Fair haven arts center
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 – 2020-21
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.
Kelly Jackson (Vice President) - Born, raised and residing in Wolcott, Kelly is dedicated to the local communities and has a passion for our area's art, history and agriculture. Kelly lives in the countryside of North Wolcott with her husband and pets. Kelly graduated from SUNY Oswego in 2012 with a (BFA) Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, concentrating on Illustration and book arts. Kelly worked for a number of years in various art businesses gaining a multitude of experiences, and then returned to SUNY Oswego for graduate school. Kelly graduated in May of 2020 with her Masters in Art Education, pursuing her dream to teach art for a living. A working artist and writer as well, Kelly shows her work locally and has recently published her first book featuring poems of the countryside.
Millie Newshan (Treasurer) - is a resident of Sterling, NY. For over 25 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.
Katherine Spector (Secretary) (bio to come)
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.
John Pupparo has lived at least 40 of his 70 years in the upstate region. He is a graduate of Colorado State University. Has worked as a biological technician for most of his career. John has always been interested in Arts of various media - from painting in oils, print work and sculpture to design. John has also been involved in various community groups and currently volunteers at the Fair Haven library. He is now retired and is working on growing his involvement in his passion of wood carving and sculpting.
