Members of the LG Class of 2025 pose in front of the Four-Season Tree, the first piece of art in the Sculpture Garen in City Center. The piece was created by Metal Artist, Bill Schutt, LG 2015. (Provided photo)
By Peggy Marone LG ‘02, Director
Leadership Genesee Our Arts & Culture Day works to raise awareness about arts initiatives and activities in Genesee County and reveal some of our cultural history and traditions. As one participant felt, ‘Being a good leader is having an open mind and it’s OK to be curious about different cultures and art!’
When you travel through downtown Batavia, has a mural on the side of a building caught your eye? There are more than 20 murals between Jackson, Ellicott and Bank Streets which the Leadership Genesee Class of 2025 discovered on March 26th, LG Arts & Culture Day. Truly, art can be made anywhere.
The group met at Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (Go Art!) in the morning hearing from Jodi Fisher ’24, Program Director/ Statewide Community Regrant Co-Coordinator, about how the organization has grown over the past several years. The organization is dedicated to developing the cultural life in Genesee and Orleans Counties by facilitating the creation, presentation and experience of art, heritage, and traditions. The facility has a dance studio, podcast studio, displayed art, open mic sessions, Tavern 2.o.1 as well as offering community events. The class had the opportunity to tour the facility and participate in a culture sharing drum circle presented by Jackie Swaby LG 2025, Go Art! Education & Gallery Director.
Terry Abrams LG ’07, Curator/ Collections Manager, Niagara County Historical Society, shared information about The Tonawanda Seneca Nation, our territory neighbors in Genesee County. Terry spoke of Seneca history and culture and how their values remain strong and intact. Language, song, art, dance, and sports are all vital aspects of Seneca culture.
Leadership Genesee 2025 participants hear from Patrick Burk about what it takes to present a live performance at Main St. 56 Theater, home of the Batavia Players. (Provided photo)
Patrick Burk, President Batavia Players, Inc., spoke with the class and gave a back of the house tour of Main St. 56 Theater. Mandy Humphrey, The Art of Mandy, instructed half of the group in a watercolor painting while the other half was experiencing African Dance, taught by Gregory Hallock LG 2018, Executive Director of Go Art!
“I think taking the time to do things like this is a richly lucrative investment. Much like every dollar spent returns 7, every minute spent on these activities is worth so much more.’ one participant shared.”
Leadership Genesee is a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.
For more information, visit LG’s website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/leadership-genesee; “like” LG on Facebook at www.facebook.com/leadershipgenesee; or contact Program Director Peggy Marone at (585) 343-3040, ext. 118 or mem77@cornell.edu.