Tompkins Weekly

Trumansburg Connection: Art and culture abound in Trumansburg



By Elaine Springer

 

Those interested in a little art and culture in a beautiful, walkable Village will find no shortage of venues in Trumansburg. From programming at the Ulysses Philomathic Library, concerts and classes at the Conservatory of Fine Arts and local businesses, to participating in the Trumansburg Community Chorus and Encore Players Community Theatre, there is an experience for people of all ages and varied interests.

In addition to live music at restaurant and bar venues, The Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts (TCFA), located at Congress and McLallen Streets offers a variety of concerts, performances, dances and other events several times a month. Many world-class musicians grace the stage in addition to local musicians holding concerts and dances. On Sept. 9 there is a New Park Chamber Music Fundraiser at 2 p.m. And on Sept 21, a Contra dance with Katy Heine with O’Shanigans 8 p.m. In addition to offering frequent concerts, TCFA offers numerous classes in music, dance, and art for all ages. Music classes include voice, drums, piano, and guitar, with private lessons also offered in piano, percussion, violin, voice, guitar, dulcimer, fiddle, and banjo. TCFA also offers several dance classes and art classes for adults and children. It is the perfect venue to take in the many art shows that occur throughout the year. The next show is the Invitational Art Show on Oct. 13. Also of note is a Draw-A-Thon on Oct. 21. Check the TCFA website for more events and details, tburgconservatory.org.

Mary Ellen Salmon of Salmon Pottery, located at 79 East Main St., has a 30-year history in pottery. She offers youth and adult classes several times a year in her Main Street Studio. According to her website, she “has taught both children and adults to throw at Amarillo Art Center, worked for the City of Tallahassee in their parks and recreation program, and taught privately in her own studio. Teaching and sharing the fun and joy of clay is a great source for creativity–especially with the children who enjoy the process and not necessarily the end product.” For more information, or to check on class availability, contact Mary Ellen at me@salmonpottery.com.

Luna Fiber Studio, located at 15 East Main St., Suite 3, offers classes and private instruction in textile making. Led by practicing textile artist and instructor Sarah Gotowka, Mexican artist José Buenaventura González Gutiérrez, and local artist Laura Riley, Luna Fiber Studio offers courses for all ages and experience levels in various weaving techniques, natural dying, and bookbinding. Upcoming courses include Beach Towels on Sept. 1 and 2, Flower Printing and Bookbinding on Sept. 9, Indigo dying on Sept. 13, and Hopi Sunflower dying on Oct. 18. Course prices vary and scholarships are available. Find out more or register online at lunafiberstudio.com.

The Ulysses Philomathic Library (UPL), at 74 East Main St. will be amping up their kids’ programming once school starts in early Sept. They continue their storytime and art project program on Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. They will bring back the teen maker space program on Thursdays at 3 p.m. This is a time teens can come to the library for themed crafts and building things with the 3D printer. The possibilities are endless at UPL! For those wishing to fill in their bookshelves, the fall book sale will take place Sept. 20 through 26. There is a suggested donation of $3 per adult book and $2 per children’s books, puzzles, and games. See all UPL has to offer on their website, trumansburglibrary.org.

The Ulysses Historical Society is located at 39 South Street, is free and open to the public from 2 to 4 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 9 to 11 a.m. on Mondays through the first weekend in December. Their current exhibits focus on firefighting, agriculture, commerce, transportation, and costumes. Another notable collection is The Hoffmire Collection, “an exhibit filled with art that dates from the early 1800s, a carpenter’s chest with original tools, a Trumansburg baseball team uniform (circa 1920), a variety of Dr. James Hoffmire’s veterinary tools, and several photographs relating to the Hoffmire family.” In addition to the exhibits, the Historical Society houses historic photos and a genealogy and local history library, which can be accessed by appointment only. Learn more about the Ulysses Historical Society on their website, ulysses.ny.us.

Perhaps the most daring and outgoing will enjoy participation in performance art. Encore Players Community Theatre is a group for all ages, entertaining the community with up to three performances per year. According to their mission, they aim to “build a sense of community by bringing together all who are interested; children, youth, and adults, from all walks of life, and with a variety of different skills.” They will soon be auditioning for an evening of one-act plays. Auditions are relaxed, fun, and stress-free, and people auditioning are welcome to come prepared or audition on the fly. They will be held Sept. 4, 5, and 6 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., and Sept. 8 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the First Presbyterian Church of Ulysses Chapel at 69 E. Main Street. Learn more about Encore Players or register for auditions at encoreplayers.org.

The Trumansburg Community Chorus, led by Alice Ploss, is comprised of youth and adults from across the county, including Ithaca and Lansing. According to their website, “Our members come from all walks of life and with varying musical backgrounds…What we all possess is the desire to come together and create something bigger than the sum of our parts. It is a joyous enterprise to sing and work together weekly to create art. It is good for the mind, body, heart, and soul.” The Trumansburg Community Chorus is always interested in expanding their fall and spring sessions (and occasional holiday flash mob!). Rehearsals are every Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. The fall session begins on Sept. 17 and will conclude with a concert during the holiday celebrations on Dec. 1. Although there is no audition to join the chorus, there will be a registration link on their website, tburgchorus.com

In addition to dining, entertainment, and recreational opportunities, Trumansburg is teeming with art and culture activities for all ages and interests. It is well worth a trip to Trumansburg to take a class, take in a concert, or join the Encore Players or The Trumansburg Community Chorus. For more information be sure to check the websites often, or go to visit-trumansburg.com to learn more about what Trumansburg has to offer!

 

 

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