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.

Marilyn Barry, NY Superintendent (Retired), Hudson City Schools
Deborah Davis, Gallery owner, Attorney, B&B Owner
Tomm Eaton: Hudson, NY Realtor, Business Owner
Patrick Harbron: Kinderhook, NY Photographer
Martha Harvey, Corporate Communications Manager, Sharp Corp.
Katarina Holbrook: Troy, NY Artist, University Professional
Karen Hummel: Art Department Chair (Retired), Artist, Art Instrucor
Dave King: Author
Maria Kolodziej Zincio: Retired college admissions director, artist
Cynthia Mulvaney: Artist
Benedetto Puccio, AIA: Architect
Nancy Rutter, Treasurer: Copake, NY Vice President, KeyBank

CCCA Staff

Jessica Terdeman

Renee Weigelt Schermerhorn : Bookkeeper

Colette Lemmon: Decentralization Grants Officer