Project Description
BVACC is a place and a program which offers opportunities to create art and craft. The Art Center is located in a 200 year old building in the Village of Morris, NY. The Village is on the Registry of Historic Landmarks, and by inclusion and on its own merits, so is the Art Center.
Our goals are to rehabilitate and preserve our historic building and in the process upgrade it with modern and efficient systems so that it may continue to be the hub of cultural activity in Morris and the surrounding area. We are the go-to place in a rural area of scarce cultural and art resources. To achieve this end, we will
- mitigate, rehabilitate and preserve the physical structure and integrity of the historical building. We want it to stand, in well preserved historical condition, for another 200 years, offering all who choose to do so, the opportunity to engage in the arts. We want to contribute to the ongoing preservation of the historic Village of Morris by restoring our building while we enhance our usage experience within the structure,
- modernize our energy use, moving from fossil fuel reliance to fuels which will be our small contribution to ameliorate climate change; install moisture control systems; upgrade our electrical system to improve lighting and connectivity and position us for future installation of ceramic and pottery equipment and other mediums for creating art,
- improve our access for persons with disabilities so persons who have issues with access or use may enjoy the programs we offer,
- expand our capacity to support local artisans’ work by adding an exhibit gallery, studios, classrooms, and shop for artisans. We will add infrastructure which will accommodate additional art media,
- create a space to showcase arts and crafts of the past to honor and record the history which has brought us to this moment.
Transformational aspect of project
In our 50 year life as an arts and crafts organization, we continue our mission to provide opportunities for persons to express and expand their creativity. To implement our mission, we offer a variety of classes and community events so people can experience and participate in art, learn new practices and expand existing skills. In our very rural area, cultural resources are scarce. We are present to offer structure and substance to persons seeking art experiences. We want to proliferate art, to immerse our community in the adage, “Art is Everywhere”.
Local artisans will receive added opportunities to display and sell their works as we add galleries, exhibits, shop/sales to our ongoing semi-annual markets.
We will expand our capacity to serve persons with disabilities by retrofitting our space for such issues.
Our move to non-fossil fuels will set examples for other organizations and private residences located in the Village and surrounding areas to follow.
Renewal and preservation of our historically registered and important building will strengthen the legacy we have and will, subsequently, enhance the viability of the historic significance of our area which was settled early in the development of our country.
Project Phases
We are in the process of studying and assessing what must be done to accomplish our goals. In light of this, in October, 2023, L&S Energy conducted and prepared an Energy Study to understand how we currently use energy and to identify ways to reduce energy use and operating expense. It was prepared pursuant to the Flexible technical Assistance Program administered by NY State Energy Research and Development Authority. Recommendations were made which included a new non-fossil fuel heating system, a new LED lighting system, building envelope and insulation improvements, air ventilation system, abatement of basement moisture issues from dirt floor and nearby water sources.
Also, we received a Preservation League, Preserve New York grant for $18,280 to develop a Historic Structure Report. Landmark Consulting (Kim and Jack Alvarez) is in the process of developing the HSR which will memorialize historic building usage and structure changes and will develop suggestions for desired changes to abate some conditions and upgrade others.
Rasmussen Land Surveying, PLLC is conducting a survey which will specifically define our land boundaries.
Investments to date
New roof funded by three private foundation grants: $44,000 in 2023,
Historic Structure Report funded by private foundation grant: $18,280 in 2024,
Survey funded by private donation $3,800,
Grants to date
Project Costs
Unknown until assessments are completed.
Deczrbonization efforts
BVACC will change its present fossil fuel dependency to non-fossil fuel usage, possibly by use of an in-ground heat exchanger.
We currently participate in Morris beautification by putting plants in our planters attached to the front of the building; we planted perennials in the wee garden in front of our building. Not grand in the larger scale of things, but little things add to bigger gains.
Public Engagement
BVACC is 100% volunteer managed and supported. We exist because the people of the Village and surrounding area want us to be here to be a center for art and the expression of it. Our Board of Trustees volunteers to serve. We have received private foundation and donations and gifts from individuals. We engage in community wide events and offer our own for the benefit of the people who live here. We provide scholarships to people who will pursue careers in the arts or art related activities. We seek and obtain grants to underwrite classes, exhibits and other offerings we put forth so persons of all incomes can participate. We are responsive to suggestions from the community and adjust programming to meet their needs and requests. We manage a web page (bvartscenter.org) and Facebook page to keep the community informed about our programs.
Project Challenges
Our greatest concern is finding the financial resources necessary to implement our plans. We have a history of being financially supported by private individuals and foundations. However, we believe this endeavor will require substantially more funds than we have leveraged in the past.