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JAMESTOWN, NY (September 2026) – Infinity Visual and Performing Arts is excited to welcome Jennifer Coe as their new Program Director. Jennifer is joining the Infinity Team as they begin their 28th year of providing arts education and creative opportunities for children and teens throughout the region.

Coe brings more than 20 years of experience in youth development, education, and nonprofit work to the position. A graduate of Frewsburg Central School, Jamestown Community College, and the University at Buffalo, her professional background includes work with several nonprofit organizations, serving as a student support coordinator, and teaching Anthropology and Sociology courses as an adjunct instructor at SUNY JCC.

As Program Director, Coe will work closely with Infinity’s students, families, instructors, and community partners to coordinate classes, workshops, and other programming across the organization. She will also help support Infinity’s ongoing efforts to connect young people with meaningful opportunities to explore the arts, develop new skills, and grow through creative experiences.

Coe has a strong personal interest in both the outdoors and the arts and especially enjoys helping beginning artists discover success and enjoyment while learning new skills. In her new role at Infinity, she looks forward to advocating for the importance of the arts and helping students and families find opportunities to participate, learn, and create.

Jennifer shares, “I am thrilled to be taking on the role of Program Director at Infinity. Having seen firsthand the transformative role that arts and creativity play in the role of youth, my goal is to actively support the mission of Infinity’s incredible presence in the community.  It is ever important to expand opportunities for area youth to explore their passions for music, art, dance and theater, while continuing to foster a safe and inspiring environment where every student feels empowered to find their voice.”

Coe lives in Gerry with her dogs, Max, Panda, and Mosquito Fluff.

Infinity Visual and Performing Arts is a nonprofit organization that provides music, art, dance, theater, and other arts instruction and experiences for children and teens throughout the Chautauqua County region. Through private lessons, group classes, performances, workshops, community partnerships, and other programming, Infinity creates opportunities for young people to grow, learn, and lead through active participation in the arts.

For more information about Infinity and their programs, or to learn more about the Infinity Team, visit www.infinityperformingarts.org.

From left to right, Infinity Students: Kassidy Marchiando, Abagail Batchelor, Jyxie White, Camden Claus, Zayden Odebralski, and Parker Liffner.

JAMESTOWN, NY (August 2026) – Infinity Visual and Performing Arts is honored to receive a With Youth For Youth grant, selected by young people through the WNY WYFY youth-led grantmaking process. Infinity’s program was chosen because it reflects what youth reviewers were looking for: meaningful youth voice, clear benefits for young people, strong community impact, and a responsible plan to use funds to expand opportunities for youth.

The WYFY Youth Advisory Board just directed more than $2 million in With Youth For Youth grants to 40 out-of-school time and youth sports programs across the nine-county region. The 24-member WYFY Youth Advisory Board of young people ages 13–17 designed the process, reviewed applications, and selected recipients. Real decisions. Real dollars. Led by young people.

At Infinity, student voices help to shape programming as a consistent organizational practice, with many classes, workshops, and special events developing directly from student interests and feedback. The With Youth For Youth grant will allow Infinity to build on that tradition by expanding its After School Creators program, and increasing the number of group classes, workshops, student community nights, leadership opportunities, performance experiences, and student-planned field trips.

As part of the initiative, Infinity’s Teen Advisory Committee will work alongside Infinity staff and teaching artists to provide feedback on future classes, workshops, field trip destinations, and student activities. While Infinity’s core programming staff will oversee implementation, the committee will help ensure new opportunities reflect student interests and ideas while continuing the organization’s long-standing commitment to listening to the young people it serves.

“This award is especially meaningful because it reflects the confidence that young people from all across Western New York have placed in Infinity and the work we do every day,” said Shane Hawkins, Executive Director of Infinity Visual and Performing Arts, Inc. “Our mission has always been to create opportunities where young people can grow, learn, and lead through the arts. This grant allows us to expand those opportunities while giving our own students an even stronger voice in shaping the experiences they want to see at Infinity. We’re so excited to bring these new ideas to life together!”

