Bethany Arts Community
40 Somerstown Road
Ossining, NY 10562
Tel.: 914-944-4278
E–mail: info@bethanyarts.org
URL: Bethany Arts Community
Our Mission
Our mission is to create a space and environment where the many forms of art can be learned, produced and flourish. Artists of all ages and levels of experience are welcome to explore and create art that the community can experience and be engaged in while enhancing their perception and perspective of the world. BAC aims to inspire sharing, connection and collaboration in a culture designed for the benefit of the local community and beyond.
History In The Making
Originally, the property was owned by the Maryknoll Foreign Mission Sisters of St. Dominic who purchased the original structure known as “the Clark House” after the house had been destroyed in a 1924 fire and built the convent on the remaining foundation. The property was referred to as the Bethany Rest House. In 1951, a 3 story dormitory and dining wing was added, as well as a chapel. The structure contained 49 sleeping units, cafeteria, a chapel and office space and served as the retreat home of the convent. The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers took over the property in 1958. In 1979, the building was designated for the lay Missionary Program, a use adjunct to Maryknoll’s Main Campus. The property was sold to Bethany Arts Community (BAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in September 2015.
Founded in May of 2015 by David Lyons, Bethany Arts Community, Inc. is aspiring to be a leading center for arts creation, instruction and appreciation. BAC will offer a wide range of programs and services designed to help the many forms of art be taught, produced, and flourish.
The 44,000 square foot building set on 25 serene acres of mostly wooded land is beneficial in fulfilling BAC’s mission. The plan for the space will enhance the scope of cultural opportunities for the community, In a way that will not disrupt the natural tranquility of the site or the character of the surrounding neighborhood. The need has never been greater for a place artists and arts groups can call home.
Our Facilities
The Bethany Arts Community campus is located in Ossining, NY, a historic Hudson River Valley town just 40 miles north of New York City. Situated on 25 serene and picturesque acres our facilities combine a charming 1920’s period building with a later addition of a 1950’s dormitory and instructional style wing.
Facilities include:
- 44,000 sq ft. facility
- 25 wooded acres to explore nature & inspire
- Former chapel converted into a 99-seat performance venue, with flexible seating and modular stage for multiple configurations (proscenium, thrust, theater in the round, exhibition)
- Up to 27 individual artist studios
- Up to 27 sleeping units – from single dorm rooms to multi-bedroom apartments
- 1,560 sq. ft of rehearsal and performance space outfitted with sprung floor for dance and movement arts
- Multiple teaching/workshop spaces
- Large commercial kitchen
BAC is surrounded by abundant perennial beds, expansive lawns and a fruit orchard. BAC is preserving its historic structure while providing the community with a range of accessible arts programs and creating opportunities that will draw global artists to our region.
We offer children’s and adult programs, a performance venue, multiple galleries, rehearsal spaces, affordable studio spaces, short-term artist residencies, a public sculpture garden and meditation trail.