Founder LeRoy spoke at The Center
Longtime Highland Falls residents may know Jay LeRoy because he grew up in the community.
Current Cornwall residents may know him because he lives there now.
Readers of The News of the Highlands and The Cornwall Local may know him because he’s the graphic designer who creates almost all of the ads, and puts the two newspapers together for press each week.
Local artists may know Jay because he founded art groups — the Cornwall Arts Collective and the Highlands Arts Alliance — in both communities.
LeRoy was in Highland Falls recently to speak at a ‘Community Speaks’ event at The Center, a non-profit group that not only provides local activities for senior citizens but also serves as a resource for community residents. He was there to talk with the dozen people assembled about the Highlands Arts Alliance, as he works to make the group an official non-profit organization.
The Arts Alliance, he said, has already made an impact on Main St. in Highland Falls — there have been several art shows at the American Legion Hall and recently in a vacant storefront, and they’ve hosted children’s arts activities at the Highland Falls Library. The group also has a significant online presence, hosting virtual art shows at www.highlandsartsalliance.org as well.
Look for all of that to continue.
LeRoy said from growing up here and keeping up with the community via family, friends and The News, that “there is not much of a creative outlet for local children outside of school,” and in working with former resident Cindy Modlin on the 2019 Art Walk in Highland Falls, was inspired to bring more art to the community
“I think a thriving art community could bring more people into this town,” he said. “These days people are looking for more things to do.”
LeRoy thinks the Arts Alliance can help provide some of those things.
Right now, the group is coming off the success of the recent Highlands Holiday Hop along Main St. (www.highlandsartsalliance.org/holidayhop)
The Spring Art Fling is planned to return in April. In May, the hope is to do something for Mental Health Awareness Month (“art can help,” he said).
In June the group is eyeing the use of Mine Dock Park for an ‘Arts on the Hudson’ event, and in July there may be a parade float and a Summer Arts Showcase.
Looking forward to the fall, LeRoy envisions a display of painted mules on Main St. during Army football season. How cool does that sound? The Arts Alliance will also participate in Trunk-or-Treat and the Fall Foliage Festival, and organize the annual Fall Art Fair.
And, a year from now, he’s again looking at a concentrated effort to give Main St. a holiday vibe, with artisan markets and more.
And while all of those special events are going on, LeRoy hopes the group can also find a way to run art programs for local students.
Whew.
“What do you need, what can we do to help,” The Center’s Ann Molina asked at the presentation.
LeRoy was pretty specific in that volunteers will be needed to help with events, and possibly the sponsorship of some programs by larger organizations. He said the American Legion has been very supportive of the group and he’d like to return the favor with some sort of fundraiser events.
The Center’s Brian Aylward offered to facilitate some introductions.
Of course, more artists would be great, and he points out that there are many types of artists — all are welcome.
To get in touch with him, donate, or get on the group’s email list, visit www.highlandsartsalliance.org.
For more on The Center’s Community Speaks program, where groups, individuals and others who are doing good things in Highland Falls and Fort Montgomery are highlighted, follow The Center on social media or visit their website at www.thecenterhf.org (which, it should be noted, LeRoy also helps with!).
EDIT – February 14, 2024
Highlands Arts Alliance and Cornwall Arts Collective merged to become the Cornwall-Highlands Arts Alliance on January 1, 2024
