History
Since 1978, the Lake George Arts Project has served as a cornerstone of the regional creative economy.
For nearly 50 years, we have remained steadfast in our mission: to create meaningful exposure and income opportunities for both established and emerging artists while delivering world-class cultural programming to our community.
Our diverse calendar features year-round exhibitions at the Courthouse Gallery, the renowned Jazz at the Lake festival, and our beloved Wednesday Night Summer Concert Series. Through initiatives like Project Local and The Collector’s Club, we continue to bridge the gap between artists and enthusiasts, constantly evolving to meet the cultural needs of the Lake George region.
History
Originally a Comprehensive Employment Training Act project, the Arts Project’s early years produced the Prospect Mountain Sculpture Show (1979), a major exhibition that attracted national media acclaim; the Summer Concert Series (which continues in Shepard Park during July and August); and numerous community arts workshops, presentations, school programs, and fairs. The end of CETA in 1981 (and the consequent loss of six of the then seven employees) heralded a period of rethinking and rebuilding of programs. A second major outdoor visual arts exhibition, Ice and Air Show, was held in 1983.
In 1984, the Arts Project produced its first annual Jazz Weekend, and moved to a location capable of housing a gallery. The Courthouse Gallery opened in 1985, and marked the Arts Project’s return to year-round arts programming. In 1986, the Arts Project recommenced literary programming with an annual three-month writer-in-residence. Special visual art events have included Riverrun Yes (1988, Dan George); Cross-Wind Tunnel (1991, George Peters), and Birdwatching in Lake George (1999, Jane Ingram Allen). A new Shepard Park stage, with input and fundraising by LGAP was commemorated in 1990. Off-season jazz concerts held at the Hyde Collection’s new facility began in 1991.