For nearly 28 years, Infinity has created a welcoming environment where young people can grow, learn, and lead through participation in the visual and performing arts. Each year, approximately 350 students participate in Infinity’s on-site programming, receiving more than 12,000 private lessons and over 4,200 hours of group instruction. Infinity also serves approximately 1,100 additional youth annually through school and community partnerships while providing nearly $40,000 in need-based scholarships to help ensure financial circumstances never become a barrier to participation.

As Infinity prepares for the launch of these expanded opportunities, the organization is also seeking additional teaching artists in a variety of artistic disciplines to support growing programming. Registration is currently open for the 2026-27 program year, and families interested in learning more about Infinity are invited to attend Infini-Con, Infinity’s free community open house and mini convention event on Friday, August 28 from 4-7pm. The event will feature facility tours, cosplay, opportunities to meet instructors, hands-on creative activities, and information about the wide variety of music, visual arts, dance, theater, and performance opportunities available throughout the upcoming year.

“The most impactful ideas often come directly from the young people we serve,” Hawkins added. “This investment gives us the opportunity to listen even more intentionally, create even more collaboratively, and continue building a place where every student knows their voice matters and feels ownership and belonging within our Infinity community.”

For more information about Infinity, visit www.infinityperformingarts.org.

About WNY With Youth For Youth (WYFY)
Afterschool With Youth for Youth (WYFY) is a multifaceted initiative empowering young people to redesign afterschool programming from the ground up. Coordinated by Youthprise and funded by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, the project connects five partner sites across the United States working to build sustainable youth leadership infrastructures rooted in equity, shared power, and design thinking. Through collaborative design thinking sessions and paid youth participation, WYFY centers young people as creators and leaders of their own learning experiences, helping afterschool systems amplify youth voices and transform educational opportunities.

About the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
For more than a century, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has enhanced and encouraged long-term philanthropy in the Western New York community. A 501(c)(3) organization, the Community Foundation’s mission is connecting people, ideas, and resources to improve lives in Western New York. Established in 1919, the Community Foundation has made the most of the generosity of individuals, families, foundations, and organizations who entrust charitable assets to the Community Foundation’s care. Learn more at cfgb.org.

About the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is a grantmaking organization dedicated primarily to sustained investment in the quality of life of the people of Southeast Michigan and Western New York. The two areas reflect the devotion of Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. to his hometown of Detroit and greater Buffalo, home of his beloved Buffalo Bills NFL team. Prior to his passing in 2014, Mr. Wilson provided that a significant share of his estate be used to continue a life-long generosity of spirit by funding the Foundation that bears his name. Based in Detroit, the Foundation began with a grantmaking capacity of $1.2 billion over a 20-year period, which expires January 8, 2035. This structure is consistent with Mr. Wilson’s desire for the Foundation’s impact to be immediate, substantial, measurable, and overseen by those who knew him best.
For more information about the Foundation, visit rcwjrf.org.

JAMESTOWN (May 2026) – As the warmer months begin, Infinity Visual and Performing Arts, Inc. is inviting families, individuals, and community members to get outside and explore through the return of its Ultimate Adventure Challenge.

Now underway, the 2026 challenge runs from May 1 through December 31 and encourages participants to visit a variety of outdoor locations, including local hiking trails, public spaces, and outdoor art installations. Participants document their experiences by taking photos at each stop, working toward a goal of completing 24 adventures over the course of the season.

Designed with flexibility in mind, the program allows participants to explore at their own pace, whether close to home or while traveling. Many families incorporate the challenge into weekend outings, summer plans, vacations, and everyday opportunities to spend time together outdoors.

“We see this as more than just a challenge,” said Stephanie Rogers, Executive Assistant. “It’s a way for people to reconnect with the community around them, discover places they may not have visited before, and spend meaningful time together.”

Infinity’s Ultimate Adventure Challenge has become a familiar seasonal tradition for many participants, both locally and nation-wide, offering a simple and engaging way to stay active while exploring their own region’s natural and cultural spaces.

Participants who complete all 24 locations receive a certificate of completion, along with a commemorative patch and sticker designed by Infinity art instructor Ash Pickering.

In addition to encouraging outdoor exploration, the challenge also supports Infinity’s youth programming. Proceeds from registration help provide arts education opportunities for young people in the region, reinforcing the non-profit organization’s mission to create and sustain an environment where students can grow, learn, and lead through the arts.

