Fall / Winter 2012

NACC Certifies as a Film Production Facility!

The long forgotten gym was transformed

this summer into a vibrant and exciting

sound stage. Although in the past few

years the Bocce Club has occasionally

used it, filling the large space with sounds

of clicking balls and good-natured rivalry,

most of the year it remained empty, a vast

dark space that begged for development.

However, that change has now started

with a little help from the NACC board of

directors, staff, tenants and a few special

visionaries from the film industry.

Rich Wall, Operations Manager for the

Buffalo Film Office called the NACC and

asked if he and Tim Clark, WNY Regional

Film Commissioner could come and take a

look at the building to see if it was suitable

for a possible movie, the NACC said

“yes”.

Rich Wall’s father has a studio in an old

science room here at the NACC and he

thought it could work very well for the

film “Return to Nuke’em High”. He men-

tioned it to his son. It turned to be just

what legendary film producer Lloyd Kauff-

mann was looking for. So, for the months

of August and September the NACC was

turned into a movie production studio. A

portion of another movie, “Wards Island”

from Infectious Films was also shot at the

NACC a few weeks later.

The future of film in Western New York

looks bright. Tim Clark says the Buffalo

area has “body doubled” for a lot of fa-

mous places. “We have doubled for Mon-

treal, New York City, Chicago and even

Los Angeles. Film makers seem to really

appreciate our assets and that it is less

costly to film here too. Once they get

here and see all the architecture and bridges from

every era, they are blown away. It is like having a

big back lot sitting right here in Western New

York.” Clark also points out that having movies

made here brings prestige, and boosts the local

economy, the production companies hire local

help and spend money at hotels and restaurants.

On September 5, 2012, the NACC received a

letter from the NYS Governors Office for

Motion Picture and Television Development

confirming that the NACC met the requirements

of a “Qualified Film Production Facility”.

These are facilities in the State of New York

in which television shows and films are intended

to be regularly produced and which contain at

least one sound stage of at least 7,000 square feet.

The gym met the requirements with 7,500

contiguous square feet (no columns). This is one

more step in the NACC’s long-range strategic plan

towards sustainability.

TROMA Entertainment produced much of the film

“Return to Nuke’em High” at the NACC.

Board of Directors

Katherine Johnson, PhD,

President

William Broderick, Esq. Vice President

Norma Higgs Secretary

Deborah S.Cutler

Treasurer

William Bradberry

Dr. Melvin Dyster

Gino Forte

Carmen Hamilton

Michael Killelea

Scott Kropidlowski

Charles LaGreca

Scott Akdogan

Joyce Sabin

Louis Townsend

Marna Whitworth

Administrative Staff

Kathie Kudela Executive Director

Lou Townsend

Chief Financial Officer

Bob Drozdowski

Director of Operations

& Marketing

Laurie Martelli

Staff Accountant

Ray Robertson

Special Projects

Kelly Lang Buckley

Program Coordinator

Patricia O’Kane

Office Manager

Niagara Arts and Cultural Center : 1201 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14301 / 716.282.7530 / www.thenacc.org

A Note from the President Katharine Johnson

Executive Director’s Report Kathie Kudela

It has been an exciting Spring and Summer at the

NACC. Now we are looking forward to Fall and Win-

ter. The NACC is offering some fun events and I’ll be

at most of them. The event that I am responsible for

bringing to the NACC is happening during Opera Week

2012 in the NACC Grand Theater. Opera Week is Oc-

tober 26 through November 4 and is organized by

Opera America on the National Level. In WNY and

Southern Ontario the Erwin H. Johnson Memorial has

worked many musical groups to bring together a grand

and successful celebration in our area.

Check our website www.thenacc.org

to see upcoming events and learn more about opera!

Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster gave a proclamation

in support, of Opera Week 2012, with other dignitaries,

on Oct. 18 in the Ring of Knowledge at the Buffalo and

Erie County Public Library in Lafayette Square.

Two opera enthusiasts and treasured volunteers at the

NACC are Barbara and Timothy Maloney.

