Assembly Resolution No. 196

BY: M. of A. Palmesano

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of 171 Cedar
Arts Center of Corning, New York on June 15, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those cultural institutions and organizations whose
commitment to promoting the richness and diversity of the arts and
entertainment world has contributed to the strength, vitality, and
cultural enrichment of their communities and the great State of New
York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of 171 Cedar Arts Center of Corning,
New York, to be celebrated with its inaugural event, Kaleidoscope - a
Grand Soiree, on Saturday, June 15, 2019; and

WHEREAS, An Associate Institutional Member of the National Guild of
Community Schools of the Arts, 171 Cedar Arts Center is a not-for-profit
multi-arts community center which presents performances in dance and
music, as well as exhibitions of fine art and crafts; and

WHEREAS, In addition, 171 Cedar Arts Center is committed to
providing quality, professional experiences in the arts in a warm and
welcoming environment by offering educational programs for people of all
ages and skill levels in visual arts, music, dance, ceramic arts and
theater; and

WHEREAS, For five decades, 171 Cedar Arts Center has upheld the
values which reflect its passion for art's power and possibilities; and

WHEREAS, 171 Cedar Arts Center was established by a forward-thinking
group of community members consisting of arts advocates, artists, and
business entrepreneurs, in the former Knights of Columbus house at 171
Cedar Street in the heart of Corning, New York; and

WHEREAS, Douglass Bruce, a creative and civic-minded businessman,
purchased the home from the Knights of Columbus and began renting out
its elegant old rooms as studios to weavers, painters and musicians; and

WHEREAS, Soon, along with Justin Lubold, Bill Belden, Barbara Wilson
and others, Douglass Bruce conceived of creating an organization which
would be a place for artists and the community to come together in an
atmosphere where both could thrive and grow, and thus 171 Cedar Arts
Center was born; and

WHEREAS, Incorporated as One Seventy One Cedar, Inc., in 1968, this
vital organization has been a place for the professional artists in
multiple venues to hone their skills and show their talents, as well as
a home for those who want to learn; and

WHEREAS, In 2000, 171 Cedar Arts Center more than doubled its
capacity with the opening of the newly renovated historic Drake House at
the corner of Cedar and First Streets; today, the organization continues

to operate out of its two historic buildings and remains a unique and
cherished community arts center in the Southern Finger Lakes region; and

WHEREAS, The success of 171 Cedar Arts Center is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its dedicated staff, whose involvement is,
and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an
unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in
all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves;
and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of 171 Cedar Arts Center of Corning,
New York on June 15, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to 171 Cedar Arts Center, Corning, New York.