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Cayuga County Arts Council has New Director and Offices
The Cayuga County Arts Council is pleased to announce that Michelle Graney (Sheli) has accepted the position of Executive Director. Sheli is a graduate of Colgate University with a Bachelor of Arts degree where she majored in Art & Art History. Her professional background includes experience in printing, marketing and advertising. She spent several years working in the commercial print industry, managing the printing needs of Eastman Kodak Co. and others in the Rochester area.
She then supplemented her printing expertise by joining the advertising agency Catalyst Direct, Inc., also in Rochester. As a Production Manager for the agency, Sheli was involved in the planning and execution of large-scaled marketing initiatives, working wit clients and vendors nationwide. Her education and experience will be an asset to the Arts Council in its ongoing efforts to support local artists, provide exciting and entertaining arts-related community events, and continue the restoration of the Auburn Schine's Theater.
Sheli brings to the position her philosophy that a strong, vibrant arts community can have significant impact on the city and county as large- by enhancing the quality of life for residents, promoting tourism and increasing our attractiveness to new businesses. She has a keen understanding of the historical and architectural significance of the Schine's Theater, as well as the potential benefits of a fully restored multi-purpose theater will bring to the community in the areas of downtown revitalization, community pride and economic stimulus.
The Arts Council now has a new office location in the Sts. Peter and John annex building at 169 Genesee Street. The new space will allow the Council to be more visible and accessible to the public, enabling us to better meet the needs of local artists and residents. Phone 315-252-0950 or via e-mail: sheligraney@yahoo.com.
Q&A with Sheli Graney
Are there any new plans in the works for the Council in the immediate future or coming year?
The Arts Council plans to do some internal work, devising a new 5 year plan and welcoming new members to our board. We are excited about expanding our existing programs and adding some new events as well. We co-sponsor the highly regarded Adams Foundation piano concert series, this year showcasing the talented Contiguglia brothers on October 26th, followed by a performance by Simone Dinnerstein on April 19, 2009. Our New Year's celebration promises to be bigger and better than ever, and our annual Artini Fundraiser will take place in the spring. In addition, I have a real desire to provide opportunities for all members of our community to experience the arts, be it via attending shows and performances by artists who live among us, or by organizing excursions to museums, galleries, and shows outside our immediate area.
What can you share about the renovation of the Schine?
I have spent a significant portion of my time during my first month as Executive Director of the Arts Council learning about the Schine Theater restoration project. This undertaking is a large endeavor, but is so worth the effort when one considers the potential benefit a fully restored Shine Theater could have for our city. The renovation plans are devised around the concept of converting what was once a palatial movie theater into a multi-use facility within the original Art Deco masterpiece. The venue will be used for movies, concerts, local performances, comedy shows, meetings, parties, lectures, art exhibits - the list goes on and on.
The economic impact of such an enterprise in our downtown is far reaching, from increasing local tourism which directly benefits local businesses, to increasing the visibility and attractiveness of our city and county to those new businesses who are considering expanding or relocating. The key to success in the restoration effort, I believe, is a well coordinated fundraising and construction plan, created with input from community leaders, residents, construction experts, fundraising experts, and historians. I have been inspired by the depth and intensity of the community support for this effort. The leaders and residents of Auburn are hardworking, dedicated and resilient. Because of this, I have no doubt that this project will reach fruition.
What would be helpful to you in your new position?
Community input. I ask that all residents who have an interest in the Schine Theater and in enriching the cultural, historic, and artistic nature of our community to provide your suggestions, donations and volunteer efforts toward those ends.
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