Batavia arts group puts away palette

The Batavia Artists Guild is disbanding, in large part because no one is willing to lead the group and its role in supporting artists doesn’t seem as necessary as it once was.

The 18-year-old league voted on ceasing operations in February and announced it Wednesday.

According to former President Gail Fitzsimmons, the group felt it was OK to disband, since there are more opportunities for artists in the Tri-Cities than there were in 1993.

Geneva, St. Charles and Batavia have all added art shows or art festivals throughout the year, and there is Water Street Studios artists’ cooperative in downtown Batavia.

“There are a lot of alternatives for artists ... it is not like it is going to be a huge loss,” Fitzsimmons said.

The guild used to put on exhibits at the Batavia Public Library and the Batavia Government Center, but fewer and fewer people were attending, Fitzsimmons pointed out. The guild conducted art and essay contests for youths, and did things like “Art on the Riverwalk” public painting days.

Money left in the group’s treasury is being donated to the library to buy books about the creation and enjoyment of art.