They came to us from the community, volunteering to

be photographers at many of our events. They are now

taking video footage and are currently working with

board member Gino Forte developing a video produc-

tion of the NACC’s Grand Theater for our “Step Up

and Take a Bow” Capital Project. Tim and Barb have

had their work exhibited in the Garden Gallery and

regularly participate in Main Gallery Shows. They love

seeing the young people enriched by the arts in the af-

ter school and summer programs. “We are now in-

volved in our community and we love it” they tell us.

“We receive much more than we give.”

this is just what we try to

do at the NACC.

“Do it until it is right and

keep your energy up!”

And what else happened

on those same steps that

very evening? Charles

LaGreca, Board member

extraordinaire, who helped

coordinate the Jazz series

this summer, came up to It is not everyday one

gets to see a movie being

made from your desk.

But that is just what hap-

pened to me on Sunday

July 29th. Swiveling in

my chair, I had a front

row window seat as

TROMA Entertainment

began rehearsal for

“Return to Nuke’em

High”. Our circular drive

had a support role as a

limo was driven up to the

front steps entrance. I

watched the scene unfold

as directions were barked

out, “Everyone Stand By”,

“Rolling”, “Action” and

“Cut”. Lloyd Kaufman,

legendary film director

continued the rehearsal

with numerous retakes.

His final words were good

advice to the actors and

resonated with me because

my office to tell me that

the music had inspired

someone to do something

very special that evening.

With that warning I was

able to go to the front

steps and take a picture of

Anthony Butler down on

one knee with a ring in

his hand, proposing to

very surprised Sara

Onyango during the inter-

mission. The audience

waited expectantly and

then heard her say “yes.”

Everyday at the NACC is

interesting and one of the

best reasons to work here.

Days like July 29, 2012

are truly memorable!

Katharine Johnson, Tim and Barb Maloney

Anthony Butler proposes to Sara Onyango, July 29th, 2012

The NACC has been very fortunate to receive the support

of many local businesses as sponsors for it's events and art

exhibitions. The sponsors help to defray the cost of putting on

events, which include items such as printing, advertising, food,

beverages, entertainment and exhibit awards. It is safe to say

that without the support of our sponsors these events would

Thank You One Niagara

TOPS Supermarkets

Hyatt's Art Supply

SAMS Club

The Niagara Falls Conference Center

M&T Bank

The Hard Rock Café

Niagara Rises

Old Falls Street

The Giacomo

Comfort Inn at The Pointe

Antonio's Banquet & Conference Center

Crowne Plaza

Sheraton at the Falls

Days Inn

Wedge Discount Liquors

Supermarket Wines & Liquors

Lia Honda

ATT Financial Group

Integrated Controls

Red Coach Inn

Warehouse Services

Cataract Safe & Lock

Zenger Printing

Cataract Printing Services

Mike's Grill & Chill Dairy Queen

Wine on Third

Tony Farina from One Niagara and Sal Sciarrino from Norampac

The NACC would like to thank Dominic Verni,

General Manager at the Hard Rock Cafe and Ryan

Coate, General Manager at the Conference Center /

Old Falls Street for selecting the NACC as the charity

organization for the guitar raffle. In addition to the

proceeds from the guitar raffles a percentage of the

concession revenue for the concert series was also

donated to the NACC and the total amount from both

was over $8,000.

(left to right)Ryan Coate, General Manager at the Conference Center,

Ron Kubiak, Assistant General Manager at the Hard Rock Cafe,

Bob Drozdowski, Director of Operations at the NACC,

Katherine Johnson, Board President at the NACC

certainly not take place at the level that they have been and possibly not at all. So, I would like to point out two

local businesses that have consistently stepped up as sponsors multiple times to significantly help with our art

exhibitions. Norampac and One Niagara have been outstanding in their support of the NACC. Sal Sciarrino,

Controller at Norampac recently stated that "Norampac wants to be an integral part of the Niagara Falls commu-

nity by supporting progressive organizations such as the NACC. Cultural development generates creativity which

then inspires a community to achieve greatness." In addition, Tony Farina, President of One Niagara said. "We are

pleased to be a continuing sponsor of the NACC, an important resource and cultural center in Niagara Falls. The

creative and vital activities and learning opportunities afforded by the NACC's presence are needed today, tomor-

row and in the future to insure the city's commitment to the arts. We are a proud sponsor of that presence."

Business Sponsorships Enhance

NACC Events Bob Drozdowski

Guitar Raffle a Success!

