Holiday Cheer

Looks like Cortland is having a First Night Celebration after all...Lloyd emailed this to me...sounds like fun!

Meet the Artist Night

Thursday, December 14th, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cortland’s creative talent will converge on the historic Beard Building at 9 Main Street for an evening of art. Meet the Artist night is an opportunity for the community to talk with the local artists who are showcasing their creative talent at the Beard Building Gallery.

The Cortland Downtown Partnership and the Cultural Council of Cortland County are pleased to offer the Beard Building Gallery, 9 Main Street, for the last art show of 2006, Winter Nights & Lights. The show is free and open to the public November 9th, 2006, through January 5th, 2007.

This thematic show, Winter Nights & Lights provides the community with access to local art and serves as a fundraiser for replacing the lights that decorate downtown Cortland’s street trees. More than 20 pieces of work including photographs, water colors and oil work as well as sculpture are on display at the Beard Building Gallery.

During the past six months Downtown Cortland has seen, updated facades, new businesses, and an updated south Main Street. But, the lights decorating the thirty-four street trees along Main Street are almost all burnt out. Cortland’s Downtown Manager, Lloyd Purdy estimates downtown needs over 3,500 new bulbs to bring the trees “back to light”.

“Raising money through art is a unique way to showcase two aspects of Downtown Cortland that have been underappreciated for too long – the art scene and the beautiful streetscape found Downtown.” Said Lloyd Purdy, Cortland’s Downtown Manager.

“With the success of the first show at the Beard Building and the positive response to the Studio and Gallery Tour, the Cultural Council is pleased to be a co-sponsor of Winter Nights and Lights.” said David Beale, Executive Director of the Cortland County Cultural Council.

The Downtown Partnership is a non-profit dedicated to a more active, vibrant and sustainable Downtown. Through economic development initiatives, beautification programs, event promotion, and business development the Partnership is working to cultivate a downtown that supports commerce and culture.

“Culture is an important component of an active and vibrant downtown,” said Lloyd Purdy, Cortland’s Downtown Manager. “People visit downtowns because of the experience of shopping, dinning, and socializing. Cultural opportunities can be a draw that brings visitors downtown.”

Another light-centric downtown draw - First Night, Downtown Cortland's New Year's Eve Celebration, will also help raise funds for the lights on downtown's street trees. Donation barrels will be accessible during First Night so downtown visitors can make their contribution to a bright future for Downtown.

-Katie