53 Pioneer Project
Help Us Create a New Home for Creativity, Learning & Connection
Imagine a place where artists, students, families, and art-lovers of all ages and backgrounds can come together to inspire, create, and connect. That’s the vision for 53 Pioneer—a vibrant, year-round center for artistic expression and cultural enrichment in the heart of Cooperstown. The Cooperstown Art Association and The Smithy are working together to transform this historic 1826 structure into a flexible, state-of-the-art arts facility designed to serve artists and the community for generations to come. And we need your help to make it a reality!
A Historic Building. A New Future.
53 Pioneer will rehabilitate an iconic Cooperstown structure while preserving its architectural integrity and creating a modern interior designed for open space, movement, flexibility, and community use. Local architects Teresa Drerup and Virginia Ofer of Cooperstown have been retained to create an interior that maximizes flexibility and utility. A $640,000 New York Forward grant has jump-started the project. But completing this transformation will require a total investment of $2+ million.
Your support can help turn this historic building into a dynamic center where creativity thrives year-round.
About 53 Pioneer Project
What Will 53 Pioneer Offer?
Space to Create Dedicated instructional studio space will give artists and students the tools and environment they need to explore painting, sculpture, digital arts, cooking, and more. Opportunities to Learn New arts education programs will provide opportunities for children, teens, and adults to explore their creativity, develop new skills, and experiment with new media and techniques. A Place to See & Share Art Flexible display space will support art-related retail, presentations, exhibitions, and opportunities for artists to connect with the public. A Place to Gather 53 Pioneer will provide a welcoming gathering space where residents can connect, collaborate, and celebrate the rich cultural community of our region.
Designed for Creativity on Every Floor
GROUND FLOOR A commissary kitchen will support culinary arts classes and demonstrations, with an adjacent professionally designed outdoor garden space for receptions and local events.
FIRST FLOOR A flexible display space will include areas for art-related retail and presentations.
SECOND FLOOR Dedicated classroom space will support instruction in drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, jewelry design, and more—giving artists and the public opportunities to experiment with new media and techniques.
Why 53 Pioneer Matters
Restoring a Local Treasure This project will give new life to a historic 1826 Cooperstown structure while preserving its architectural character and creating a modern, adaptable interior for today's community. Enriching Lives Arts and culture foster creativity, critical thinking, and emotional well-being. 53 Pioneer will create more opportunities for people of all ages to experience the arts, learn new skills, and connect with one another. Supporting Local Artists A dedicated arts facility will provide artists in our rural community with the resources, opportunities, and exposure they need to succeed. Creating a Vibrant Year-Round Downtown Presence 53 Pioneer will create a place for people to gather, learn, create, and experience the arts throughout the year—helping build a stronger, more connected community.
A $2 Million Investment in Our Community
Transforming 53 Pioneer into a state-of-the-art arts center is projected to require a $2 million investment.
Preliminary Project Costs
• Construction — $940,000
• Architect — $35,000
• Engineering — $65,000
• Construction Management — $225,000
• Furnishings — $150,000
• Landscaping — $130,000
• Financing — $115,000
• Temporary Staffing — $20,000
• Marketing — $20,000
• Consulting — $100,000
• Contingency — $200,000
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $2,000,000
Be Part of the Future of 53 Pioneer
Every contribution brings us closer to our goal. We have secured bridge-loan financing to enable construction to begin as soon as possible. Your support over a five-year pledge period will help us satisfy this debt expeditiously. There are also naming opportunities available for those who wish to honor a loved one or leave a lasting legacy by naming a space within the facility. Whether through a multi-year pledge, a naming gift, or a contribution of any size, your support will help create a place where art thrives, creativity flourishes, and our community comes together.
Help Us Shape the Region's Cultural Future and support the 53 Pioneer Project today. Together, We Can Build Something Special The 53 Pioneer Project is more than a building renovation. It is an investment in creativity, education, local artists, community connection, and the cultural future of Cooperstown and the surrounding region. With your support, a historic building can become a vibrant new home for the arts. Help us bring 53 Pioneer to life.