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For the love of the arts

Margaret Bruetsch - Reporter / Photographer
Posted 6/27/17

NARROWSBURG — It was a celebration 42 years in the making on June 17, celebrating the hard work and dedication of Elaine Giguere's passion to create a long lasting arts community in Sullivan …

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For the love of the arts

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NARROWSBURG — It was a celebration 42 years in the making on June 17, celebrating the hard work and dedication of Elaine Giguere's passion to create a long lasting arts community in Sullivan County.

The focus of the night was on Giguere's dedication to the arts community through her work for the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA), and sharing what that has brought to the Narrowsburg area, and Sullivan County as a whole. Attendees were treated to musical performances by Janice Meyerson and her husband, Ray Scheindlin, as well as members from the NACL Theater. Over 82 artists shared work for a silent auction that would benefit the DVAA.

“How do you follow Elaine Giguere? Performances have beginnings and ends … but they leave memories behind,” Ariel Shanberg, Elaine's successor, said, “When you look at what Elaine has done, you have given us the greatest gift. I truly look forward to being a part of this community.”

Giguere was praised and thanked by her staff and the members of the DVAA board in a retirement gift presentation and roasting. She received a trip to Mexico City, and a statue of Frida Kahlo by artist Allan Rubin, who also made a statue of Elaine that will remain at the DVAA building in Narrowsburg.

“Elaine, there's only one more thing to say: in your retirement play hard and have fun,” board secretary Jane Luchsinger said.

The final gift of the night was presented by board member Dan Hust who shared that the DVAA Building on Main Street in Narrowsburg will forever be know as the Elaine Giguere Arts Center.

“I'm so glad I got the chance to serve with Elaine,” Hust said, as he reminisced about visiting Giguere's house to interview her and realizing it wasn't what he expected. “This is a woman who revitalized an entire town. She should be living in a regal mansion overlooking the river … but Elaine doesn't really live in her home, she lives in the DVAA building.”

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