Arts & Culture
The Arts and Cultural environment in Wyoming County is strong and has a big impact on the quality of life in the region!
Located in Perry, NY, the Arts Council for Wyoming County gallery is a must see for the arts and culture enthusiast. This two-story gallery is filled with local artists’ work and offers diverse programs year-round. The gallery changes display themes on a regular basis which provides a unique experience upon every visit. In addition to the main gallery, there are ten satellite galleries sprinkled around the County. These galleries support the mission of the Arts Council – “to bring art to the people and connect people with the artists.” Each gallery is used to promote the works of local artists and also a resource for individuals to purchase local and original art. For more on the Arts Council visit their website at www.artswyco.org
Founded in 1976, The Arts Council for Wyoming County provides arts and culture programs to our rural communities in the region. Headquartered in a restored historic building in downtown Perry, New York, the ACWC hosts art exhibits, classes, workshops, performances, concerts, and film screenings throughout the year.
Working in conjunction with the New York State Council on the Arts, the ACWC acts as a conduit to distribute (DEC) Community Arts Grants to groups and organizations throughout Wyoming County. Community Arts Grantees in turn provide arts and culture opportunities for their neighbors including concerts, performing arts, visual arts, and other arts opportunities.
You may have also heard about the Arts Council for Wyoming County through their programs:
The Letchworth Arts & Crafts Show & Sale is the ACWC's most high profile annual event. This fundraiser takes place every Columbus Day Weekend in Letchworth State Park during the peak of autumn foliage. Tens of thousands of visitors flock to the park to shop arts & crafts from over 300 vendors while enjoying a festive family atmosphere that includes activities, food and entertainment.
Classic Film Series: Kyle Adamczak, the classic film series curator, has produced the highly-acclaimed program. Every Thursday at the Screening Room in the ACWC main building (31 S. Main Street, Perry, NY, 14530), the screening room comes alive with classic films. This program has been going on for nearly 25 years and is not to be missed!
Local Color is the annual members exhibit where the ACWC artist members showcase their visual arts at the Main Gallery at the ACWC main building (31 S. Main Street, Perry, NY, 14530). Join in at the artist reception where you can meet professional and amateur artists based in the Wyoming County area.
The ACWC puts on events throughout the year celebrating arts in culture for all four seasons here in Wyoming County.
In 2020, Shake on the Lake will celebrate its 9th season of bringing high-quality Shakespeare to Wyoming County. In 2017, the company marked the third year of Shake on Tour, as the cast toured Western New York before coming home to the shores of Silver Lake for their closing performances. Their 2017 performances of “Romeo and Juliet” were met with record audiences as they performed in and outside Wyoming County.
See them perform during Wyoming County Week at the end of July each year. Additional performances and locations will be added and a full schedule can be found at www.ShakeOnTheLake.org.
Spotlight Theater is the place to go in Wyoming County for first-run movies and more! Located on Main St. in Warsaw, the theater was built in 1904 by noted local jurist Judge E. Farman and was known as the Farman Theater. The Gentleman from France was the first play presented at the new theater. The theater has grown over the years and now features three screens, and offers opening night movie presentations, and can host your holiday or birthday party! For showtimes visit http://www.thespotlighttheaters.com
Added in 2016, visitors can now experience the Wyoming County Barn Quilt Trail. Barn quilts are large pieces of wood painted to look like a quilt blocks. This trail includes over 60 uniquely handcrafted barn quilts located throughout the beautiful countryside. To join the fun and experience this stunning slice of Americana, visit our website www.gowyomingcountyny.com to request a brochure!
Festivals are a big part of Wyoming County culture, and two of the biggest take place in the fall. Apple-Umpkin, in the historic Village of Wyoming, is September 23 and 24, 2017. This two-day event features hundreds of craft vendors spread throughout the Village. Shoppers can walk around the “Gaslight Village” taking in the sights, sounds, and tastes. One not-to-miss event at the festival is the apple and pumpkin sweets bake off and sale! The festival’s two namesakes take center stage and you could go home with a delicious blue ribbon treat.
Two weeks later, over Columbus Day weekend, the Arts Council for Wyoming County presents the nationally recognized Letchworth Arts and Crafts Festival, located at the Highbanks Recreational Area in Letchworth State Park. Consistently ranked as one of the top 50 art shows in the US, over 300 vendors sell their art and crafts at this event. Take in the beauty of Letchworth State Park, and go home with some of the finest art pieces from across the country.
Theatre@37 located in Perry, NY is the latest addition to the growing list of performing arts available in Wyoming County. Click here for a recent news article about Theater at 37.