History of the CCCA

Founded in 1965, the Columbia County Council on the Arts established itself as a presenting organization bringing such well know groups as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Duke Ellington Orchestra, and the Beaux Arts Trio to perform in Columbia County.

By the late 1980's the artistic climate CCCA's founders had hoped to create had taken root and the number of local arts organizations had increased dramatically. As a result, CCCA shifted its focus from that of a presenting organization to that of a service organization.

CCCA's primary constituency is its membership composed of individuals and arts organizations. Of the membership approximately 650 list themselves as individual artists, writers, sculptors, filmmakers and the like.

Mission of the CCCA

It is the Council's mission to:

1) produce programs that advance the arts and engage our county's residents and visitors;

2) provide services that support our county's cultural organizations, artists and resident participation in the arts;

3) build collaborative partnerships within the county and beyond so that our vision becomes a reality.

CCCA Board of Directors & Staff

Today, CCCA, with a membership of over 800, serves the thriving arts community in Columbia County. A Board of Directors representing a wide range of skills and experience governs the Council. Several of the Board are weekenders, the majority are full time residents, representing both urban and rural communities throughout the county.

The Board includes community volunteers and representatives from the arts, the business world and the professions.

Jan Grice, President: Design Professional; Actor
Maria Kolodziej Zincio, Vice President: Retired College Admissions Director; Artist
Deborah Davis, Treasurer: Gallery Owner; Attorney; B & B Owner
Kenneth Young, Secretary: Artist
Tomm Eaton: Hudson, NY Realtor; Business Owner
Dave King: Author
John Cooley Author; Professor; Artist
James Brady Marketing and Broadcasting Executive
Gerald CooleyMarketing; Artist

CCCA Staff

Pat Morton is our new CCCA office ‘volunteer-extraordinaire’! She’s in the office on Mondays and also helps make everything flow smoothly at our opening receptions and events. Her background of many years working in the medical field comes in handy with the fast-paced activities that the CCCA often sees! We’re fortunate to have her help!

Pat Morton, Office Volunteer

Please join us in welcoming Cynthia Mulvaney as our new CCCA administrative assistant.

Cynthia Mulvaney, Administrative Assistant

Renee Weigelt Schermerhorn, Bookkeeper

Colette Lemmon, Decentralization Grants Officer