01-03-2025
Art building project is halfway to fundraising goal
The Cooperstown Art Association and The Smithy Gallery announced in a news release they have reached the halfway mark in their $2 million fundraising goal for the 53 Pioneer Project.
According to the release, the restoration and renovation of the historic building at 53 Pioneer St. will provide a flexible three-story interior and garden space for broad community use by artists and non-artists.
The overall fundraising goal of $2 million supports the cost of construction, furnishings, equipment and additional staffing of the facility. To date, the project has raised $1 million in financial support from public and private sources, including $640,000 through a NY Forward grant received by the village of Cooperstown and administered by a local planning committee. To reach its overall goal, the Cooperstown Art Association and The Smithy together seek commitments of financial support over five years by the end of 2026. Construction on the building and garden will commence following the issuing of a contract from New York state for the NY Forward Grant. A Cooperstown firm, Altonview Architects, has been retained to design the new facility, with plans to emphasize energy-efficient upgrades and the preservation of the building's historic features dating back to its original 1826 construction.
To date, the Cooperstown Art Association and The Smithy have received a number of five-year pledges from supporters whose annual donations have historically funded the ongoing operations of the partnering organizations, the release stated. Their financial commitments to the project represent additional donations earmarked specifically for the 53 Pioneer Project. Ongoing annual support will also be needed to maintain the regular activities of both organizations while 53 Pioneer Street is under construction, the release stated. In addition to the private donations that the project has received, the estate of Michael J. Naso Jr. has allocated a gift of $100,000.
'We are deeply grateful to our generous base of supporters who are making this project possible,' Janet Erway, executive director of the Cooperstown Art Association and The Smithy, said in the release. 'This milestone not only represents the community's enduring commitment to preserving history, but also shows its dedication to ensuring the bright future of our creative community. We look forward to the continued support of our community as we proceed with this exciting project designed to benefit all members of the public.'
Aside from the studio, exhibition, retail and event rental space that the new facility will provide, the project emphasizes a slate of innovative educational initiatives. Through internal programming as well as outside partnerships, the space will offer classes, workshops and special events for school-aged children, as well as artist lectures and demonstrations and cooking classes for members of the general public.
