Penn Yan Art Guild was founded in 1962. The late Bill Madden, Bluff Point artist, helped in its formation ‘to improve skills and get people interested in the arts’ to quote the late Florence Middlebrook in her interview in 1977 to Dick Eisenhart of the Elmira Telegram Newspaper. ‘One of the goals was to establish a gallery where members could have a permanent place to work and leave their equipment’.
Hence, PYAG was the impetus for the Arts Center of Yates County’s (Yates County Arts Council) evolution into gallery and workshop space. The Arts Council, established in 1972, is the fulfillment of this dream.
PYAG members have been very active in the Council’s development over the years. PYAG has grown from its 16 original members to nearly 50 artists. Activities include an Annual Art Exhibit at the Flick Gallery of ACYC, demonstrations, workshops, plein air days, open studio days and day trips.
We welcome aspiring, beginning, and established artists and anyone interested in exploring and creating art.
