Submitted by Donna Avery, Conesus

When the Livingston Arts Center opened its doors in December 2008, there was a significant article in the newspaper and like myself, I am sure many intended to go someday.

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit the Center, which is located at No. 4 Murray Hill Drive in Mt. Morris.

The Center is located in a building that originally housed physicians who worked at the tuberculosis hospital also originally located on the hill.

As you go around the circle drive, it is the building with the green doors and shutters.

For those of us who love history, there is a great deal of it behind the Livingston County complex on Murray Hill.

In 1931, New York State decided it needed new tuberculosis hospitals. Murray Hill was chosen for its elevated site with picturesque views for the benefit of patients both physically and psychologically.

It opened in 1936 and served until 1971. It was then turned over to Livingston County along with the WPA collection of paintings now displayed at the Arts Center. Building No. 1, which now houses Social Services, was the adult hospital for TB patients and also served until a few years ago as a Livingston County nursing facility. Building No. 2 now houses the Health Dept. but formally served as a children's TB hospital.

We parked behind the building No. 4, accessing the one way drive before building No. 3. The Center has a very nice ramp entrance there. Inside there are beautiful hardwood floors, with rooms displaying approx. forty of the WPA paintings which were done under the "Works Progress Administration" during President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal.

The paintings still are the property of the Federal Government but are in the care of the County. The WPA provided work for jobless artists and promoted American art and culture. As you view the paintings, you can see the era they represent.

The Center changes the display about every six months showing forty more of the collection of more than 200 paintings. In what is called Apartment One, local artists have the opportunity to display their talents.

When I visited, Paula Henry's lovely and unique stone sculptures were displayed. Ms. Henry is from Geneseo. Also from Geneseo, Sally Mose's beautiful collection of paintings was on display. Local artist displays are rotated in this area also.

There is also a little gift shop with local artist items, books etc. for purchase. The Center also offers classes in different arts ranging from jewelry making, knitting and drumming (learning to play the drums). For information on these classes access the Arts Council website at livingstonartscenter.org.

While there I asked, Associate Director Salome Farraro how the attendance has been and she stated they have several hundreds of visitors a month including school and seniors groups.

The Arts Council has more than 40 years in art experience in our County and has been the administrator of many grants for local artists and activities. The lovely Arts Center is the culmination of Livingston County' commitment to progressive offerings to its residents.

The Center is open Tuesdays 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Thursdays 1–6 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.–6 p.m. I highly recommend spending some time at this very interesting site and exhibit.