Village of Lewiston, Niagara County, State Senate honor Artpark

By Joshua Maloni

GM/Managing Editor

All summer, Artpark & Company has celebrated its 50^th anniversary season with special concerts, events and programming.

On Monday, the staff behind the performing and visual arts venue was honored, as was the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The Village of Lewiston Board of Trustees, Niagara County Legislature Chairwoman Becky Wydysh and Director of Communications for New York State Sen. Rob Ortt Matthew Mosher presented proclamations of appreciation to Artpark & Company Interim President Dave Wedekindt and State Parks Niagara Region Deputy Director Vincent Iacovitti.

Mayor Anne Welch said, “Hard to believe it’s been 50 years.”

She added, “Artpark has had many changes over the years, and continues to reinvent themselves to keep pace with our ever-changing times. It has played host to some of the most widely known bands and musicians. … Many famous leading artists – which are too numerous to name – have performed at Artpark, and continue to perform for the enjoyment of all.

“The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation maintains this beautiful park and is recently completing a comprehensive set of trails in Artpark State Park, which will improve pedestrian and vehicle flows. This allows the park to be better connected to the Village of Lewiston and existing trails in the lower Niagara River Region.”

Wydysh said, “I think, for a lot of us – especially people who didn't grow up in Lewiston – Artpark is Lewiston for a lot of people; it’s the first reason they have to come to Lewiston. And from there, we all found other reasons we love Lewiston.”

She added, “I absolutely love to see all of the people that come in, go to our restaurants and our bars, maybe notice some shops and decide that they need to come back and visit again because of what they saw that night that they were here.”

In response to the accolades, Iacovitti said, “I want to thank the board members and mayor for your continued support of Artpark State Park. It really is through the partnerships that we have that really have made it a success over the last 50 years – and 50 more. We appreciate everything. And our partnership with Artpark & Company – they truly are the reason and the magic behind Artpark State Park, and the reason it is such the success it is today.”

Wedekindt said, “It means a lot. It’s an honor to be here in this organization, and the 50^th anniversary, and looking forward for those next 50 years – and building our relationship and our friendship – and very soon sharing very exciting plans with you on how Artpark’s going to be even bigger and better.”

The Earl W. Brydges Artpark is operated by Artpark & Company for New York State Parks under a long-term collaborative agreement.

Wedekindt, Trustee Tina Coppins, Welch and Iacovitti.

Wedekindt, Mosher, Wydysh and Iacovitti.