Our Story

More than 30 years ago, a group of like-minded creatives regularly gathered in the cramped apartment of a budding young local artist, working together to promote each other’s work and bring artistic vibrancy to our community. Looking back, the Tri-County Arts Council has moved from a 400 square-foot apartment to a 3,300 square-foot storefront as a proud participant in the revitalization efforts of downtown Olean. We have exciting plans for the future and are committed to propelling this legacy forward.

History

Formally founded in 1997, after receiving grant funds from New York State Council on the Arts, the Cattaraugus County Arts Council established itself at a space in the former Allegany High School building. At the time, our founders were interested in providing the region with access to arts funding through the New York State Council on the Arts Decentralization program, and bringing quality arts programming to the residents of Cattaraugus county. Administration for the NYSCA Decentralization Programs in Allegany and Chautauqua counties were added in 2003 and 2009. This program administered by us on behalf of New York State, brings thousands of dollars of funding to small arts and cultural organizations throughout our region every year and is one of the cornerstones of our organization.
 
In the years to follow, our mission grew, striving to improve the quality of life across the region by elevating the place of arts and culture in our area through education, advocacy and events. However, lacking a street presence was a hindrance to the further growth of the organization, and a move to a new location on Main Street in Allegany was initiated in 2011. At that new location a retail space was launched for artists to sell their work and allowed for an expanded pottery and studio space. Classes for both adults and students, professional development for artists, and partnerships made with the Olean Area Chamber of Commerce helped to provide us with increased visibility and recognition.
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2019 Grand Opening
In 2018, after 20 years of service to the region, we officially changed our name to the Tri-County Arts Council, to better reflect the three county (Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua) communities we serve. 

In 2019, we underwent another exciting milestone, moving to our new home in a restored 1920s building at 110 W State St in Olean. A building, which was previously set for demolition. This move reinforced our desire to showcase the important impact that the creative economy can have on economic development and community revitalization. 

​We hope you’ll join us in taking a class, shopping in our Artisan Market, or becoming a member in support of our local arts and culture!

Meet our Team!

Mikel Wintermantel, Executive Director
​ mikel@myartscouncil.net
Mikel Wintermantel is a nationally recognized Copley Master artist and unwavering supporter of the regional arts scene. He is also a local businessman in partnership with his brothers at Studio 4 East Screenprinting for more than 40 years. He has been an integral part of the Arts Council since its inception. After the Olean Arts Association dissolved in the early 80's Wintermantel held informal meetings with area artists and musicians in his studio on a monthly basis for years. He is driven to build the Tri-County Arts Council into the thriving, vibrant community of creatives it has all the potential to be. His work and CV can be seen here: www.mikelwintermantel.com
Sean Huntington, Exhibitions Coordinator & Media Development SDHuntingtonartscouncil@gmail.com
​Nemophilist : \Ne*moph"i*list\, n.
One who is fond of forest or forest scenery; a haunter of the woods.
Sean Huntington grew up in Derrick City Pennsylvania just outside the Allegheny National Forest. Being surrounded by woodlands in an unpopulated area caused an initial lack of social skills but created an intense interest in the natural world. He maintains a studio in Western New York state where he does his best impression of a big and tall version of Bob Ross . Most days Sean can be found there, unless on the road to one of many art festivals  around the United States. ​https://www.seanstrees.com/
Geraldine Nash Smith, Ceramics Studio Director
Geraldine Nash Smith received her BS in Studio Art from Nazareth College of Rochester and her MFA in Ceramics from the School of American Craft at Rochester Institute of Technology.
Geraldine has been teaching for over 30 years, ceramics and sculpture have been her main areas of instruction, but she has also taught design, drawing, painting and printmaking.  Her students have ranged from kindergarteners to young 78-year olds. Locally, she has taught at Olean JCC, Empire State College, St. Bonaventure University, and Archbishop Walsh/ Southern Tier Schools.
She lives in Olean with her husband Michael, they have two adult children, and they have one teenage daughter at home.
Allison Braun, Education Coordinator
artscouncilallison@gmail.com ​
Allison Braun is an artist, designer and maker. She has worked closely with many artist estates and has designed props for television, movies and commercials. Her background is in printmaking but she loves to explore different mediums. Community and creativity are very important to her, so she started an organization in 2018 that taught people self-expression through creative thinking. They held many workshops and two festivals. In 2020 she moved to Allegany, NY and is very excited to be working with the Tri-County Arts Council. ​​
Victoria Kearns, Media Consultant and Writer
vickieartscouncil@gmail.com 
Victoria Kearns has a deep appreciation for fine art, music, and literature. She was named an award-winning journalist by the National Catholic Press Association and has written for several Western New York daily and weekly newspapers.  She has a master's degree in pastoral ministry and has worked as a hospital chaplain. Recently she has provided writing and media relation services to non-profits in Western New York and Portland, Oregon.  She grew up in Buffalo.
Lisa Conklin Conn, Kiln Master
Lisa C Conn is a clay artist and owner of Conklin Studio Pottery which is located in the Allegheny National Forest area of Pennsylvania. She creates sculpted pieces from stoneware and porcelain, suitable for both garden and home. Her creations capture the whimsical side of the flora and fauna found in this region. All pieces are hand built, hand glazed and no molds are used.
Lisa is a juried artisan of the Pennsylvania Wilds and also a PA Wilds branded licensee. Her work can be found throughout the region at various galleries, host sites and shops.
Tri-County Arts Council programs and services are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of  Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Additional support comes from the Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, community business sponsors, and private memberships and donations.