‘A Toast to Elaine’

MARY GREENE
Posted 6/14/17

NARROWSBURG — After 42 years as the executive director of the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, Elaine Giguere is hanging up her dance shoes, ready for the next act. Or, wait. That is what Elaine …

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‘A Toast to Elaine’

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NARROWSBURG — After 42 years as the executive director of the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, Elaine Giguere is hanging up her dance shoes, ready for the next act.

Or, wait. That is what Elaine did over four decades ago, coming off a successful New York City career as a dancer and choreographer. After meeting Tom DeGaetani, a former managing director of Lincoln Center and the first director of USITT, the pair (mainly at Tom’s urging) moved up to the hinterlands of Sullivan County to make their mark on the nearly non-existent art scene in those days. Sadly, Tom died in 1978, and Elaine forged ahead without him to change the face of cultural life in the region.

Together, the pair founded the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA) in 1976 in the hamlet of Narrowsburg, next to the Delaware River. During its infancy, DVAA held meetings at a storefront across the street. In 1981, DVAA purchased the four-story Arlington Hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, to found the Delaware Arts Center, where DVAA now has its offices along with two art galleries and a recital hall.

In 1990, with the help of a Community Development Block Grant, DVAA opened the newly renovated Tusten Theatre, which hosts a plethora of theatre and music performances each season, along with the Big Eddy Film Festival.

In 1984, DVAA acquired special status as one of New York State’s 28 arts councils, tasked with regranting New York State Council on the Arts funding to local artists and cultural organizations. Through this status, along with Elaine’s dedication to artists—encouraging them, helping them network, find resources and technical assistance—the area has become a cultural hub. Sullivan County jumped on board with its Sullivan County Arts & Heritage Grants program, which also funds cultural programming in the county.

The torch is now being passed to new executive director Ariel Shanberg, who began his tenure at DVAA on June 6. Ariel, who moved to Sullivan County after a 12-year stint as director of the Center for Photography at Woodstock, brings a solid arts and non-profit background to the role.

Elaine’s take: “It’s been great having Ariel here. He’s thoughtful about how to proceed with our existing programs and sensitive to the needs of the staff, so they can continue doing their jobs. I think he’s a great fit for DVAA.”

About his new position, Ariel said, “Elaine is leaving behind a towering legacy of cultural programming and arts advocacy. I’m truly humbled to have been entrusted with ‘filling her shoes.’ She may wear only a size five shoe, but she leaves a very large footprint. I am looking forward to building, alongside the DVAA’s board and staff, the next exciting chapter of this vital organization.“

This Saturday evening, June 17, from 6 to 9 p.m., the community is gathering to celebrate Elaine’s passion, vision, unflagging energy and steadfast service. “A Toast to Elaine” takes place at The Narrowsburg Union, 7 Erie St. Donating their space for the event has special significance for owners Brendan and Kathy Weiden, who purchased the building in 2015. Of their friend, the Weidens said, “She is a trailblazer. We are especially grateful for the opportunity to express our appreciation for Elaine’s contributions to our special community.”

Upon arrival, guests will be treated to a glass of beer or wine (donated by Narrowsburg Fine Wines & Spirits) and small bites cooked up and donated by a dozen area restaurants. A silent auction will be underway, featuring the work of 70-some artists who have each created a piece especially for the event. Partygoers will be given a keepsake journal featuring memories about Elaine and Elaine’s reflections on her years at DVAA and will also be treated to a musical soundtrack, curated by Elaine, of many of the acts that have performed at the Tusten Theatre over the years.

At 7:30, a recognition ceremony will honor Elaine with a video presentation, remarks by members of the community, and several exciting surprise acts and events. At 8:30, the art auction will have last call, and winners will be announced.

Tickets for “A Toast to Elaine” can be purchased online at delawarevalleyartsalliance.org or by stopping into DVAA offices at 37 Main St. Images of the art auction items are also available for preview, identified by the artist, on DVAA’s Facebook page.

What will Elaine do for an encore? No one yet knows, least of all herself. But we do know that her contributions to the arts of the Upper Delaware region are as deep and wide, as brilliant, as the river.

[Mary Greene is the grants coordinator at the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance.]

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