Assembly Resolution No. 122

BY: M. of A. Barclay

CONGRATULATING Nancy Fox upon the occasion of her
retirement after 12 years of dedicated service as
Executive Director and Founder of the CNY Community
Arts Center

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of those outstanding
community leaders, whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to
enhance the stature of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Nancy Fox upon the occasion of her retirement after 12 years of
distinguished service as Executive Director and Founder of the CNY
Community Arts Center; and

WHEREAS, In 2011, Nancy Fox founded the CNY Community Arts Center in
Fulton, New York, and since then, has rendered faithful, conscientious,
and invaluable service for the greater community; and

WHEREAS, In her capacity as Executive Director, Nancy Fox served the
CNY Community Arts Center with loyalty, honor, and distinction; in her
first year, she mobilized and inspired a group of like-minded residents
to build awareness of the economic and cultural benefits of the arts
with the common goal "to build a better future through the arts"; and

WHEREAS, Through her vision and dedication, Nancy Fox attracted
visual, literary, and performing artists who joined in the opportunity
to offer the greater Fulton community painting, drawing and theater
classes, art competitions, writing courses, performances, and more for
the past 12 years; and

WHEREAS, In 2014, after much success, the CNY Community Arts Center
partnered with Cayuga Community College and moved to the Fulton campus;
this move enabled the center to expand their presence in the community
with an upgraded stage in a newer and more modern facility; during the
next 4 years, the center's theater program experienced exponential
growth; and

WHEREAS, Under Nancy Fox's commendable leadership, the CNY Community
Arts Center continued to grow, flourish and gain in popularity with both
attendees at performances and the center attracting talented artists
from around the region; and

WHEREAS, Following the success of the Center, a decision was made to
purchase a vacant downtown building; and with the community's support,
Fulton's first dedicated community arts center building was created; and

WHEREAS, After multiple infrastructure upgrades to bring the 1970s
building to code, the CNY Community Arts Center celebrated a soft
opening, on February 15, 2019, with the premier of "Little Women," the
Broadway musical, on its new stage; and

WHEREAS, Phase two renovations were completed for the new Center in
June of 2019 to improve handicap access, install new energy efficient
lighting in the 80-seat theater, create two art classrooms, a green
room, two art galleries, an alternative black box theatre in the
basement, a theater scene, costume storage area, and art supply room;
and

WHEREAS, Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, live theater was put on
pause and revenue streams lost, but under Nancy Fox's steadfast
leadership, the Center diversified its services and persevered by
offering art classes with proper social distancing, limited class sizes,
daytime classes for kids who were learning remotely at home, outdoor
events where possible, and a cookie shop in the Center's new teaching
kitchen; and

WHEREAS, The Center also secured a grant for a movie projection
system, cinema arts and a community presentation space; and

WHEREAS, With COVID-19 restrictions lifted, the Center has been able
to return to full capacity and offer its slate of robust programming
once again under Nancy Fox's direction; and

WHEREAS, Through her unremitting commitment, Nancy Fox and the CNY
Community Arts Center have made it possible for the greater Fulton
community to take part in studio fine arts, writing and culinary arts,
cinema, and performing arts; together, these offerings fill critical
gaps in art education and quality of life; and

WHEREAS, Along the way, Nancy Fox and the CNY Community Arts Center
have garnered financial and in-kind support from private donors,
foundations, the Oswego County government leadership, the City of
Fulton, state leaders, and state grants to support its vital mission
over the years; and

WHEREAS, Nancy Fox, through her dedication to her mission, has
indeed built a "better future through the arts"; and

WHEREAS, As Nancy Fox embarks upon a well-deserved retirement, she
leaves behind an impact which will be felt for generations and a legacy
of appreciation for culture and the arts that will continue to enrich
the lives of many; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Nancy Fox upon the occasion of her retirement after 12
years of dedicated service as Executive Director and Founder of the CNY
Community Arts Center and to wish her continued success in all future
endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Nancy Fox.