I have a wonderful new view from the director’s chair at the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts. Literally, it is a view out to the Mohawk River, the Erie Canal, Sterzinar Park, the bike trail, and the great shops, inns, and dining establishments of Canal Place. Looking inside the MVCA, I see a dedicated group of individuals looking to make a difference in our community, based on the foundation of the arts …putting together exhibitions and organizing classes, along with a wide variety of other programs.

So let me tell you a little bit more about myself. I am a native of New Jersey. I am an alumnus of Syracuse University and also received photographic training at the Hallmark Institute of Photography in Massachusetts. Previously, I worked for ESPN. I joined the network when it was a fledgling two year old organization and for 20 years worked within the production department. I was honored to win three Emmy Awards during my tenure.

In 2002, I started a photography business. Initially, my studio was located in Tokyo, Japan. My images were featured in European and Asian magazines. For the past eight years I have operated my studio and have been a board member at the Farmington Valley Arts Center, in Avon, Connecticut.

Most recently, my wife, Rose, began working for the Burrows Paper Corporation, here in Little Falls. That got me interested in looking for opportunities nearby. I was fortunate to find the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts and additionally I have been teaching as an adjunct at Herkimer County Community College and working as a freelance photographer.

I have spent my first few months, at the arts center, listening and speaking with our board of directors, volunteers, artists, instructors, members, community and business leaders, visitors, and valley residents. It is important to hear the voices of our community so that we understand how we can best serve them. It has been a pleasurable experience to have met so many wonderful people. Everyone has been warm, welcoming, extremely helpful, and generous.

I look forward to working collaboratively with everyone. We will be able to grow our organization and reach out to a broader audience by working in partnership. I envision the arts center as the hub for all things artistic in the Mohawk Valley. If I haven’t had the opportunity to meet you, please stop in, give a call, or drop me an email.

I hope to see you at some of our events.

Best,

Kevin Mihaly
Executive Director