Community members of all ages are invited to participate.
Visit www.infinityperformingarts.org/adventurechallenge for more information.

2026 IUAC Sponsors include: Axiom Office Imaging, Courier Capital LLC, Greater Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, Heron Farm and Event Center, Honest John’s, Larson Orthodontics, Merrill Lynch of Jamestown, Saxton, Kocur, and Associates,  Three Sixty Graphics, and Wegmans (Lakewood).

Left to Right: Makayla Santiago-Frobel (Board Vice President), Jessica Mack, Jacob Brock, Justin March (Board President), and Jason Stronz (Board Treasurer) sign Infinity’s 2025 Annual Campaign letters.

With pens in hand and a deep belief in the power of the arts, members of the Infinity Visual and Performing Arts Board of Directors gathered this week to personally help sign hundreds of letters to launch the organization’s 2025 Annual Campaign.

This marks the beginning of Infinity’s yearly grassroots effort to sustain its mission: providing consistent, affordable access to music and arts education for more than 1,000 students each year across Chautauqua County. Infinity’s staff and Board members are working together to share the stories and successes of Infinity students and to invite the community to be part of that story.

“Infinity has always been about people—our students, our instructor mentors, our team, and our community,” said Shane Hawkins, Executive Director. “This campaign is a reflection of that. It’s built on the generosity of neighbors who believe in the creative potential and future success of our youngest community members.”

Infinity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and fundraising is a vital part of what makes its programming possible. Each year, community contributions help sustain the scholarships, group classes, performance opportunities, and mentorship experiences that define the Infinity experience.

During the 2023–2024 program year, Infinity provided 10,834 private lessons and more than 1,200 group classes in music, art, dance, and theater. Students come to Infinity through strong word-of-mouth, family referrals, and year-round community outreach. The organization prides itself on offering a welcoming, inclusive environment where young people can safely explore and grow.

Board President, Justin March, shared, “We are proud to be hands-on in this work—not just approving budgets, but showing up to be part of the process. It’s an honor to help launch this campaign and support a program that changes lives.”

Infinity’s Annual Campaign runs through the end of June. Updates and stories from the campaign can be found at www.infinityperformingarts.org or by following Infinity on Facebook or Instagram. Community members who wish to support Infinity’s mission can learn more by visiting www.infinityperformingarts.org or calling (716) 664-0991.

For 26 years, Infinity has remained committed to helping students Explore! Experience! and Excel! in the arts—with support from the community that believes in them.

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Infinity Visual and Performing Arts is proud to announce the return of Emily Strong to their team of instructors and the addition of Heidi LeBarron. Emily is teaching voice, theater, and Infinite Exploration lessons, while Heidi is teaching piano.

Emily Strong

Emily Strong is an accomplished educator and artist with a bachelor’s degree in Visual Art and Theater, as well as a master’s degree in Elementary Education. She is thrilled to return to Infinity Visual and Performing Arts, after a hiatus that took her to New York City in 2015 and back to her beloved hometown in 2020. During the day, Emily loves her work as a local public school elementary art teacher. With a wealth of experience as a visual art, vocal and guitar instructor, she also shines as a singer-songwriter, composer, and musical theater performer. Over the years, Emily has performed in many musical theatre productions as well as with various Rock bands, including her notable 2014 gig as the opening act for the legendary comedian Bob Newhart with her band, “The Distractions.” She writes and records original music that can be found on her website: EmilyStrongMusic.com or streamed on Spotify and Apple Music under Emily Strong Music.

Emily’s artistic journey is deeply influenced by her early experiences in high school, where she thrived in a supportive environment that encouraged her creativity. Passionate about fostering that same nurturing atmosphere, she is dedicated to guiding and inspiring young artists today.

Additionally, Emily has honed her skills by studying voice and acting with renowned Broadway veterans Jan Horvath and Keith Buterbaugh and at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theater in NYC. Her commitment to education and the arts continues to shape her mission of empowering the next generation of creators.

