I have been thinking a lot lately about the current state of our arts and cultural institutions and the challenges they face. Staffing in general but specifically leadership is a major problem. That coupled with the ever changing dictates and expectations of a fluid society increasingly distracted by technology. There is a real demand to re-evalute how our institutions serve the public and keep the sacred keys of our history and stories in tact. As such, I decided to take a moment and speak to the staff at a couple of such institutions. Both the Hart Cluett Museum and the Hudson Mohawk Industrial Gateway have newish Executive Directors and interestingly, the feedback everyone had to my questions was surprisingly consistent.

"I believe that we are a cultural pillar in our community, there is pride in acknowledging the accomplishments of the past and also understanding previous shortcomings as we look to the future. I picture the museum as a chord connecting past, present, and future, and the danger of disregarding that leaves us untethered." Amanda Irwin : Deputy Director

Corey Aldrich : Senior ACE! Contributor

Image: The Hart Cluett Museum Team

Last Month I was in Sand Lake for an appointment at the Sand Lake Center for the Arts. Looking for a coffee after I was directed to the Sand Lake Merchant across the street where I was happily surprised to see a thriving creative economy outpost and collaborative business model. I took a few minutes to talk to owner Amanda Goyer about her vision and what pried her away from a successful career in the banking industry.

"I think the marriage of corporate and creative can create huge success and my goal is to build a framework for how that is done, prove success and let that be a model for others to do the same." Amanda Goyer : Owner and Curator at Sand Lake Merchant

Corey Aldrich : Senior ACE! Contributor

Image: Amanda Goyer : Owner and Curator | Provided

This month ACE! is offering an Appalachian treat as we partner up with the Troy Music Hall to giveaway FREE TICKETS to Mark O'Connors Appalachian Christmas who will be performing on Tuesday, December 19th. Big thanks to Jon Elbaum and Ryan Murray for making these available. Per usual, the limit for your reservation is (2) per person.

What: Mark O'Connors Appalachian Christmas O

When: Tuesday, December 19th at 7:30 PM

Where: Troy Savings Bank Music Hall | 30 Second Street, Troy NY 12180

Order the FREE tickets by using offer code: ACE at checkout. Click on box below.

With three Grammy wins, seven CMA Awards, and multiple national fiddle, guitar, and mandolin champion titles, Mark O’Connor’s music and career truly defies categories.

In his new partnership with Skyline Artists, Mark has created the “Mark O’Connor Duo” for performing arts centers. The concert features both his originals and classics, and it highlights his violin, guitar, mandolin and vocals along with his wife, Grammy-winning Maggie O’Connor.

Going back several decades, he’s been a member of legendary ensembles the David Grisman Quintet, The Dregs, and Strength In Numbers with Bela Fleck, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, and Edgar Meyer.

PLEASE NOTE:

If the code does not work, it means the tickets are already spoken for! Also, if you recently have secured free tickets please allow other folks to get a chance this go round, we like to share the love!