Art/Science Community Project For 2024 Announced

I am thrilled to officially announce that I am the recipient of a Support For Artists grant from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support my upcoming art/science programming project, Exploring Fall Island!

For this project, I am partnering with the Potsdam Public Museum to present a series of participatory programs that will culminate in an exhibition at the Museum this fall. This will be similar to my Welcome Spruce Grouse Project from last year but on a bigger scale.

Local naturalists and scientists will help me lead events where community members are invited to come learn about the plants and animals living on Fall Island. Our first foray will feature Dr Glenn Johnson helping us learn about the plants of Fall Island and take place at 4pm on May 13 or 20th in the event of rain.

Artists and those who don’t consider themselves to be artists alike are equally welcome to come learn about and make art inspired by the flora and fauna of Fall Island both as a mindful practice for themselves and to document the ecosystem of Fall Island.

While observing and learning we will discuss how humans have played a part in shaping the island and different ways we can interact with what is currently growing there. Invasive species management, foraging, and art-making will be just some of what we touch on.

You can reserve your spot here https://tinyurl.com/264cvm9r

If you are unable to attend this particular event but have a group that would like to participate, let me know and we can schedule something. 

If you or someone you know are a scientist, naturalist, general plant identification enthusiast and would like to help lead an event, please let me know. 

I’ll make separate posts for the individual events of this program as they are scheduled here as well as on social media, my email list, and through the local news outlets.

My email list comes from saralynch@saraelynch.com so send me an email there and make sure to whitelist that address if you would like periodic emails about this project, as well as other occasional local happenings.

Through New York State’s continued investment in arts and culture, NYSCA has awarded over $80 million since Spring 2023 to over 1,500 artists and organizations across the state.

Governor Kathy Hochul said, “Research confirms what we’ve always known here in New York: arts and culture are a powerhouse, with a staggering return on investment for our economy and our communities. Nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences generated $151.7 billion in economic activity nationwide in 2022 and New York’s unparalleled arts and culture sector is leading the way to benefit our residents, our students and our visitors every day. I commend these grantees on their achievements and look forward to their contributions in the coming year."

NYSCA Chair Katherine Nicholls added, “Thanks to the unwavering support of Governor Hochul and our Legislature, NYSCA is so proud to support the work of organizations and artists from all across New York. Spanning the entire breadth of the arts and culture sector – from world-renowned performers to after-school programs, from long established museums to community arts collectives – these organizations and artists together are a powerful driver of health, tourism, economy and education for our residents and visitors. On behalf of Council and staff, congratulations to Sara Lynch and thank you for your perseverance, your creativity and your tireless service to New York State.”

About the New York State Council on the Arts

The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award $127 million in FY 2024. The Council on the Arts further advances New York's creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit www.arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA's Facebook page, Twitter @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.