has been renamed the Christine Mori Fayad Members Gallery in honor of Christine Fayad who gave so much time, effort and love to revitalize Wayne Arts when it was in need of some tender loving care.
2007 - Wayne Arts continues to grow. Various grants are received to improve the gallery and classroom space, offer more classes, exhibits and workshops. Successful fundraisers helped us to get on solid financial footing. Programs grow in popularity. Membership grows.
2012 - The Members Gallery is dedicated to Christine Fayad, a member, Board member, artist, and traveler. She took an important role in revitalizing Wayne Arts. Chris believed in possibilities and saw the small front gallery as a space to showcase the work of Wayne Arts members on a smaller scale.
2017 - Wayne County Council for the Arts is celebrating our 40th year of supporting the arts in Wayne County. Won't you join us for the next 40 years?!