From Passionate Artists to an Arts Destination:

The beginning:  In 2013 a group of artists knew that the arts were alive and well in Northport.  Together they decided our area needed to be and become recognized as an Association of Artists. Clare Gengarelly performed due diligence and  Northport Arts Association obtained their non-profit status.   Our journey was beginning. Meetings were held and classes were hosted in each other’s homes. Still, a sense of community was needed.

A community comes together:  A group pulled together to look at the long empty Pier Group building and consider its possibilities as a home for the NAA.  Extensive measurements, layouts, drawings and cost analysis were made to determine feasibility. Unfortunately, after months of creative brainstorming, the numbers were just too prohibitive to proceed. 

In a meeting to recap these unfortunate findings, Gene Rantz passionately shared how important a Northport Village Art Center was to our area. At the same time, he agreed that an art organization simply cannot survive with such ongoing high costs.

As luck would have it, Bill and Nina Collins attended that meeting and heard Gene speak so eloquently.

Finding our home:  Gene, Bill and Nina met to explore the requirements, opportunities and footprint.  From there, the Collins’ worked out the appropriate footprint and the search was on in the village for the right location.

In 2015 whispers and rumors were heard that the NAA may actually be getting a permanent home! In the spring of 2016 those rumors came true as Bill and Nina Collins were able to break ground at 301 Mill Street. The foundation was laid and the Village Arts Building was erected by the end of the summer. Finally the NAA had a home.

NAA Growth Continues: 

Since the grand opening, the Village Arts Building continues to showcase many exhibits including the Northport School, Member’s solo shows, classes and artist talks for the community to enjoy. Members of the community - adults, children, visitors and tourists continue to visit and participate in the many art venues.  Classes, exhibits, shows and events held throughout the year offer a destination to share, learn, grow and acquire art. 

In 2022, we expanded our footprint to open the Clay Studio. Since our opening, numerous classes, events and unique works of art showcase the talents of our local potters.

From all of us at NAA - deep gratitude:  Nina and Bill Collins donated the Village Arts Building, which was dedicated In October of 2016. The NAA had their first ‘Members Art Show’ that weekend. 

None of this would have been possible without our founding artists and support from Bill and Nina Collins.