Our Mission
Bethany is a space and environment where all forms of art can be learned and expressed. Nurturing the creative process, Bethany welcomes artists, from young to old, and all levels of skill, to explore and create art that the community can engage with. Bethany fosters sharing, connection, and collaboration, in an inclusive culture where people experience the power of art to improve lives and deepen their perceptions and perspectives of the world.
Statement on Equity and Inclusion
At Bethany Arts Community, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of what we do.
Through outreach, resourcing, and intentionality, we welcome artists and community members of all races, nationalities, sexual orientations, and socio-economic backgrounds. We believe that a narrow definition of culture and experience has too often informed institutional definitions of “artistic excellence” resulting in the inequitable allocation of resources and access to a place to showcase work. We are committed to providing a platform for artists individually and collectively to innovate, create and share their work.
We strive to create an atmosphere where artists and audiences of different backgrounds and disciplines feel safe and have the freedom to create and experience art even if challenged or stretched by others’ perspectives and artistic expressions.
We are creating a community where all forms of art are accessible by our community at large and where we strive to lower the barriers of access to artists at the top of their field.
We recognize that fully achieving these goals takes ongoing work.
History in the making
Antique postcards of Bethany Rest House during occupancy of the Maryknoll Foreign Mission Sisters of St. Dominic.
Founded in May of 2015 by David Lyons, Bethany Arts Community, Inc. aspires to be a leading center for arts creation, instruction and appreciation. BAC offers a wide range of programs and services designed to help the many forms of art be taught, produced, and flourish.
Board Members and Staff
David Lyons, Founder and Board Member
David Lyons founded Bethany Arts Community in May 2015. Mr. Lyons brings a range of practical experience which he applies in support of BAC’s purposes. For 10 years, he worked in the construction and plumbing industries. For the past 20 years, he has been actively working in a running a family real estate management company. Mr. Lyons’ appreciation for the arts began with influence from his grandfather who himself was a patron and supporter of the many disciplines of artist creation. While this brought him into direct contact with varying art forms, Mr. Lyons has only begun to explore his artistic potential. Being an active supporter and consumer of art as a result, Mr. Lyons’ commitment to BAC is inspired by several personal observances, lack of local art programs in the local community, unavailable quality of programming for children and firsthand knowledge of the detrimental effects of not being able to explore one’s own potential in the arts. Mr. Lyons’ philanthropic activities include support of Yonkers Partners in Education, Spring Community Partners and the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture.
Bonnie Bradley, Executive Director
Nancy Zallo, Development Director
Alexa (Lexi) Rudley, Program & Events Coordinator
Julia Schonberg, Community Engagement & Outreach Coordinator
Vanessa Uribe, Office Manager
Brian Medina, Maintenance Associate
Jessica Irons, Board Member and President
Paul Wallace, Board Member and Vice President
Laurie Vander Hart, Board Member and Treasurer
Kimball Lyons Gell, Board Member and Secretary
Brenda Montanile, Board Member
Dana Teague, Board Member
Joyce Sharrock Cole, Board Member
Work with Us
Reach Us
We'd love to hear from you.
40 Somerstown Rd.
Ossining, NY 10562
+1 (914) 944 - 4ART (4278)
info@bethanyarts.org
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