Established in 2009 in loving memory
of Amanda Nicole Curcio
October 17th 2007 was a Wednesday.
It was also the day we celebrated Amanda's life
for the first time
without her.
Today we acknowledge twenty-nine years of her creative energy in the world. Hers was a dynamic presence which left a loving mark on all who knew her. As I attended the National Statera Conference for gender parity and equality in the arts this month, I could not keep myself from wondering how different the path might have been had such a resource of unified and dedicated people been available to her during her lifetime. I have to admit that she was in my heart and on my mind when I accepted the invitation to attend. While I walked through this example of what the world could be if the US Congress were as diverse as this union of creative souls, I saw her in the faces of so many of the young artists there seeking what this gathering brought together.
BOFA was launched, in part, to be sure that others who thrive in the nurturing nest of the arts have access to the creative activities which feed their hearts, minds, and spirits. The arts are essential to human well-being and the pursuit of individual, local, and global Independent Sustainable Wellness. Our local youth truly need these expressive, creative, enlightening opportunities void of cultural bias, gender inequity, and socio-economic barriers as they explore their identities and the path that they will follow as the become the future of our world.
In addition to that, it was my hope that local creative projects would provide an opportunity for local creators and their patrons to come together with a unified purpose to establish that safe space for our children, together.
Due to circumstance beyond my control which required me to relocate, it became quite difficult those first few years, for me to follow through on those intentions and to establish that type of connection within the community.
Kathy Garrison became the events coordinator for the organization in my absence. In the midst of numerous other volunteer obligations and community service projects in the Belfast, NY area; she has held this space over the years so that we can continue the hope of keeping these goals vibrant in the community. During this time she received generous support from Marie Nix and worked to reach out to local creators to include them in the Annual Art Show at the Belfast Public library. Eventually, she also established a FREE Unfinished Objects (UFO) Day at the Belfast Town Hall. On this day, local creators come together to work on their projects in progress and share ideas about new projects in the community.
We have also been advocates for and participated in the Lawn Concerts at the Belfast Public Library and STRUM ACCORD at Belfast Central School.
Though our mission has not been a blazing inferno by any means, I am ever-thankful for her dedication to keeping the fires of intentional local creative unity burning. There is a spark there that is worthy of more. The Statera Conference showed me the possibilities. (You can read more about my take aways from the conference here.) Statera Arts is now working in partnership with Women Arts to support SWAN Day.
With thoughts of the wonderful women artists living in our community and the belief that Amanda, as a musician, poet, and visual artist, had the potential to become one of them, several years ago, in honor of the women and men working diligently to keep the arts accessible to all members of our community; the Belfast Organization for Artists and SheilaLynnK Art Studio began a local annual celebration of this international holiday to celebrate women in the arts.
Now in its twelfth year, "SWAN Day/Support Women Artists Now Day is a growing worldwide movement that spotlights the contributions of diverse women artists. Whether their art involves a longing for cross-cultural understanding, a passion for social justice, or a sheer love of the arts, women are expressing solidarity with each other and sharing their visions with their communities through a wide range of SWAN Day events."
Although we began locally with a small planning party, we have grown into a long term event with an effort to acknowledge and support the other arts activities happening in March and April across the county.
This winter we are planning our 5th year of SWAN Days Allegany County, NY activities to take place in March and April 2019. Our local activities are shared on the International SWAN Day calendar so that visitors from outside our region gain access to these events, too.
This annual celebration has included an art exhibit featuring works by local women artists. During the celebration, local women creators have the opportunity to share and sell their work, win cash awards, and present or teach about their creative gifts. The exhibit is FREE and open to the public. Visitors' vote to choose the winners.
This year, we working to increase the awareness that we welcome works in all genres and hope to include more listings and activities pertaining to women in the performing arts.
Contact SheilaLynnK Art Studio if you would like to participate in this planning process or have a local event or activity by or for women in the arts that is occurring during that time and we will add it to the calendar.
The official date for the Twelfth International SWAN Day is Saturday, March 30, 2019, the last Saturday of March, but please feel free to celebrate it any time during March or April that is convenient for you. The spirit of SWAN events is far more important than the exact dates.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SWAN DAY AND WAYS TO PARTICIPATE AT WOMEN ARTS.
MORE ABOUT OUR MISSION
Through independent efforts and in collaboration with Belfast groups and clubs we wish to
assist artisans to create work and make it available to the public, provide area artisans with links to information and resources, exchange ideas and skills knowledge with area artisans, create new opportunities to show work in the Belfast Area, provide publicity, collaborate with Allegany County Arts organizations, represent Belfast at the County Level, and provide enrichment and service opportunities to community members.
BOFA welcomes creative minds
Creators from a diverse area of knowledge enrich our community... poets, painters, writers, performers, photographers, fabric artists, woodworkers, book arts, sculptors, potters, graphic designers, framers, and more..
Promoting Creative Unity awareness & participation in the arts in the Belfast, NY Area since 2009.
Events Coordinator,Fabric Artist, Designer, and member; Kathryn Garrison, resides in Belfast, NY
Founder, Artist & Studio Owner,Sheila L. Kalkbrenner assists BOFA from her studio,SheilaLynnK Art Studio in Wellsville, NY.
Retired Founding Member, fabric artist, and community volunteer, Marie Nix resides in Belfast, NY
if you would like to become an active member and volunteer
to assist us in achieving our mission.
THE AMANDA CURCIO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
There is a memorial scholarship set up at Belfast Central School to benefit a student who intends to pursue the arts.
Donations can be mailed to
Belfast Central School, 1 King Street, Belfast, NY 14711.
Checks should be made payable to Belfast Central School, with a memo/note indicating it is a donation to the Amanda Curcio memorial scholarship.
If anyone has any additional questions, they can reach either Teresa Heaney at 585-365-8297 or
Bob Lingenfelter CA BOCES District Treasurer 585-365-8289
