​The group of four FHAC founding members came together in 2012 with the common goal of establishing a not for profit arts center.  Community surveys revealed a strong interest in both adult and children’s music and art programs.  The FHAC founding members pooled resources and applied for 501c(3) status which was granted in late 2014.

The FHAC found a home at the 1864 House in downtown Fair Haven and opened its doors there in May 2015.  The 1864 House was renovated with the help of a New York State Main Street grant.  The vision of its two owners was to provide a place that would bring the arts to the community.  As a non-profit organization, the FHAC is managed by a Board of Directors.

Board of Directors – 2018

Susan Lemon (President) – is a resident of Sterling, NY.  Since retiring from Lockheed Martin where she managed  advanced engineering programs, she is focusing her life in ways to give back to the community in which she now resides.  Although her advanced degree was in Physics, she has had a life-long love of  music, theater & the arts and is passionate to make these available to her new community. As a young adult she studied piano at Westchester Conservatory of Music and  participated in numerous plays throughout high school and college.  For the past four years she has directed a senior reader’s theatre group in Oswego, NY.  She is also currently co-owner of the local businesses; Hardware Café & General Store and Turners 1816 House B&B.

Millie Newshan (Vice President) - is a resident of Sterling, NY.  For over 21 years, Millie has used her expertise in financial, accounting and consulting areas to provide freelance services to small businesses.  Millie has a Finance degree from New York University.  She has previously served as Secretary on the board of the Fair Haven Area Chamber of Commerce.  Millie has also served as President of the Oswego chapter of the American Association of University Women.  Millie enjoys photography, water color and the arts in general.  She was inspired to join the board of an organization that wants to share their love of the arts with the community.  

Robert Bibee (Treasurer) – is a resident of Fair Haven, NY.  Since arriving from California in 2010, Robert has become actively involved in the community.  He is currently Branch Administrator at Savannah Bank in Fair Haven where he works to meet the community’s consumer and commercial needs through lending and depository accounts.  Robert served for three years as Secretary in the Fair Haven Area Chamber of Commerce.  The Chamber's goal is to promote a vibrant business community which, in turn, helps to create a vibrant place to live.  With this goal in mind, Robert decided to become a board member for the Fair Haven Community Arts Center.  He has a strong passion for music, contributing to various musical groups for over 10 years, and would love to see a musical community thrive in Fair Haven.  Through the Arts Center, Robert believes that he can see this goal finally come to fruition.

Sarah Irland (Secretary) - has been a resident of Martville, NY since 1976 and has spent many summers in Fair Haven. 
Sarah worked for Oswego County Opportunities, Inc. for 28 years and retired as the Deputy Executive Director in 2015.  Sarah also served on the Hannibal School Board for 15 years, 8 years as Board President.  Sarah is a local artist and has worked in stained glass, oils and acrylics and is a member of South Shore Artisans.  She is happy to see the Fair Haven Art Center development and is pleased to offer her support as a board member.

Pat Hanford  – resident of Fair Haven, NY.  Pat is a retired Nurse Practitioner and a long time resident of Fair Haven where she has participated in numerous community activities. A library volunteer for over 10 years, she is a former officer of the Fair Haven Chamber of Commerce, and of the Fair Haven Planning board.  Pat has also spear-headed the start and continuance of Fair Haven’s SOFA (Save our Fourth of July) group which has been running the July 4th activities in the town for over 16 years.  

Debra Rose - is a new resident of Fair Haven, and is grateful for the many different art venues developing in this unique small village. Among other pursuits, Debra studied art and art history at the University of Colorado and the Art Students League of Denver, and currently studies with independent art historian Carol Krick. She was mentored in classical drawing and painting by master artists Eric Bransby and Chuck Mardosz. For 20 years Debra was a professional stained glass artist and her business did major commissions in the Colorado Springs area. She has taught at Pikes Peak Community College (stained glass) and the Cottonwood Artists School (figure drawing) in Colorado Springs. Debra is originally from Rochester, NY and her family has been involved in the beautiful central Lake Ontario and Fair Haven area since 1932..