St. James Celebrates Designation As Cultural Arts District

Community Gathers to Mark the Celebration of an Official Cultural Arts District Along Lake Avenue in St. James

“There has always been something about St. James that has fostered community pride. It was and is a place where people have come together in the past and still do… it is a place where, no matter who we are or what we think, we always share one commonality – we love our hometown.” - Natalie Weinstein

Ribbon cutting celebrating Cultural Arts District in St. James (photo by Nancy Vallarella)On Sunday May 19th, Celebrate St James hosted State, County and Town Officials as well as local residents at the Lake Avenue Gazebo to commemorateits designation as an official Cultural Arts District.  The ceremony included a custom artwork unveiling by local artist Arline Goldstein and a ceremonial toast and ribbon cutting. The ceremony was led by Natalie Weinstein of Celebrate St. James.

“An artist looks at life around him or her and sees something that most of us can not… They see colors on a blank canvas, they see the finished product looking at a blueprint. They hear a song in their heads reading sheet music… They see potential. They see an extraordinary future. As we cut this ribbon today, I ask that you take a moment, find your inner artist… And Imagine the Potential.” - Supervisor Ed Wehrheim

Celebrating the arts was NYS Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick (seated) The Town Board voted unanimously on April 25th to declare an overlay cultural arts district along Lake Avenue in St James. The district encompasses Lake Avenue from Route 25A (at the St. James Firehouse) on the north end down to Woodlawn Avenue on the south end. The next steps will involve the appointing of a Cultural Arts committee, to work within the community to foster and attract local artists, musicians, cultural and entertainment businesses.

The Cultural Arts District is intended to highlight the arts, cultureDance Magic Ballroom Dancers (655 Middle Country Rd, St James) Lexi Andrea, Marianne López, Yelena Mirsakova, Tricia Toback, Gregg Toback, Saket Kashettiwar, Steve Bennett, James Tase, Carolyn Brooks and entertainment for residents and visitors alike, creating much needed attractions, tourism and foot traffic along the St James small business district.