Support Network for Artists
By Kate Bartlett
The Tri County Arts Council began as a group of like-minded individuals with a passion for art and community over 40 years ago. After the Olean Arts Association aged out, there was a need for a support network for artists in the area. Mikel Wintermantel, the current executive director, has been an integral part of the Council since its inception. As a nationally recognized Copley Master artist, he is an unwavering supporter of the arts. He also owned Studio 4 East Screenprinting with his brothers for more than 40 years, making countless Ellicottville screen-print t-shirts, posters and other merchandise. He has earned several recognitions and distinctions for his work, mainly Luminous Landscapes, which can be viewed at https://www.mikelwintermantel.com/.
Mikel orchestrated the informal meetings with just a handful of local artists in various locations and has been a driving force to expand the group to now over 120 members with a stunning storefront in historic Olean. “We work together to promote each other’s work and bring artistic vibrancy to our community. The Tri-County Arts Council has moved from a 400-square foot apartment to a 3,300 square-foot storefront as a proud participant in the revitalization efforts of downtown Olean. We have exciting plans for the future and are committed to propelling this legacy forward.”
The Tri County Arts Council was formally founded in 1997 after receiving grant funds from NYS Council of the Arts. It was initially focused in Cattaraugus County expanding to Chautauqua and Allegany counties in 2003 and 2009 bringing funding to small arts and cultural organizations. Meetings at this time were informal, but their mission was strong. In 2001, they acquired a physical location with street presence in Allegany with retail space for artists to sell their work as well as expanded pottery and studio space. Classes were offered for both adults and students and membership grew along with partnership with the Olean Chamber of Commerce. The name “Tri County Arts Council” was officially adopted in 2018, after 20 years of service to the region in order to better reflect the three communities served (Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua). In 2019, the Council moved to their current location, a restored 1920’s building at 110 W State Street in Olean, a building previously set for demolition. Now a stunning renovated space, this building exemplifies “the impact that the creative economy can have on economic development and community revitalization.”
Mikel had been a benefactor of the Arts Council for years when he was approached to become the executive director. “It has always been near and dear to my heart. For years I auctioned my paintings to make money for the Council. When they approached me to refocus the Council and lead them into the next chapter, I really didn’t have the time, but I had the passion and commitment, so I graciously accepted.” In 2020 he formally stepped into his current role and began leading the organization into their next phase.
Mikel was able to hire several part-time working creatives to the Council, many of whom are nationally known. Sean Huntington, Geraldine Smith and Allison Braun bring their skills to the TCAC to offer numerous exhibitions, classes and workshops. Current classes range from beginner drawing and painting to master level painting instruction. They also offer rare crafts like papermaking, bookbinding, calligraphy, felting and tatting as well as unique techniques like linocut block printing, gel printing, and encaustics. Children’s classes include puppet making, clay ornaments and painting. They also have a thriving, fully equipped clay studio for slab building and throwing serviced by 2 large kilns.
The Council experienced a surge of artists despite the Covid pandemic, and is thriving with a growing membership roster, many of which are working creatives that have work available for purchase in the Artisan Market located inside the TCAC and online.
Membership is available on a variety of levels, starting at $20/year for a basic level. Those interested in participating in the Artisan Market, as well as having an online presence for their work can join as an Artisan level member for $60/year. Full time Studio Artist level members have access to professional development privileges, full access to studio equipment and workspace for only $120/year.
“We all have the common goal to raise the value of the arts, while supporting each other and cultivating arts within the communities we serve.” We all have an inner artist, and it raises our personal worth as well as the community as a whole when we nurture our creative soul. Mikel is honored to work alongside so many creative professionals. “It’s incredibly inspiring to work with such talented and renowned artists. I’m honored to work with them every day, and it’s a privilege to be able to share these talents with new artists, and the community.” He loves being able to help new artists find their inner passion, and cultivate their creative side. “It’s great to have the resources to help them find gallery space and offer them opportunities through the Arts Council, one in particular being the ‘Art in the Park’ event coming in September as an art and music event and returning to Lincoln Park”
Mikel is excited for the future of The Tri County Arts Council with plans to expand and grow further. “We plan to offer poetry and writing classes, expanded workshops along with regular artist member meetings. Everyone is invited to stop down and tour the historic and beautiful gallery located at 110 W State Street in downtown Olean Tuesday-Friday 12-6 & Saturday 12-5.”
Visit https://www.tricountyartscouncil.org for events and class schedule or contact info@tricountyartscouncil.org or call (716) 372-7455.
Caption: Mikel Wintermantel orchestrated the informal meetings with just a handful of local artists in various locations and has been a driving force to expand the group to now over 120 members with a stunning storefront in historic Olean. “We work together to promote each other’s work and bring artistic vibrancy to our community. The Tri-County Arts Council has moved from a 400-square foot apartment to a 3,300 square-foot storefront as a proud participant in the revitalization efforts of downtown Olean. We have exciting plans for the future and are committed to propelling this legacy forward.”
Continuation Caption in large print: In 2019, the Council moved to their current location, a restored 1920’s building at 110 W State Street in Olean, a building previously set for demolition. Now a stunning renovated space, this building exemplifies “the impact that the creative economy can have on economic development and community revitalization.”