For the first time since 2019, the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA) was able to present its “Arts for Sullivan” awards in person. “The arts have been a major driving force in Sullivan County,” said DVAA Executive Director Ariel Shanberg before presenting a total of $36,776 to regional artists, arts organizations and community non-profits.

Shanberg marveled at the growth of the arts in S.C. in the last two years, and referenced the conflict in the Ukraine and the attempted silence of Ukrainian culture. “You are all representatives of Sullivan County culture …” he told those assembled in the community room of the Ethelbert B. Crawford Library on Saturday, “and those voices cannot be silenced.”

The arts have grown by leaps and bounds in the county and several of the arts organizations were first-time grant recipients.

President of the DVAA Board, Dan Hust, reported that he knows of “quite a few people who have been attracted to this area, either to visit or as long-term residents because of the kinds of things that all of us in this room are offering and promoting.”

Honora Wohl brought greetings from Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther said, “Arts and culture are part of what makes our area such a great place to live, and DVAA has always been an outstanding partner of artists in our community.”

Shanberg acknowledged the NYS Council on the Arts Statewide Community Regrant Program for making the grants possible and reported that the DVAA has been a partner in this effort for 38 years. He also announced a partnership with Superfine Social, which will enable grantees to participate in workshops on marketing, social media and communication.

The awards included Community Arts projects, Individual Artists Fellowships, Visual and Literary Arts, and the Restart NY Live Performance Regrant Funds to support projects held between June 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022.

In addition to the presentation of awards, the ceremony included readings by Literary Arts grantees Chelsea Harlan and Anie Stanley. Visual Arts Grants were awarded to Laurie McFadden and Amy Yoes.

Grantees will present a wide range of performances including live music, theatre, historical re-enactments and workshops.

The recipients of the Arts for Sullivan and Restart NY Grants are: Bethel Local Development Corporation for Bethel Lakeside Music; Callicoon Center Band for concerts; Delaware Company for year-round living history activities at Fort Delaware in Narrowsburg; Delaware Valley Opera for an Opera Cowgirls performances, and performances of “The Gift of Magi”; Frederick A Cook Society for the Arctic Photography of Dr. Frederick Cook (fiscally sponsored by Sullivan County Historical Society); Greyscale Darkroom & Pro Photo Lab for analog photography workshops (fiscally sponsored by the Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce); Mamakating Library for 14 visual art workshops for elementary school students; Phillipsport Community Center for Music Nights at the PCC; Rock Hill Business and Community Association for its Summer Concert Series; Rock Valley Schoolhouse for Summer Events 2022 (fiscally sponsored by ENGN CNTR); Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop for 2022 Main Stage Season and performances of “Wait Until Dark”;

Sullivan Public Library Alliance for the Poet Laureate Project and the Sullivan County Youth Book Festival (fiscally sponsored by the Mamakating Library); Sullivan 180 for Blueprint for Life – Marching to the Beat of Your Internal Drummer; Town of Lumberland Cultural Series for production of spring and fall music concerts; Tusten Heritage Community Garden for The Nature of Art; Upper Delaware Musician’s Collective for Drive-In Music Series – Singer Songwriters of the Upper Delaware; Wurtsboro Arts Alliance for Building Community Through Workshops and Artists Demonstrations.

Spring fundraiser

On Saturday, June 4, the DVAA will host a spring fundraiser – “Celebrating The Art of Glass in the Gilded Age” at the Dorflinger Factory Museum in White Mills, PA. The Factory Museum is home to a premier collection of Dorflinger glass. The fundraiser will include docent-guided tours of the museum and its collection for 20 persons per each tour, allowing for social distancing and a safe experience. DVAA asks that all attendees be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

Each tour will be followed by a private reception featuring delightful spring refreshments, culinary treats, and surprise activities. Ticket Prices: $50 per person / $100 VIP ticket (for tours beginning at 7:15 p.m. and 8 p.m.)

Proceeds will support DVAA’s programs and resources for artists and arts organizations.