Who we are

The Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts is more than a gallery—we're a community hub where creativity thrives and connections are made.

We believe art has the power to inspire, unite, and transform. MVCA serves as a gathering place where artists and art lovers come together to celebrate creativity in all its forms. We are committed to making art accessible, supporting local artists, and fostering a welcoming space where everyone can discover, create, and engage with the arts.

Through rotating gallery exhibitions, artist receptions, educational workshops, and our curated gift shop featuring over 100 regional artists, we make art accessible and celebrate the incredible talent in our region. Our satellite location at Renaissance Pub extends our mission throughout the community, bringing art into everyday spaces.

We believe art has the power to inspire, connect, and transform. Whether you're an artist seeking opportunities to showcase your work, an art enthusiast looking for unique treasures, or someone simply curious about creativity, MVCA welcomes you.

We invite you to be part of our story—as a visitor, an artist, a volunteer, a donor, or simply as someone who believes in the power of art to enrich lives.

Together, we're building a more vibrant, creative Mohawk Valley—one exhibition, one class, one connection at a time.

Photo credit: Mark Minter

  • Mary Ellen McGillan

    Executive Director/Board Member

  • Doug Whitfield

    President, Board of Directors

  • Bob Buck

    Board of Directors

  • Russell Perry

  • Heidi Cochran

    Treasurer

  • Justin Como

  • Carol Mulcrone

    Vice President

  • Meghan Murphy

  • Vartan Poghosian

  • Chris Sagaas

  • Janet Wren

    President

  • Mary Ellen has more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit administration and fund development.  Most of her career has been spent in higher education at public and private universities, most recently as Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations at Golden Gate University in San Francisco.  Mary Ellen served in similar roles at Hawaii Pacific University, Oregon State University Foundation, University of Notre Dame, and Santa Clara University.  She has demonstrated success in board relations, community relations, and strategic planning, as well as marketing and communications.

    “I believe that organizations such as the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts are vital to the fabric of a community such as Little Falls.  It will be an exciting challenge to put my skill set to work for MVCA.”

    Contact Mary Ellen at director@mohawkvalleyarts.org or at (315) 823-0808. 

  • Doug studied at the Cleveland Institute of Art, Mohawk Valley Community College, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and Syracuse University. He received his AAS in Design and his BFA in Painting from RIT. Doug also earned his Master Teacher Certification, Integrative Learning System from Syracuse University.

    In 1969 Doug began to show his work in New York City and soon his works were featured in other major cities throughout the United States and Europe. His works have been featured in dozens of solo exhibitions; a partial listing is available on his website.

  • Bob is a retired Real Estate professional. Bob is a professional photographer and a great supporter of the arts. He was the Founder/President of the Montgomery County Arts Factory, an organization promoting local talented artists. He is also a member of Music on Mainstreet and The Arkell Museum in Canajoharie, NY.

Special thanks to Mark Minter for taking our team photos.