Dansville ArtWorks names new president
Dansville NY
At Dansville ArtWorks’ recent board meeting, founding member and president Nicole Alioto stepped down after nearly 11 years of service to the organization.
Alioto’s vision, dedication and contributions guided ArtWorks in the creation of an art space offering exhibition, gift shop and workshop operations in two Main Street locations. Early community art projects included ChalkWalk & Arts Fest, Fairy Doors of Dansville. and a Performing Arts & Open Mic Series, in addition to serving as a grant conduit for local artists including Cris Riedel and George Guida. Alioto shepherded ArtWorks as it evolved into a virtual organization post-Covid, where the nonprofit continues to support art in Dansville. Led by Jeanne Gridley and Susan DeMuth, Fairy Doors of Dansville is thriving and growing. Serving as the grant conduit for LivCo Walls Dansville mural dedication and festival in 2022 led to the formation of ArtWorks’ Mural Committee. This committee, led by Julee Acomb, managed the Clara Barton Mural Project and is working towards a 2026 mural. A new project, Eye-Imagine the Future Youth Art Exhibit, is underway this year thanks to Allie Oliver-Burns, and ArtWorks has served again as a grant conduit for local storyteller Cris Reidel’s 2025 program, Stories They Brought With Them.
Secretary Jeanne Gridley said it best, “We are all grateful for Nicole’s vision, energy, and enthusiasm that — combined with a small group of like-minded individuals — helped to form Dansville ArtWorks, which has continued to evolve and influence the arts in our area!”
At the same meeting, Vice President Samantha E. Davis was elected president. She has served on ArtWorks’ board since 2015. Davis, also a Dansville resident, holds a BA in Art from Daemon College (now Daemen University), is a working visual artist, and has been a member of WalMart’s management team for many years. Her artistic background and retail management experience have proved helpful to ArtWorks, and she volunteered her spare time generously to gallery operations. Davis consistently participated in ArtWorks’ exhibitions and led acrylic pour workshops. She is a strong supporter of fellow artists. Her position at WalMart enables ArtWorks to benefit from the WalMart Giving Fund. “The entire organization is grateful for Samantha’s commitment and dedication to ArtWorks and its mission,” states Salome Farraro, treasurer and Mural Committee member. “We are excited to head into our next chapter with her at the helm.”
Dansville ArtWorks Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to cultivate and enhance the visual, literary, and performing arts opportunities in the greater Dansville community. View its online presence at www.dansvilleartworks.com, on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Current board members include Samantha Davis, Jeanne Gridley, Salome Farraro, Cristine Riedel, Allie Oliver-Burns, Julee Acomb, Sonja Olbert, Susan DeMuth and Sara Zalewski.