It is with great appreciation that we

would like to extend a gracious thank you

to the many businesses that have helped

us throughout the recent years, without

their support we would not be where we

are today.

Western Door Playhouse and the NACC conspired to bring the first murder mystery dinner theater to the NACC

on October 6, 2012. The all inclusive dinner package for $39 was a sold out success! Guest enjoyed a catered dinner

with tablescapes inspired by Agatha Christie’s novels before taking their seats for the performance. Audience mem-

bers came from near and far. A couple from Connecticut found us on the internet and so did folks from Olean NY.

They joined us for dinner in the Main Gallery and Agatha Christies “Mousetrap” in the Woodbox Theater.

Please join us for more dinner theater this spring! The NACC will be offering a Polish dinner from the Polish

Nook for a special performance of “Over the Tavern”, Tom Dudzik’s beguiling family comedy set in his hometown of

Buffalo, on March 16, 2013. Then on May 18, 2013 we will be treated to “Serenata Celeste” the third in the Serenata

series. This Italian American family deals with old losses, new joys and the strength of family. Written by our own

Linda Silvestri and based on her life growing up in Niagara Falls NY, Serenata Celeste wil be accompanied with an Ital-

ian dinner from the Como. Tickets are limited to the 72 seats available in the theater. These dinner theater packages

make great gifts. Order Today! Call the NACC for dinner theater tickets : 716-282-7530 or visit www..thenacc.org

Kathie Kudela, Executive Director, Scott Akdogan, NACC

Board member and Linda Silvestri, playwright and actress

greet guests at the Murder Mystery Dinner Theater

FIRST Murder Mystery Dinner Theater

SOLD OUT!!!

More to come this Spring

Inspecting Carol 11/23-12/9

Hilarious Holiday Comedy

Over the Tavern 3/1-3/17

Polish American Family Comedy based on author’s life in Buffalo.

Serenata Celeste 5/3-5/19

Third in the Serenata trilogy based on the author’s life in Niagara Falls NY

Me II 8/2-8/18

Bonus Summer Show!

A musical about cloning.

Order tickets from Western Door

for regular performances! Call 297-5910

Gallery News

William Carpenter

Garden Gallery Solo Show: SHADES OF GRAY

My passion for black and white photography began while in the Army

stationed in Germany. I was fortunate to study under a German instructor who

taught me how to print, the old fashioned way, in a darkroom. I became very

accustomed to his repetitive statement, “Not right, Do it

again” Photographing in black and White forces me to pay

more attention to the subject matter looking for fine detail,

textures and the interplay of light and shadow. I am a

strong advocate of Ansel Adam’s concept of previsualization and the Zone System.

His work will be on display from Nov 17-Jan 8 in the NACC Garden Gallery.

Bill Carpenter’s Monochromatic Photographs are studies of form, texture and light.

The absence of color encourages the viewer to focus intently on the subject. Bill

operates De’Carr Studio in Lewiston, NY.

The NACC hosted the annual open house and holiday market

in conjunction with the NACC Artists & Friends Art

Exhibition on Saturday, November 17th. Many of the NACC

tenant artists had their studios open to the public from 3-6pm

and there were artists from outside the NACC with table top

displays throughout the hallways. The opening reception for

the gallery exhibition was from 6 to 8 pm. The show was the

largest in NACC history with over 124 pieces of art on

display in the main gallery. Earlier in the day the NACC was

the center for family fun and creativity. There was an appear-

ance by Santa Claus, children's crafts and a variety of enter-

tainment in the afternoon session including performances by

the Niagara Experience Players in the Grand Theater and the

Western Door Playhouse in the Woodbox Theater. All of

the events were free and open to the public. It was a great

way to celebrate the arts in Niagara and to begin the season’s

festivities.

NACC Welcomes Artists & Friends

Event Calendar 2013

Feb 16 African American Art Show

Feb 22 Art of Beer

March 9-10 Quilt and Fiber Festival

March 16 Polish Dinner Theater: ‘Over the Tavern’

March 30 Easter Egg Hunt

April (TBA) Native American Workshops & Concert

May 3 John Pacovsky Exhibit

May 18 Italian Dinner Theater: ‘Serenata Celeste’

May 25 Skywoman Sculpture Installation &

Wisdom of the Women Symposium

June 21 Beyond the Barrel Exhibit

July 8 Kids Art Camp (Opens)

August 25 Ontario Jazz Reunion

September 13 Auto Art Exhibit

October 5 Raise Your Spirits

December 7 NACC Artists and Friends Exhibit

Open House & Artist Market

For More Events, Classes and Information Visit www.thenacc.org

Thank you to our generous donors The NACC is grateful to our many donors who generously give to support our core programs.

