New Conesus Arts Center Sets Open House

By Donna Avery

The Lake & Valley Clarion

     When the new Catholic Church was built in Livonia, St. Williams Church on Elm Street in Conesus closed.  Now the building takes on a new life as a Community Arts Center, the GlassFeather Studio.

     Heather Jones moved in mid-November last year and has been busy making comfortable living quarters for herself and young son in the former meeting rooms area.  Plans are currently to hold classes in the former church sanctuary which has its own beautiful art setting with historical stained glass windows.

     Heather graduated from Livonia Central School in 1992.  She obtained a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts in 1996 from Alfred University as well as a master's degree in Fine Arts in 2001 from R.I.T.

     She was Camp Director at Stella Maris, taught art for the past ten years, including Livonia and Dansville schools, and also served as adjunct professor at both Empire State College and R.I.T.  She currently teaches at Genesee Community College.

     Heather said her goal with the new arts center is to create "a social and creative outlet for the community while having fun."  Eventual goals are to offer creative writing, yoga, recreational events and children's programs.

     She welcomes suggestions to meet the needs of the community as the studio grows.  Local accomplished artists will be class instructors in the studio for the first six months but future plans are to have visiting artists every month offering a diverse selection of courses.  For now, courses are geared toward adults.

         Heather will be instructing in Ukrainian egg batik in time for Easter.  She will also teach Basic Drawing I, silk painting, acrylic painting, pinhole photography, light drawing photography and glass jewelry.

     Ross Chirico of Conesus has B.A. and M.S. degrees from R.I.T. specializing in art and design.  He is a nationally-renowned artist for over 30 years and owns Chirico Design Associates.  He will instruct advanced Drawing 2.

     Paula Jones of Conesus, Heather's mother, has bachelor of fine arts and master's degrees from Geneseo State College, has taught art at Dansville High School, and has 25 years of teaching experience.  She will introduce and teach watercolor painting.

     Jeannie Nutting of Conesus has a bachelor of arts degree in studio arts from Geneseo State College.  She has been a professional artist for 25 years and owns a local pottery business.  She will instruct classes in 3-Dimensional Art 1 and 2, and also will teach Making Hypertufa Garden Planters.

     Classes will be offered starting Arpil through August.  Instructors will hold an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 2, inviting the community to come and check out the studio and view some examples of artwork that will be taught.