VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Tis the Season at the Fayetteville Free Library
Antonio Dunston: Step into the Fayetteville Free Library and feel the warmth of the holidays, as the Associated Artists of CNY transform the halls into a winter wonderland of creativity. Dozens of artists are featured, each bringing their own style and story. And for Laura Dobrota, art is more than decoration – it’s a tool that lifts people’s spirits and creates connections. She says seeing artwork from local creators can bring people together and that support has given her the confidence to share her work.
Laura Dobrota: I just choose artwork that I’m excited about and that I think that other people might be excited about seeing.
Dunston: From drawings to oil paintings, and sculptures to handmade crafts, their annual ‘Tis the Season event has transformed the former museum and library into a holiday marketplace. Throughout the month, the exhibit will remain on display, underscoring assistant director Leah Kraus’ vision of the library as a hub for art, culture and innovation – and more than just a place for books.
Leah Kraus: We try to be more of a community center and a place where people can come and attend free events on any number of topics. Where they can learn new things, be entertained and everything they come to is free and open to the public. So just trying to meet the needs and interests of people in the community.
Dunston: But it’s more than just a holiday-themed art exhibit. It’s a chance for Central New Yorkers to support local artists and take home one-of-a-kind gifts.
Dunston: Organizers say the event is designed to make art accessible while adding a little sparkle to the season. And as the Associated Artists of CNY near their 100th anniversary – celebrating a century of bringing art and the community together – Kraus says the success of events like this isn’t measured by attendance alone, but by the impression they leave.
Kraus: We like to see that were serving a lot of people in the community. But we’re also really looking for those deeper impact of how participating in the show as an artist or coming to the show to view the art is impacting those people.
Dunston: The ‘Tis the Season showcase runs through the holidays, giving residents plenty of time to find something special and to celebrate the creativity that makes Central New York shine. Antonio Dunston, NCC News.
FAYETTEVILLE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Holiday spirit is filling the halls of the Fayetteville Free Library as local artists bring seasonal cheer to the community through a festive monthlong exhibit.
The Associated Artists of Central New York have transformed the library’s corridors into a winter-themed gallery, showcasing paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography and handcrafted pieces from dozens of creators across the region. ’Tis the Season is the latest annual holiday-themed celebration by the group and aims to highlight the power of art to connect people during one of the busiest times of the year.
For participating artist Laura Dobrota, sharing her work is a way to spark joy. She said she chooses pieces that excite her and hopes visitors will feel the same sense of inspiration when they walk through the display.
The library, and the former Stickley furniture factory-turned museum, now serves as a hybrid space that blends literature, culture and community programming. Assistant Director Leah Kraus said the partnership with the Associated Artists underscores the library’s broader mission to offer more than the traditional services when you think of your typical library.
Kraus said the library strives to function as a community center where residents can attend free events, explore new interests and engage with the arts in an accessible setting. Making exhibits like this available to everyone, she said, helps strengthen community ties.
Every month, the library features a different artist and gives them a chance to showcase their work. During the summer, they also host an art festival, which has now become an annual event thanks to the amazing response they’ve received. She said it’s definitely something they look forward to, and over the past two years, almost 1,000 people from the community have turned out to shop from a wide variety of local artists.
While this show embraces a holiday theme, organizers say its purpose extends beyond seasonal décor. The event doubles as a marketplace, giving visitors an opportunity to support Central New York artists and purchase unique, locally made gifts at a special reception that will be held on Dec. 13.
As the Associated Artists of CNY approach their 100th anniversary, Kraus noted that the impact of these events is measured not only by turnout but by how deeply the experience resonates with participants and visitors.
The ’Tis the Season showcase remains open throughout the month of December, offering residents a chance to explore the creative talent that continues to shape the region’s art community.