MUSE ($1000-$4999)

Maryann Harvey Kathie Kudela Anonymous

PATRON ($100-$999)

Katherine Johnson

William & Joan Broderick

Deborah Cutler

Melvin B. Dyster

Eugene Kapaloski

Debbie & Bill MacKay

NF Bridge Commission

Norampac Industries

James & Amelia E. Hatchett

Katharine Pierce

John Percy

Paula & Bob Shillington

Norene B. Benton

Joyce & Jesse Sabin

Norma Higgs

Marcus Morreale

Safa Alsous

William Brady

Jean Braun

Patrick Brown

William Carpenter

Sam & Muriel Coffman

Cristoforo Colombo Society

Wanda Corsaro

Thomas DeSantis

Muriel & Gino Forte

Marge Gillies

Doris Hampton

Eva Harvey

Margaret Hoff

Erwin H. Johnson

Paul & Karen Johnson

Nancy E. Larsen

Elaine Mancini

Pamela & Joseph Priest

Otto & Polly Redanz

Elizabeth Richardson

Joseph Rizzotto

Sanford Sanfilippo

Kenneth E. Sherman

Joseph Tiberi

Mary Jo Zacher

FRIENDS ($1-$99)

Hal Faba

Ace Movers

Lawrence Sherman

Paul & Alanna Wustrack

Christina A. Metzler

Donna Huggins

Matteo Anello

Gretchen & Basil Anex

Eugene & Eleanor Asklar

Br. Gabriel Balassone

Jean Bartholomew

Joanne Bodwell

Jason & Kelly Buckley

Vince & Kate Cerrone

NFHS Class of 1950

Frank & JoAnne M. Collins

Diana Decker

Jean DePaull

Kathleen T. Frankle

Peter Johnson

Louis LaBarber PhD

Charles LaGreca

Fay Northrop

Barbara A. Rice

Clyde Riley

Joseph M. Rua

Charles & Patricia Salacuse

John & Christine Sanborn

Pamela Smith

Thomas L. Sullivan

Frederick Brian Talbot

Karyn Ventrilla

Jackson M. Young

Owen Gillick

Patricia Marando Corsaro

Kenneth Sass

Connie Davis

Susan Vasi

Pam Brucato

Elizabeth & Peter Diachun

Marilyn & Paul Kankolenski

Barbara Kelly

Barbara LaDuca

Donald Shrimpton

Rosetta Smith

Maria A. Smith

Ronald E. Allera

Peter Ames

Angeline Angelosante

Sam & Therese Baiera

Eunice Bair

Phyllis Baker

Beta Sigma Phi

Carmela Borgese

Richard Bradt

Cynthia Jozwik Burge

Christianne Caggiano

Margaret C. Chapman

Nancy Colosi

Katherine Colucci

David Cooper

Marie Cozzo

Mary Danni

Marie C. Denton

Irene Elia

Dorothy Farrell

Barbara Faulring

Beverly Feder

Mary Furlong

Connie C. Garver

Jackie Henwood

Rose M. Hovivian

Anastasia Johnson

Michael Killelea

Louise Lascelle

Linda Lee

Marilyn C. Lojek

Mary Ann Long

Tim & Barbara Maloney

Louis M. Marcantonio

Mary E. Marcinkowski

Nancy Mariani

Renee Mavis

Gloria McNitt

Rheta Melcher

James Moore

James & Donna Morgan

Jean Morton

Barbara Northan

Mary Norton

J. Robert & Ann Oliver

Harriet Fowler O'Toole

Clara Palka

Joseph Paradise

Michael A. Parsnick

Vivian Pasch

Susan Piper

Mary Price

Maryann G. Rightmyer

Edith Sanfilippo

Ann Schmidt

Zakar Peter Shakarjian

Helen Sick

Mamie Simonson

Harpal Sodhi

Elizabeth Stevens

Jean Taylor

Ruth Thomas

Elaine Timm

Delores M. Tittle

R. Eleanor Uli

Sylvia Volk

Bill & Charlene Wilson

Gary L. Wolfe

Harry & Phyllis E.

