About

The Arts Center of Yates County is a nonprofit community arts center whose mission is to enrich the lives of Yates County residents, artists and visitors by providing opportunities to actively participate in the arts.

The Arts Center includes the Flick Gallery, the Rosenfeld Studio upstairs—where the bulk of the Center’s workshops are held—and Sunny Point, a seasonal facility on the east side of Keuka Lake that includes housing for visiting instructors and artist residencies, a studio barn for workshops and events, and a lakeside pottery studio.

The Arts Center is primarily a volunteer-driven organization with more than 60 active volunteers. It is funded by grants, memberships, donations, fees from workshops and commissions from the sale of art work and often partners with local businesses and other area nonprofits in developing programs and projects. The Arts Center’s artists are primarily drawn from Yates County and the surrounding region and are juried in, in order to exhibit regularly. The Flick Gallery displays a broad mix of original art in mediums including painting, photography, pottery, sculpture, jewelry, woodwork and a variety of mixed media work. There’s no admission and everyone is welcome!

Inspiring active participation with the arts!

Summer 2026 Perspectives

Volume 53 |

Issue 2

A Brief History of the Arts Center

1975

Founded as Yates County Arts Council

1982

Incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

1982-1992

Received New York State Council for the Arts (NYSCA) funding. Under guidance of Executive Director, Linda Canham, the Council provided artists in the area with an outlet for their work and provided resource information on grants, workshops, etc. Crooked Lake Gallery opened.

1995

Norma Pealer took over presidency of the board navigating a one-woman ship until 2000.

2000-2001

New blood energized the organization under President Bonnie Barney and a new vision evolved. The exhibit area was renamed "The Gallery."

2002

NYSCA representative recommends the Council become an Arts Center in accordance with the new direction.

2002-Present

Ever expanding educational programs involving all ages throughout the year with qualified instructors. Renovations made to The Gallery space. Expansion of workshops into upstairs space. Exhibitions numbering six to eight annually featuring local, national and international artists.

2007-2008

Achieved NYSCA recognition again and hired a part-time Executive Director

2008

Sunny Point property on Keuka Lake inherited from Dr. Annie Smith.

2010

With NYSCA assistance, hired a full-time Executive Director, Kris Pearson.

2012

Moved the Arts Center to the Maxwell Building at 127 Main Street, Penn Yan.

2018

The Arts Center takes over the Keuka Arts Festival

melcot776

Local Arts Stop by to see what the local art scene has to offer. An eclectic assortment of local artists provide something for everyone.

NYvic

Nice collection from local artists! I had checked out this venue ahead of time, on Trip Advisor. It sounded like a place we would enjoy. It was just fun to look around at the art, in all mediums or media :-) Nice place to stop by while walking around Penn Yan.

RMH64

Arts Center of Yates County If you're in Penn Yan New York you should stop by this place to view not only the exhibits, but the displays of local artists. It encompasses various media, most are for sale at reasonable prices, including jewelry, painting, sculpture, pottery, basketry among other items. It's in an old one room bank and they have retained the vault area with the old vault door which is a great way to use the surroundings. Enjoyed viewing the items, and purchased a pendent on a chain for my granddaughter. Nice to see what is happening with local art in addition to regional and national artists. Staff were very friendly, and wiling to handle any questions or attempt to find the answer if they weren't sure about it.

Kira S

Local Art Scene Stop by if you can and check out the local art scene. A variety of art awaits your visit. Check out the upstairs if you can.

Lizz Marcello

The finished art on the sale/show floor were so beautiful and the vault where the jewelry is, is so cool. Prices are fair, very clean, sort of small but just enough for that size

tablet gandt

Nice job

annie schliffer

This is a wonderful space and workshop!! It is a gift to have this Arts Center in Penn Yan!

Judy M

You have to visit This gallery is a treasure. It is located right downtown in a restored bank. The vault is still there. There are so many talented local artists in the area. They also offer a wide variety of classes.

swin4236

Fall for the Arts Stopped by the local gallery to check out the art scene. They had a wide variety of local artists featured with fish themed art on display and for sale. It looks like they rotate through various artist so it would be worth a return visit.

Nathan T

Local Art Scene A great place to connect with the local art scene. All kinds of art to view and very friendly staff. Just a few blocks walk from Trimmer House B&B on Main Street