DVAA Arts Drive gains momentum

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — With the help of the business community, the Arts Alive Drive, spearheaded by Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA), is gaining momentum.

The goal of $75,000, or $1 per person for the arts, reflects the populations of Sullivan County and the communities the arts alliance serves on the Pennsylvania side of the Upper Delaware River. Beyond donation boxes, the goal will be met with a campaign to enlist 100 new members, with one-time and renewable grants, with net profits from Signature Gifts, a new gift shop at the Delaware Arts Center and with a live remote broadcast at the Delaware Arts Center on Saturday, June 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on WYCY (105.3), a deWit Media Group station.

“In light of yet another year where the New York State budget for the arts received no increase and news that two major arts councils (Albany and Niagra Counties) closed their doors, this fundraising event is critical,” said DVAA Executive Director Elaine Giguere. “It’s important to remember that arts organizations can disappear even after being in business for dozens of years.”

Fifty Arts Alive Drive donation boxes have been placed in the following businesses: the Barryville Emporium; in Callicoon at the Callicoon Theater, Jerico Gallery, The Pizza Place, La Shed du Fred, Matthews on Main, Villa Roma’s Flex Appeal and Tennis Club, Braman Arts Conservatory and Sweet River Studio; in Cochecton Center at Heinle’s General Store; in Eldred at the Sunshine Hall Free Library; in Ferndale at the Ferndale Market Place; in Forestburgh at Forestburgh Store; in Jeffersonville at Good Earth and Kohler Lumber; in Liberty at Last Licks; in Livingston Manor at Peez Leweez and Hamish and Henry; in Monticello at Farmers Market, Bank of New York, Gourmet Garden, Kristt Office Supply and The Frame Game; in Narrowsburg at Dave’s Big Eddy Diner, Signature Gifts, Narrowsburg Fine Wines & Spirits, Bank of America and Charlie’s Barber Shop; in Rock Hill at Steve’s Music Store, Irwin Siegel Agency and the Rock Hill Fire House; in Smallwood at the Smallwood Post Office, Bank of America and Christine’s Hair for You; in White Lake at the Bradstan Country Hotel and Buster’s; and in Shohola, PA at Pegala.

Proceeds will benefit DVAA’s operations, endowment and scholarship funds as well as grant programs that support local nonprofit cultural organizations.

For more information call 845/252-7576.