Brewster Museum Receives State Grant

Sixteen arts organizations in Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties, including the Southeast Museum, have received a total of $244,789 in grants from the New York State Council on the Arts. The council made the announcement in conjunction with State Senator Terrence Murphy of the Fortieth Senate District.

Joyce Picone, Executive Director for the Putnam Arts Council said, "We have been getting assistance from NYSCA since its inception. I am happy that this year we will receive our largest grant since 2004. Through our re-granting program, in which we assist arts organizations throughout the county, we provide grants to organizations such as the Brewster Theater Company, Arts on the Lake and the VOB Film Festival that present music and theater performances, film festivals, and visual arts programs. It is money well spent that enriches the lives of the people in our communities."

This direct-funding grant money is in addition to the arts decentralization grants provided to organizations to support local programs.

"Investing in the arts increases the economic, cultural and educational value of our communities," Senator Murphy said.

A grant for $7,000 was awarded to the Southeast Museum Association of Brewster. The funding will support the museum's ongoing activities what include exhibitions, adult and children's workshops, and lectures.

Other Westchester organizations that received grants include Copland House, Peekskill; the Taconic Opera, Peekskill; Hammond Museum, Inc., North Salem; Historic Hudson Valley, Pocantico Hills; and the Hudson Valley's Writers Center, Sleepy Hollow.