SARANAC LAKE — Saranac Lake ArtWorks recently announced the organization was selected to receive $25,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts. This funding is a critical component that enabled the board of directors to take that final step to initiate full-time staff.

ArtWorks was founded in 2008 by a small group of artists, with the goal of using the arts to generate a positive economic impact for our community. Not just those involved in the arts, but the entire community. ArtWorks has promoted Saranac Lake as an “arts destination” through its annual advertising campaign, its member directory brochure, its website, social media and popular events — the Third Thursday ArtWalks, studio tours and the nationally recognized Adirondack Plein Air Festival. Most of the successes of ArtWorks in the past 17 years have been managed by volunteers.

This year will be a landmark year for Saranac Lake ArtWorks, which has publicly introduced Lorraine Merrihew as its first full-time executive director. Merrihew is from the area, has a degree in business management from Cazenovia College and worked part-time for ArtWorks in 2024.

Artists, writers, musicians, dancers, craftspeople and performers who wish to join Saranac Lake ArtWorks can visit the website saranaclakeartworks.org or contact Merrihew at admin@saranaclakeartworks.org for more information.