171 Cedar Arts Center

- 171 Cedar St, Corning, NY 14830

For residents and visitors in New York state seeking a vibrant, inclusive center for creative exploration and lifelong learning, the 171 Cedar Arts Center in Corning, NY, stands out as a true regional treasure. Located in the beautiful Finger Lakes region, this established arts organization is dedicated to making the arts accessible to people of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. Far more than just a place for classes, 171 Cedar Arts Center is an artistic and cultural hub that significantly impacts the vibrancy of the local community and economy, cultivating an environment of belonging for everyone.

For over half a century, 171 Cedar Arts Center has upheld its mission to enrich lives by providing exceptional arts instruction, offering free exhibitions of regional artists, and hosting dynamic live performances. Whether you are an aspiring artist, a seasoned performer, or simply looking for a new creative outlet, this multi-arts community center offers a welcoming space to share artistic experiences and pursue your passions in various disciplines, including visual arts, performing arts, and culinary arts.

The center’s commitment to accessibility and community engagement is evident in its diverse programming, which also includes collaborative outreach to underserved youth and financial aid options for instruction. This dedication ensures that the transformative power of art is available to a broad range of audiences throughout Steuben, Chemung, and surrounding counties, extending its reach across the greater New York region.

The 171 Cedar Arts Center is conveniently situated on its historic campus in the heart of Corning’s Southside Neighborhood, placing it close to the city’s vibrant Gaffer District. The center operates out of two stunning 19th-century houses: the Bruce House (171 Cedar Street) and the Drake House (155 Cedar Street). These beautifully maintained, historic buildings provide a unique and inspiring backdrop for artistic endeavors.

The exact address for the main location is:

• Address: 171 Cedar St, Corning, NY 14830, USA

Accessibility is a core value for the center, ensuring that the facility is welcoming to everyone. Key accessibility features include:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Smooth flooring and spacious areas for navigation

Additionally, for the comfort and inclusion of all patrons, the center provides a gender-neutral restroom, and proudly maintains an environment that is LGBTQ+ friendly and considered a transgender safespace. Parking is made easy with free street parking available in the vicinity of the campus.

As a non-profit community arts center, 171 Cedar Arts Center offers an impressive array of programs and services across multiple disciplines. Their offerings are designed for all ages and skill levels, providing a comprehensive arts education experience. Services and programs include:

• Accessible arts education and instruction in various disciplines.
• Rotating exhibitions of contemporary regional art, which are free and open to the public in the Houghton Gallery.
• Collaborative outreach programming, including programs specifically for underserved youth.
• Student performance opportunities, recitals, and public concerts.
• Live cultural performances and community theater productions hosted in the Studio Theater.
• Year-round classes and workshops in categories like dance, music, theater, culinary arts, ceramics, and visual arts.
• A dedicated Woodcock Ceramics Studio, which is currently the only community-based ceramic studio in the Southern Tier region.
• Private music studios and an ensemble room for instruction and practice.
• A small case of gift items created by the teaching staff, available for purchase.
• Financial aid opportunities to ensure instruction is available to those in need.

The center's dedication to the arts and its community shines through in its distinctive features and highlights, making it a celebrated destination in the Finger Lakes region:

• The historic campus is comprised of two gorgeous 19th-century buildings—the Bruce House and the Drake House—providing a charming and inspiring setting for artistic activity.
• The Drake House features the Houghton Gallery for visual art exhibitions and the black box style Studio Theater for performances and recitals.
• The Bruce House is home to the Woodcock Ceramics Studio, which includes a front-loading digital kiln, a hand-building room, and an ADA accessible wheel-throwing room.
• Disciplines offered are remarkably diverse, including celebrated programs in dance (Ballet, Modern, Social Dance), music, theater, culinary arts (like cooking demonstrations and workshops), ceramics, visual arts (painting, watercolor), and even unique offerings like Fencing and Tai Chi.
• The center has been recognized by local users for its friendly and welcoming staff, as noted by patrons who have attended classes, such as a highly enjoyable cooking class/demonstration praised for its welcoming staff, easy-to-follow demonstration, and delicious tastings.
• As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the center is a committed partner to its nonprofit peers, demonstrating a strong commitment to the well-being of the wider community.

Connecting with the 171 Cedar Arts Center is simple for anyone interested in classes, performances, or visiting the gallery. You can reach them directly using the following information:

• Address: 171 Cedar St, Corning, NY 14830, USA
• Phone: (607) 936-4647

For New York residents, particularly those in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes region, 171 Cedar Arts Center offers compelling reasons to visit, register, or simply become a supporter. What makes this center truly worth choosing is its holistic approach to arts and community.

It successfully blends high-quality, professional instruction with an unparalleled commitment to inclusivity. The center's dedication to providing an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safespace, combined with exceptional physical accessibility features, ensures that art is not an exclusive endeavor but a shared human experience. Patrons consistently describe the center as a "little treasure" and a place where staff is "very welcoming."

Moreover, the breadth of offerings—from serious ceramics and dance instruction to fun, accessible culinary workshops—means there is truly something for everyone, regardless of age or existing skill set. By choosing 171 Cedar Arts Center, you are not just enrolling in a class or visiting a gallery; you are supporting a cornerstone institution that enriches the cultural landscape of New York, fostering creativity, community, and lifelong learning across the region.

171 Cedar Arts Center

171 Cedar St, Corning, NY 14830, USA