Wright

Summer is the best time of the whole year for kids across

Niagara County and that was certainly true for the young

people who spent part of their summer here at the

NACC. The NACC Kids Art Camp had an amazing

season with over 70 kids taking part in the summer fun.

The program, which ran from July 6th to Aug 16th, brought

together the areas

young people with

experienced

professional artists

and performers to

create a vibrant

and innovative

environment.

Each activity was

designed to teach

and inspire the kids

while having fun in a safe and healthy environment.

The program featured both formal lessons in sculpture,

plein air pastel drawing, modeling and photography,

gardening, sewing, and vocal performance; as well as guid-

ed camper created programs in dance, gymnastics and

stage performance.

However, at the heart of the fun, every student was

encouraged to imagine the answer to one of life’s biggest

questions: “Who will I be?” The answers to which they

presented on stage during the final performance for the

community on Aug 16th to a crowd of over 200 people.

A Spectacular Summer 2012!

Kelly Lang Buckley

What the Kids and Parents are saying. . .

“It was the best time of my whole life”.

“I wish I could always go to school here.”

“I used to be sad a lot, but now I think about coming

to the NACC and I feel good.”

“I didn’t even know I could sing!”

“Sometimes, this place is better than video games.”

“The NACC is my favorite place to be because I have so

many friends here and learned how to make sculptures.”

“My son actually likes coming here!”

“My child blossomed into an enthusiastic, motivated leader.

I am so proud.”

The best part of this summer program was to see

the excitement and joy my granddaughter projected.

“This program wasn’t what I expected it to be. It was much

more. My kids are happy and excited to wake up and come

to the NACC.”

“my kids loved all their classes-I wish you did this more often.”

“I cant say enough about the kind, friendly and welcoming

atmosphere. . .!”

“I really liked the way the teachers all greeted the students

when they arrived and how they came out to talk to the

parents when we picked up our kids. It was a great way to

meet the teachers.”

“Price was affordable, programs were plentiful and my girls

were happy.”

“Without the NACC, I could never afford to give my children

this kind of experience. Thank you.”

The NACC Kids Program strives

to create a space where everyone

is respected and acknowledged for

their gifts. Thank you to all of our

donors and supporters who made

this experience possible!

We are currently seeking

support for next year’s program.

If you can help, please call 716- 282-7530 x 6 or email kelly@thenacc.org

2012

NACC KID’S

ART CAMP

“Bravo Chorus”

The Niagara Arts and Cultural Center

1201 Pine Avenue

Niagara Falls New York 14301

Tel: 716.282.7530

Online: www,thenacc,org

Hours of Operation

Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm

Sat & Sun 12pm to 4pm

End of Year Gift

Buy a Theater Seat

Buy a Locker

Leave a Legacy

Volunteer

Attend Events

Become a Member

Become a Sponsor

WISH LIST

Professional Color Printer & Ink

Art Supplies for Children’s Program

Flat Screen Monitors-17” or more

Desktop Computers-at least 1gb ram

Hand Trucks & Dollies

Studio / Gallery Lights

Sets of China and Silverware

Costumes / Fabric

Folding Tables, Picnic Tables

Garden Tools, Tiller

Ruth Thomas’ Art Studio

Oil Painting Classes

(Studio 116)

Schedule of Classes for Adults

Tuesday, 10:00 am - 12:30pm

Wednesday, 10:00 am - 12:30pm

Thursday, 7:00pm - 9:30pm

Supplies for Sale in Studio

Bravo Studio

Lisa Surace

City A-1 Driving School, Inc.

Driving Lessons 1201 Pine Ave, Niagara Falls, NY 14301

( NACC / Old High School)

Five Hour NYS Required Course

Saturday 3:30 by Appointment

Call: 875-4662 / 570-7230

www.cityA-1DrivingSchool.com

(Studio 236) 716-371-9897 / 716-622-6579

Voice, Piano & Guitar

Individual and Group Lessons

Ways to Give. . .

We Need Your Talents, Skills, and Support