Craig Brashear and Rebecca Kelly, dance artists from New York City, as well as homeowners on Silver Lake Road, are leading a project to transform the historic Masons' Lodge, an anchor building in the business district of the hamlet of Au Sable Forks in the Town of Jay, NY, into a bustling new center of activity.

The lodge, built in 1911, is a three storey building, located on Route 9N, one of the gateways to the high peaks region of the Adirondacks. The town lies across the fork of the Au Sable River, known for great trout fishing. The project is to convert this building, now owned by Appleby Foundation, into a center that links the activities of artists, artisans, musicians, actors and dancers, with local businesses for the enjoyment of visitors and residents.

Fostering partnerships in arts, education, and local economies will result in a vibrant community of culture and enterprise. It will create jobs in the renovation as well as in future programming and retail opportunities.

Local, private, and state support has started, and restoration at the Tahawus Lodge Center is underway. Since acquisition in July 2009, investigatory riverfront and site surveys and studies have been conducted. A growing Steering Committee of leaders from upstate and downstate, and a corps of volunteers have formed to support TLC. Local contributions from individuals and area businesses such as Cold Spring Granite, Community Bank, a NYSCA grant, and municipal support have been key, The Town of Jay received a 2010 grant from the NY State Main St Revitalization Fund to reinvigorate Main Street businesses. As one of the eligible businesses the Town of Jay awarded TLC a matching grant of $60,000 for building improvement, allocated for asbestos abatement (including the removal of 25 windows!) and restoring the glass store front facade. Both tasks were accomplished by December 2010.

The resulting new store front and showroom gallery make a dramatic change on Main Street, and provide a clear template for TLC renewal. In 2011 the street level and basement floors are available for lease for commercial opportunity, while the upper two floors await renovation for cultural activities in dance, music and art. Progress occurs at the rate of funding.

While waiting for further renovation of Tahawus Lodge, the first cultural activities began in January 2011 in the new storefront. The Windows of Change Gallery featured its inaugural solo exhibit by photographer Mark Hobson, and will continue to feature works by local and visiting artists. During summer a pilot series of movement classes is planned by RKB for Teens (Flyer Teen Choreography Workshop) and by Kids Co-Motion for adult-and-child combinations: KCM Flyer For more details, contact Appleby Foundation by email at tahawus@verizon.net.

A note on the Appleby Foundation: Incorporated as a 501(C)3 non-profit in 1979, its mission is to strengthen communities through participation in the arts and to inspire reflection and imagination. A major activity is the Rebecca Kelly Ballet, a contemporary dance company based in New York City, focused on the creation and professional performances of original ballet, with programs for youth such as ONSTAGE CAMPS in Lake Placid and Potsdam, and KIDS CO-MOTION. It has brought a variety of programs into many communities in the Adirondacks yearly since 1987.

Learn about RKB's North Country activities