CLAYTON, NY — The Thousand Islands Arts Center, Home of the Handweaving
Museum, is pleased to announce that it has received a Fiscal Year 2026 Capital Projects Grant from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA).
The non-matching grant of $31,000 will support the planning and design of an Art Park at 313 James Street, the property adjacent to the Arts Center’s new facility at 321 James Street. The Art Park will represent Phase Two of the Arts Center’s campus expansion and will create an accessible outdoor space for public art, creative programming, community gatherings, performances, and recreation.
“Our new building gave the arts a permanent home in Clayton; the Art Park will open that home to the outdoors. We’re grateful to NYSCA for investing in a green space where people of all ages can create, gather, and be inspired, and to everyone who has helped bring this campus to life,” said Mia Ramseier, Executive Director of the Thousand Islands Arts Center.
Plans for the Art Park are expected to include outdoor sculptures, accessible walkways, gardens, gathering spaces, areas for classes or demonstrations, and connections between the Arts Center’s campus properties.
Erika Mallin, Executive Director of the New York State Council on the Arts, said, “A proud supporter of the Thousand Island Arts Center’s new 13,000-square-foot permanent home, the New York State Council on the Arts is pleased to award this grant for the design of an accessible, expansive arts campus. Congratulations to the entire Thousand Island Arts Center team. We applaud your commitment to strengthening arts and culture in the community in North Country.”
This grant marks an important step toward completing the Arts Center’s expanded campus and creating a welcoming outdoor space where art, nature and community can come together.
Capital Design Grants for Arts and Culture are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the community, the Arts Center has secured 96% of the capital goal associated with its new building at 321 James Street. To help the organization finish 2026 debt-free and continue progressing toward the development of the adjacent Art Park, visit www.TIArtsCenter.org/new-arts-center to make a donation.
Additional information about the Art Park’s design, development timeline, and future programming will be shared as plans progress.
About the Thousand Islands Arts Center
The Thousand Islands Arts Center — Home of the Handweaving Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the arts and crafts heritage of the Thousand Islands region. Through exhibitions, classes, community programs, special events, and its nationally recognized handweaving collection, the Arts Center provides opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to experience, create, and connect through the arts.