In 1998, the Infinity concept was developed as an opportunity for aspiring young musicians to build and enhance their creative talents and performance skills under the supervision and guidance of local, professional musicians and educators. The name Infinity was chosen to represent the potential for future growth and participation for youth throughout the community.What began in a parent’s living room in 1998 with a group of seven talented young musicians has evolved into a multifaceted, innovative music and arts education nonprofit organization housed in a 14,000 sq. ft. performance and learning center.
Infinity now serves more than 2,000 students annually in various program components.
The Infinity Center provides a unique environment and experience for a broad cross-section of area young people. Program access is guaranteed to any student demonstrating a desire to pursue learning in the visual and performing arts, without regard to gender, ethnicity, social or religious background, prior experience, performance level, or ability to pay.
Infinity is a place where creative growth is cultivated and nurtured by a networked team of dedicated adult mentors, community supporters, and area music and arts professionals.
A place for young musicians, artists, actors, and dancers to Explore! Experience! Excel!
Infinity Timeline
- November, 1998: The “Infinity Performing Arts Project” is founded by Ron Graham, a group of community leaders, and interested parents. Instruction is given in private homes until space is leased from the Arts Council for Chautauqua County in the Swanson Building, on Third Street, in downtown Jamestown, NY.
- January, 2005: “Infinity Performing Arts Project” is renamed “Infinity Performing Arts Program,” and is spun off from the Arts Council for Chautauqua County to become an independent New York corporation.
- October, 2005: Federal nonprofit 501(c)(3) status is achieved.
- September, 2006: Infinity relocates to larger (5,300 square foot) facility at 115 E. 3rd Street in Jamestown.
- December, 2008: Infinity’s Founder and Executive Director Ron Graham retires.
- January-July, 2009: Eric Pearson serves as interim Executive Director.
- September, 2009: Infinity’s Program Coordinator, Shane Hawkins is named Executive Director.
- January, 2010: A concentrated rebranding/marketing effort and strategic plan to reinvent and restructure Infinity is developed.
- July, 2010: Summer Camp is introduced as a new Infinity opportunity.
- September, 2010: Infinity’s name is legally changed to “Infinity Visual and Performing Arts, Inc.” to reflect expanded programming.
- January, 2011: Instruction in art, dance, and theater are added to Infinity opportunities.
- September, 2011: Infinity expands by leasing 3,600 adjacent square feet of space, increasing the size of the facility to 8,600 square feet to accommodate the growing art and dance programs.
- October, 2014: In order to accommodate a growing number of students, the Infinity Center relocates to a new, custom-designed facility on the ground floor of the Lynn Building, at 301 East 2nd St. This move was made possible thanks to generous help and support from local and regional funders, private donations, and a grassroots community fundraising campaign. The new space provides 14,100 sq. ft. of learning and performance space.
- August, 2019: Planning begins for a new satellite location and community arts space ‘Pearl City Clay House’ which will be dedicated to serving families, adults, and visitors in Chautauqua County. All Pearl City Clay House profits are ear-marked to further support youth programming at the Infinity Center.
- March, 2020: Infinity moves to 100% Virtual programming in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
- September, 2020: Infinity resumes limited in-person lessons
- March, 2021: Infinity resumes fully in-person operations at the Infinity Center.
- December, 2021: Construction begins as 100% of Pearl City Clay House construction funding is secured thanks to the generosity of local foundations and community supporters.
- November, 2022: Pearl City Clay House opens at 220 East 2nd St in Downtown Jamestown.
