22-05-2025
Donation to TIAC allows for new consignment store, more
May 21—CLAYTON — The Thousand Islands Arts Center, which next year will have a new home, recently received a donation of real estate that will allow for a greater expansion of its future James Street campus.
The TIAC announced Thursday that earlier this year, it was the recipient of a "generous and surprising" donation of the property at 313 James St., the former home of River Magic. It was purchased and then gifted to TIAC by longtime supporters Mary and Ted Mascott in support of the arts center's ongoing campus expansion.
Construction is progressing at 321 James St. in Clayton for TIAC's new building. The $5.1 million project was announced in June of 2023 after a $2 million grant was received from the New York State Council on the Arts Large Capital Improvement Grants for Arts and Culture program. The grant required a 100% match, and that was made by an anonymous donor. TIAC now operates out of 314 John St. in a building constructed in 1877.
The nonprofit is also home of the Handweaving Museum, which is the only one of its kind in the country.
The nonprofit center had operated a thrift and consignment store, Finders Keepers, 321 James St. — the construction site. It was staffed by volunteers, with all merchandise donated. All proceeds supported the center. Finders Keepers will now be set up at the donated building at 313 James St., next door to the new building
"In the immediate future, this wonderful gift will allow for our beloved Finders Keepers to reopen with even more space for vintage treasures and finds," TIAC Executive Director Sarah Riddoch said in a news release.
Opening day for the new store is Wednesday. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. It will remain open through Columbus Day weekend.
Riddoch said that in the coming years, the site promises to become a vibrant public art park that will establish an inviting entrance for its new facility at 321 James Street.
"This extraordinary gift will significantly enhance the long-term aesthetics of the Arts Center campus and further contribute to the welcoming atmosphere of downtown Clayton," she said.
