+1 (914) 944-4ART (4278) info@bethanyarts.org

About Bethany

Bethany Arts Community is a not-for-profit organization.

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

Originally, the property was owned by the Maryknoll Foreign Mission Sisters of St. Dominic who purchased the original structure known as “the Clark House” after the house had been destroyed in a 1924 fire and built the convent on the remaining foundation. The property was referred to as the Bethany Rest House. In 1951, a 3 story dormitory and dining wing was added, as well as a chapel. The structure contained 49 sleeping units, cafeteria, a chapel and office space and served as the retreat home of the convent. The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers took over the property in 1958. In 1979, the building was designated for the lay Missionary Program, a use adjunct to Maryknoll’s Main Campus. The property was sold to Bethany Arts Community (BAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in September 2015.

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.

The 44,000 square foot building set on 25 serene acres of mostly wooded land is beneficial in fulfilling BAC’s mission. The plan for the space will enhance the scope of cultural opportunities for the community, In a way that will not disrupt the natural tranquility of the site or the character of the surrounding neighborhood. The need has never been greater for a place artists and arts groups can call home.

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

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

 

View Board Member Bio’s

 

Work with Us

Bethany is dedicated to providing a supportive, creative and stimulating work environment for staff, interns and volunteers. We encourage all to reach their full potential offering unique opportunities to meaningfully contribute to Bethany’s overall organization. For a list of jobs and volunteer opportunities, Please view opportunities and apply.

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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