The Thousand Islands Arts Center

06/16/2026

🚚✨ We’re movin’ and groovin’!

This week has been full of exciting progress as fabricators have arrived, movers have begun the big move, and a handful of amazing volunteers are already hard at work unpacking boxes in our new home. Every day brings us one step closer to opening the doors!

A huge thank you to everyone helping make this transition possible. The countdown is officially on, and we can’t wait to welcome you into the new Thousand Islands Arts Center next week. 🎉🏛️

See you soon!

06/15/2026

Last week, guests enjoyed a sweet summer experience at our Strawberry Jam Fest Dine-Around! 🍓✨ Participants gathered to learn the art of homemade jam making while enjoying beautiful scenery, delicious refreshments, and wonderful company.

A special thank you to our gracious hosts, Kathy Gaffney and Jan Hampton, for opening their beautiful setting and providing such lovely refreshments. We are also grateful to instructor Fred Schmitt and helper Roxanne Ridley for sharing their expertise and guiding everyone through the jam-making process.

If you’re not familiar with Dine-Arounds, they are unique experiences and gatherings that guests can purchase to support the Thousand Islands Arts Center. Every Dine-Around helps raise funds that directly benefit our programs, exhibitions, and community arts initiatives.

Missed Strawberry Jam Fest? There are still plenty of exciting Dine-Arounds available! Join two TIAC staff members for a fun Nine & Dine outing, explore Shady Ledge—the former home of artist Frank Taylor—during a special house tour, learn how to play Mahjong at a beautiful Wellesley Island home with stunning views, and much more.

Visit TIArtsCenter.org and click on “Events” to explore all of our available Dine-Around offerings before they’re gone!

06/15/2026

Get your custom magnets made with The Sweet Peach at our Summer Arts Kick-off and Grand Opening Saturday, June 27 from 10am-2pm! 🖼️

We can’t wait to open up the brand new facility to the community! Mark your calendars! 📆

End of June Event!✨
Join me at The Thousand Islands Arts Center as they celebrate their Grand Opening and Summer Arts Kickoff in downtown Clayton, NY! 🎉

I’ll be creating custom photo magnets, keychains, and bottle openers on-site. Stop by, say hi, and make some personalized keepsakes!

06/14/2026

🎨 Last Chance to Register! 🎨

Don’t miss your opportunity to join Color Changing Hue with instructor Mary Knapp this Monday 6/14 from 10am-1:30pm!

Discover how to create an incredible range of colors on colorfast fabric, including warm, cool, bright, pastel, atmospheric, neutral, and murky hues. Mary will share a vast collection of color samples and finished projects while guiding students through the dyeing process.

Each participant will receive a dye-pot kit filled with supplies to create their own unique fabric, plus a detailed take-home tutorial with instructions on dyeing, painting, and inking fabric so you can continue experimenting at home. Invite your friends over and keep the creativity flowing together!

Spaces are limited and registration is closing soon. Register today at TIArtsCenter.org!

06/10/2026

🌿 Botanical Bundle Dyeing 🌸

Discover the magic of natural color in this hands-on fiber arts workshop! Learn the beautiful technique of bundle dyeing using freshly harvested flowers, leaves, and natural botanicals to create one-of-a-kind patterns on silk.

As flowers and foliage are carefully wrapped, bundled, and steamed, you'll be amazed by the vibrant colors and organic designs that emerge. No two pieces are ever the same!

✨ All supplies included:
• Fresh flowers & teas
• Silk squares & silk scarves
• Binding materials
• Expert instruction

📅 Saturday, June 20
⏰ 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Thousand Islands Arts Center

Spend the day surrounded by nature, learn a timeless textile art, and take home your own beautifully dyed silk creations.

Register online: https://tiartscenter.givecloud.co/product/1C9FABF/botanical-bundle-dyeing

06/09/2026

🍷🎨 The Sensory Pour: Paint, Sip & Savor 🎨🍷

Experience wine tasting through a creative new lens!

Join us for a unique afternoon of art, wine, and sensory exploration at the Clipper as you paint your own ceramic wine tumbler while enjoying a guided tasting of three carefully selected wines.

Certified Sommelier Julie Purpura and local artisan Emma Kearns will lead you through an engaging experience that connects the aromas, flavors, textures, and colors of wine with artistic expression. As you taste each wine, you'll use paint to capture your impressions, creating a tumbler that reflects your personal sensory journey.

Whether you're a wine enthusiast, an artist, or simply looking for a fun and memorable experience, this event is designed for all skill levels—no prior painting or wine knowledge needed!

✨ What's included? ✨
• A one-of-a-kind hand-painted ceramic wine tumbler
• New insights into wine tasting and appreciation
• A fresh perspective on sensory awareness
• Great conversation and creative connections

After the event, your tumbler will be professionally fired in our pottery studio and will be ready for pickup within approximately two weeks.

Come sip, create, and discover how wine can inspire art in unexpected ways! 🍷🖌️

Registration can be done on our website or by clicking this link: https://square.link/u/pasYbTc2

06/05/2026

🎣 CALLING ALL ARTISTS! 🎨

Submissions are open for Reel Art: A Community Catch, a fun and creative community exhibit coming to the Thousand Islands Arts Center August 4 – September 5, 2026!

Transform a blank wooden fish into a one-of-a-kind work of art using any medium you choose—paint, collage, fabric, mosaic, sculpture elements, and more. Whether you're a professional artist, hobbyist, student, business, or community organization, we invite you to participate!

🐟 All fish are $15
🐟 Artists ages 12+ receive a large fish template
🐟 Artists under 12 receive a smaller fish template
🐟 Fish blanks are available now until July 1 (complete the registration form online, with a payment, and pick up your fish at the Arts Center)

We can't wait to see the incredible ways our community brings these fish to life!

Visit TIArtsCenter.org for complete details and important dates.

06/03/2026

We are so happy to see the exterior painting underway! 🎨✨ It’s exciting to see another piece of the vision come to life.

Each day brings new progress as we get closer to opening our doors at 321 James Street. We can’t wait to welcome the community into this beautiful new space. Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to our Grand Opening on June 27, 10am-2pm! 🎉🏛️

06/02/2026

✨ NEW CLASS ALERT! ✨

We're excited to introduce a brand-new class to our lineup this year: Mosaic Totem Poles with instructor Susan Berry!

Create a stunning 36-inch mosaic totem pole using colorful glass and mosaic pieces on a cylindrical base. You'll design your own unique patterns, learn mosaic techniques, and finish your piece with grout for a beautiful, polished look. No experience necessary—this immersive workshop is perfect for beginners and experienced makers alike!

📅 Stay tuned for an August date and email [email protected] for more information.

Bring your creativity and leave with a one-of-a-kind outdoor sculpture that's truly your own!

Register here: https://tiartscenter.givecloud.co/product/4FF6C77/mosaic-piece-by-piece-totem-pole.

05/30/2026

🎨✨ Looking for a creative way to spend your summer? Take a look at some of the upcoming classes at the Arts Center!

From jewelry making and painting to mosaics and more, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner trying something new or an experienced artist looking to expand your skills, our classes offer a fun and welcoming environment to create, learn, and connect.

📍 Please note: All classes currently listed will be held at our location at 314 John Street. Beginning June 29, classes will be held in our new facility at 321 James Street.

🎟️ Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot today. Register online at TIArtsCenter.org!