About Us

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Mission & Vision

The mission of the Art School of Columbia County is to cultivate learning, creativity, and a sense of community through the visual arts. Our aim is to transform lives through art, serving as the inspiration and motivation behind our endeavors. A frequent remark we encounter is, "I see things differently since I started taking classes here." This never fails to reinforce the importance of our presence. When you begin to perceive the world around you through an artist's perspective, you experience a deeper awareness and appreciation for the intricacies, colors, and compositions that often go unnoticed. In essence, you begin to recognize beauty in everything.


Since 2012, the Art School has aimed to provide diverse instruction in the visual arts to our community, offering programs here at our historic one room schoolhouse and in various gathering places, including schools, libraries, after school programs, senior centers, and community events.

The Art School is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, incorporated in New York State as the Art School of Columbia County (ASCC).

Our History

Getting to Know the Art School of Columbia County

It’s hard not to notice the Art School’s turquoise building when you drive down Harlemville Road or Route 21C and arrive at its location at the intersection of these quiet, but well traveled roads. The building dates back to 1842, when it was a one-room schoolhouse serving the residents and young people of the area. Learn more about the history of the Schoolhouse at this link. The Schoolhouse was also a private home, a café, and then a bookstore…….Until it became the home of the Art School of Columbia County with its establishment in 2012 and it went on to become a designated, non-profit 501(C)3 organization.


Inside the Art School’s large windows, allow for a light filled studio space. The building also houses a year-round gallery that features the artwork of individual artists, members, students, and faculty. It also houses juried shows, demonstrations, artist talks and opening receptions that welcome all.


Outside, the School property covers an acre of varied topography. On the grounds are two majestic oak trees, as well as distinctive rock features and landscaped gardens. The grounds provide natural beauty and inspiration for the School’s members, students, faculty, and community while during seasonal months, students work en plein air.

Highlights from the Art School’s history include:

  • 2012-2016:

    • Transformation of the Old Schoolhouse into a 501(c)3 incorporated Art School.
    • Establishment of a Board of Directors and recruitment of skilled faculty.
    • First on-site classes are held in July, 2013.
    • Hiring of an Executive Director.
    • Initiation of a semi-annual student/faculty art shows in the fall.
    • Launch of the School’s free outreach programming, “Art in the Library: a Pop-Up Program” in 2015. The program is for students grades K-12 in Columbia County and beyond.
    • Holding of the first annual Frame, Canvas & Art Supplies Fundraiser to bring up-cycled, affordable art supplies to the community.
    • Expansion of the School’s mission and vision to offer more educational and interactive art exhibits, developing into a year-round exhibition program at the School, and more school-based K-12 programs in the Chatham, Kinderhook, and Hudson School Districts
    • Launch of the free “Art & Memories” programs for seniors in need, and those with Alzheimer’s and cognitive issues.

  • 2017 -2020

    • Growth in all on-site and outreach programming continues, reaching over 1300 community members with free and affordable art programming, as well as quality classroom instruction.
    • Expansion of free community art outreach at festivals in Hudson, Chatham, and Austerlitz.
    • Initiation of the School’s Capital Campaign in 2018 to secure the building as a permanent home for the Art School. This was achieved in 2019.
    • In the wake of the COVID pandemic, closing of indoor instruction at the School and cessation of the Art on Wheels programming that was in the works. Transition to plein air instruction with strict safety guidelines in the summer and into the fall.
    • “Creating Through COVID” exhibition featuring works by students, members, and staff. 

  • 2021

    • New ASCC Director was hired in July, 2021
    • The creation of on site, year round Young at Art programming.

  • 2022

    • Creation of The Art of Summer Youth Program.
    • Collaborations with area organizations continue to grow.

  • 2025

    We began an exciting collaboration with St. Catherine's Center for Children by connecting local artists, volunteers, children and businesses in creating  and essembling Art Kits to volunerable Children and Families that are living through challenging times in our area. 

  • Dreams for the future

    Expanding our capacity by internal restructuring of our building and adding an additional covered 3 season workspace. Help this dream become a reality by helping us reach our Capital Fund goal of $25,000. 

Donate Now

Staff & Board

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Karen Martin, Director

Karen Martin first became involved with the Art School of Columbia County in 2018 when she joined the board after retiring from a 20-year career as a senior business development manager for a large pharmaceutical company. Since joining the board, she has worked closely with each of the previous directors to help grow funding and membership and played a vital role in meeting the challenges that were given by our founders to secure the gift of the school to our creative community. Prior to her role in business development, Karen worked for ten years in business-to-business advertising. She attended Long Island University, Southampton Campus where she received her B.F.A with a concentration in Graphic Design. Karen is herself a practicing artist, avid gardener, foodie and homesteader, and has taught art locally. She is passionate about the school’s place in our community and the importance of connecting community through art.

2025 Board of Directors

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Image of Michele Quigley by Neal Warshaw
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For information about serving on the ASCC’s Board of Directors, please contact us.

Faculty

At the Art School of Columbia County, our teaching artists are the heart of what we do. They are practicing professionals who inspire, guide, and support students of all levels - both here at the school and in the wider community. We invite you to learn with them and discover new creative possibilities. If you are interested in joining our faculty, please contact us at artschoolofcolumbiacounty@gmail.com

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BIo Coming Soon!
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