Cobblestone Arts Center

- 1622 NY-332, Farmington, NY 14425

The Cobblestone Arts Center, nestled in Farmington, New York, serves as a cornerstone of arts, education, and community development in the greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region. Operating as a dedicated non-profit organization, its mission is uniquely focused: to use the Arts as a common language that unifies the community, breaks down stereotypes, and nurtures the soul of every individual, regardless of age or ability. Since its founding in 1983, the Center has grown from its roots as a performing arts vehicle to become a comprehensive cultural and educational hub.

Central to the Cobblestone Arts Center's work is its commitment to enriching the lives of adults with disabilities through dedicated, arts-centered day programs. This flagship offering integrates disciplines like music, dance, visual arts, and theatre to foster a profound sense of value, accomplishment, and community involvement for its students. This dedication to inclusivity stems from the Center's history, having been inspired by the success of its early "Wheels In Motion" wheelchair dance company.

Beyond the specialized programming, the Center offers robust community classes for all ages in music, dance, theatre, and art, positioning itself as a place where the entire New York community can come together to appreciate each other’s gifts. From aspiring young dancers and actors, as noted in high customer praise, to community members seeking creative outlets, Cobblestone Arts Center offers a supportive, professional, and positive environment for artistic development and cultural connection. Their continuous efforts include hosting theatrical productions, cultural events, and even planning a significant expansion into a new Wellness and Recreation Center, further solidifying their role as a vital resource in the Farmington area.

Location and Accessibility

The Cobblestone Arts Center is conveniently located in Farmington, NY, making it an accessible destination for residents across Ontario County and the broader Rochester metropolitan area. The main facility and primary location for many of their core programs and public events is:

1622 NY-332, Farmington, NY 14425, USA

Situated right on a key New York State Route, the Center is easy to reach by car and features ample onsite parking.

In keeping with its core mission of inclusivity and serving all abilities, the Cobblestone Arts Center is deeply committed to full accessibility, featuring important amenities for ease of access:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance, providing easy entry for all patrons and students.
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring convenient and safe arrival and departure.
• Wheelchair accessible seating in their theatre space, allowing everyone to comfortably enjoy performances and shows.
• Additional amenities often include accessible bathrooms, accessible routes throughout the facility, and accommodations for various needs, such as special programs and staff orientation for individuals with cognitive or vision challenges.

This meticulous attention to mobility and cognitive access underscores the Center's dedication to truly being a welcoming "Arts for All" facility for the New York community.

Services Offered

As a multi-faceted non-profit and community arts center, the Cobblestone Arts Center provides an extensive portfolio of programs designed to enrich the lives of diverse populations in New York.

• Arts-Centered Day Habilitation Program: A full-day, year-round program for adults with disabilities, which includes instruction in music, dance, theatre, visual arts, public speaking, and media studies. Transportation is even provided for students from multiple counties in the region.
• Community Classes and Workshops: Offerings for the general public, including children and adults of all ages and abilities, in various disciplines such as dance (ballet, tap, jazz, musical theatre), music (vocal instruction), theatre, and visual arts (painting, sculpture, drawing).
• Theatrical Shows and Performances: Hosting and producing professional-quality live performances in their on-site theatre, performed by both the Cobblestone Players (a nonprofit touring theater group) and community class participants.
• Summer Programs for Youth: Specialized summer camps, such as Musical Theatre and Dance Camps, focused on developing skills in a fun and immersive environment for young participants.
• Inclusionary Teen Work Program: A unique paid program for teens to collaborate with local high school students and adults with disabilities to create a performance, fostering empathy, connection, and real-life skills.
• Global Artist Residencies and Cultural Events: Hosting events like the "Passports Series" to celebrate diversity and bring worldwide cultural exposure to the rural community through local artists showcasing their heritage.
• Venue Rentals: Offering their theatre (with a capacity for approximately 140 people) and other spaces for community members to rent for meetings, events, and special occasions, complete with technical assistance.
• Community Outreach and Special Events: Organizing public engagement events, such as "Trunk or Treat" and "WinterFest," which promote community connection in a safe, family-friendly, and festive environment.

Features and Highlights

The Cobblestone Arts Center stands out in the New York arts landscape due to its unique mission and commitment to deep community service.

• Unmatched Inclusivity: The Center's core identity revolves around using the arts to empower individuals with disabilities, a mission that permeates the entire facility and creates a welcoming, supportive atmosphere for everyone who walks through the doors.
• Diverse Program Scope: Unlike many local studios that focus on a single discipline, Cobblestone offers comprehensive arts education, from movement and dance to visual arts and media studies, catering to the "whole person" philosophy.
• High-Quality Theatre Experience: Featuring a dedicated, professional theatre space, the Center provides a superior venue for both training and performance, which is a major draw for students and audiences alike, as highlighted by glowing customer reviews praising the "Great theatre, great dancing, great staff."
• Flagship Day Habilitation Program: This specialized program is a recognized, year-round service that offers therapeutic and educational benefits through the arts for adults with developmental disabilities, filling a critical need in the New York region.
• Commitment to Community Wellness: The Center is actively developing a major expansion—a Wellness and Recreation Center—planned to include turf buildings, mental health services, and a community library, demonstrating a holistic commitment to community health beyond the arts.
• Positive and Professional Environment: Customer feedback consistently praises the staff and the positive atmosphere, indicating a high standard of professional instruction and compassionate interaction. The comparison made in a review where the Center is noted as "so much better than TPAS" reinforces its reputation as a superior and highly valued choice for local families seeking arts education.

Contact Information

For residents of New York interested in learning more about classes, day programs, performances, or rental opportunities, the Cobblestone Arts Center can be contacted using the following information:

Address: 1622 NY-332, Farmington, NY 14425, USA

Phone: (585) 398-0220

Mobile Phone: +1 585-398-0220

Prospective students for the Day Habilitation Program, in particular, may wish to inquire about the scheduled Information Session/Tour dates to see the facilities and programs firsthand.

What is Worth Choosing the Cobblestone Arts Center

For families and individuals in the New York region, choosing the Cobblestone Arts Center means investing in an organization that values inclusivity, quality, and community above all else. What makes the Center truly worth choosing is its unique blend of professional artistic instruction and profound social mission. It is a place where a child's love for theatre, dance, or music can be nurtured by "great staff" and taught in a "great theatre" environment, as one reviewer noted.

However, the impact extends far beyond standard after-school activities. Choosing Cobblestone supports a non-profit that is actively making a difference in the lives of adults with disabilities, providing them with purpose, skill development, and community connection through art—a service critical to New York State's social infrastructure. Parents enrolling their children in programs like the Teen Work Program or a Summer Camp are not just paying for lessons; they are providing their children with invaluable lessons in empathy, inclusion, and compassion by allowing them to work alongside and learn from individuals of all abilities. This commitment to "Arts for All People" creates a truly special atmosphere that is both educationally rigorous and deeply humane. For New Yorkers who want their cultural participation to have a meaningful positive impact on the local community, the Cobblestone Arts Center is the definitive choice.

Cobblestone Arts Center

1622 NY-332, Farmington, NY 14425, USA