NACC introduces new leader

Made it back to the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center on Friday for another gathering focused on fundraising because I knew Jennifer Pauly, the new executive director was going to be introduced. We stayed for a bit of the presentation and to hear her speak.

Sharon Bailey served as master of ceremonies and spoke a bit about how when she moved here, she immediately was drawn to the NACC because she felt a sense of community, “these are my people.”

Pauly said she has a ton of plans moving forward. If you have admired the success of Lewiston’s Upward Niagara Chamber or the Jazz Festival in the last decade please know she was at the core of it.

The NACC has struggled to find consistent, permanent leadership in the last several years but thise time feels different.

Renovations on the building are ongoing. Funding operations is a struggle. The challenge, with the building and community is there is so much going on in every corner all the time.

That likely makes Pauly’s job that much more challenging because it is like herding cats or slaying an hydra. The battle can be as exhausting as watching Gus try to find the right key on his massive ring for any particular door.

If you get a chance, the current Buffalo Niagara Art Association in the Townsend Gallery is worth checking out. Also, explore the quirky landscapes by Laura Chenault in the hallway gallery.

And by all means, don’t leave without finding =Librium by Dave Riffel in the 2nd floor Kudela Gallery.

One other thing: Starry Night Cafe is the best-kept lunch secret in Niagara Falls. Please support it.

If you want to learn more, donate or volunteer, visit www.thenacc.org.