News Briefs: November 9, 2023
Oneonta Makes National List for the Arts
ONEONTA—SMU DataArts recently released the 2023 Arts Vibrancy Index, a report which highlights the most vibrant large, mid-size and small arts-vibrant communities in the U.S. To identify leaders in the field, SMU DataArts examines the supply, demand and government support for the arts in more than 900 communities nationwide. Thirteen metrics are used to evaluate the status of local arts. This year, the analysis was weighted to reflect cost of living for the first time. Oneonta placed 10th on the list of communities with under 100,000 residents; Jackson, Wyoming and Brevard, North Carolina topped the rankings. For more information on the statistical analysis or to view the complete lists, visit https://culturaldata.org/what-we-do/arts-vibrancy-index/.
Church To Hold Chicken Dinner, Pie Sale
COOPERSTOWN—Christ Church of Cooperstown, 46 River Street, will host a Brooks BBQ chicken dinner and pie sale from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Friday, November 17. The $14.00 dinners, for takeout only, include a half chicken, baked potato, baked beans, coleslaw and a roll. All proceeds will benefit the Cooperstown Food Pantry.
Tickets on Sale for Helios Anniversary Gala
COOPERSTOWN—Helios Care will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a commemorative gala at The Otesaga Resort Hotel at 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 2. The evening will begin with dinner, followed by an awards ceremony honoring the winner of the inaugural Dr. Yoshiro Matsuo Compassionate Care Award and dancing with live music by the Big Fish Combo. There will be a special fireworks display at the end of the night. Tickets may be purchased for individuals, couples or tables of 10; visit www.helioscare.org/events or call (607) 432-6773.
Farmers’ Museum Light Show To Open
COOPERSTOWN—Tickets are now on sale for The Farmers’ Museum’s inaugural holiday light show, “Glimmer Nights,” which opens on Friday, November 24. From the day after Thanksgiving through Saturday, December 30, guests will experience a self-guided walking tour through elaborate, multi-colored light displays. “Glimmer Nights” will run 5-8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at farmersmusuem.org/glimmernights.
Smithy To Present ‘Future Memory’ Exhibit
COOPERSTOWN—Special arts exhibitions have become an integral part of Glimmerglass Film Days in recent years. This year’s exhibit, “Future Memory,” will be on display at The Smithy from Thursday, November 9 through Saturday, November 18. It will feature work by Megan Adams Irving, Ava Fedorov and Ashley Norwood Cooper, all artists with a strong connection to the local area. Gallerist and Exhibition Curator is local gallery owner Sydney Waller, who is also a founding member of the Film Days Steering Committee.
“The art in ‘Future Memory’ offers messages to sift, decipher and ponder, in keeping with this year’s Film Days theme,” Waller said. “It’s extra special for me because all three artists have local roots in our tiny corner of the world, and yet their work can also stand squarely on a global stage.”
Adams Irving works at the micro-level, using paper, ink, clay and small-scale, intricate techniques to draw attention to the smallest details in nature. Fedorov’s paintings and video art rise to the macro level, examining large-scale cataclysms like wildfires and deforestation. Norwood Cooper uses dozens of paint-gobbed sculptures of the familiar bee, alarmingly enlarged and distorted and loaded with symbolism. There will be two “Meet the Artist” events from 4:30-5:15 p.m. on Friday, November 10 and Sunday, November 12. Visitors are invited to visit The Smithy for an informal chat with the artists over complimentary coffee.
“Future Memory” will be open daily from noon to 5 p.m. from Thursday, November 9 through Monday, November 13. It will remain by appointment only from Tuesday, November 14 through Saturday, November 18; contact leartgarage@gmail.com to set up a viewing time. Admission is free. Glimmerglass Film Days will present 27 film events over the weekend of November 9-13, as well as filmmaker talks, live music, local food and drink, and guided walking tours. More information may be found at glimmerglassfilmdays.org.
County To Host Winter SKYWARN Course
MIDDLEFIELD—The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services will host a Winter SKYWARN class at the County Meadows Office Complex Emergency Services Classrooms at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 9. The class will train storm spotters about severe weather and when and how to report to the National Weather Service or local emergency management. Topics will include SKYWARN’s goals and the importance of local spotters. Any individuals who are interested in helping weather services gather valuable information should attend. The class is free and open to everyone, with no age or training requirements. To register, contact smithd@otsegocounty.com or (607) 547-4328.
Send news on upcoming community events at least two weeks in advance to darlay@allotsego.com.