Heidi LeBarron

Heidi has been playing piano since she was 4. She was a music major at Jamestown Community College, history major at SUNY Fredonia, and Applied Intelligence major at Mercyhurst University. At JCC, she also participated in stage crew for the Scharmann Theatre, concert and jazz band, choir, and rock ensemble. As a child, she participated in the Chautauqua Association for Musicians Under 21. In the community, Heidi has performed in the Living Christmas Tree at First Covenant Church, and taught piano lessons privately. Currently, she plays on the worship team at Joy Fellowship Free Methodist Church. She enjoys furthering her ear training and learning new versions of pieces she played as a child.

Infinity Visual and Performing Arts is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing quality instruction in the visual and performing arts to students of all ages and abilities. We offer a variety of classes and workshops in music, dance, theater, and visual arts.

For more information about Infinity, or to register for lessons with any of the instructor mentors at Infinity during our 2024-2025 Program Year, please visit www.infinityperformingarts.org/register.

Join us on Saturday, January 25th, for Doors Open Jamestown—a city-wide celebration of local businesses, organizations, and attractions! Infinity Visual and Performing Arts is thrilled to be participating in this exciting day with fun, family-friendly activities at both our main location and our Pearl City Clay House satellite studio.

🎶 At The Infinity Center (301 East 2nd St, Suite 101):

• Instrument Petting Zoo: Try out a variety of instruments and discover your inner musician!
• Photo Booth: Snap a fun picture to remember the day.
• Stage/Karaoke Experience: Show off your vocal talent or enjoy the spotlight with friends!

🎨 At Pearl City Clay House (220 East 2nd St):

• $5 Ugly Sweater Ornament Project: Get creative and craft your own one-of-a-kind holiday keepsake. There will be a prize for the best ugly sweater ornament!
• Paint Your Own Pottery Studio: Walk-ins are welcome to pick and paint a pottery piece of your choice.
• Regularly Scheduled Classes: Explore a variety of creative workshops and activities throughout the day.

Doors Open Jamestown is your chance to explore the vibrant community of Jamestown while supporting local organizations and businesses. Whether you’re making music at Infinity or crafting at Pearl City Clay House, there’s something for everyone!

📅 Mark your calendar for Saturday, January 25th, and come celebrate the arts with us. We can’t wait to see you there!

Infinity is thrilled to host our Annual Holiday Art Market on Saturday, December 7 just in time for the holiday season! With the Downtown Jamestown Christmas Parade happening later that evening, it’s the perfect opportunity to shop local, support area artists, and get into the festive spirit before the city’s holiday celebrations begin.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, December 7
• Time: 10am-4pm
• Two Locations:
  Infinity Center (301 East 2nd St, Jamestown, NY) & Pearl City Clay House (220 East 2^nd St)
• Admission: Free and open to the public

The Holiday Art Market will be open from 10am-4pm, offering a unique shopping experience with handcrafted items, artwork, and specialty gifts by talented local artisans. You’ll find everything from ceramics and jewelry to fine art, holiday decor, and one-of-a-kind gifts, making it easy to check off everyone on your holiday list while supporting local artists and creators.

Participating Vendors:
Artsy Kitten Studios, Ash Pickering Art, Dandelions and Dreams, Jamestown Community College’s: SAC’D Club, Jyxie’s Jewelry, Kaylee Gabalski, Kristen and Mike Brunacini, Lex the Hayes Art Studio, Lilac Sundries & Letterpress, Melanie’s Handmade Crafts and Jewelry, Pearl City Clay House Members, Powers’ Handmade Creations, Renee Boardman, Sam Gast Arts, Studio Julep, The Goulden Girls, Wonder & Revelry, AND MORE!

Event Sponsors:
Infinity would like to extend a big thank you to our event sponsors, whose support makes this new holiday tradition possible:

Brasted House, Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua Sunrise, Courier Capital LLC, Cynthia Woltz Insurance Agency, D&S Glass, David J. Snow Insurance Agency, Greater Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, Indulge Salon, JB Liquor, Lena’s Pizza, Merrill Lynch, Moran’s Floor Store, Raynor’s Liquor, Sanders Electric, Saxton, Kocur & Associates, The Pub, Three-Sixty Graphics, and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 865

For just $5, guests of all ages can also enjoy a hands-on, make-and-take craft experience and face painting at the Infinity Center or paint a limited-edition ornament at Pearl City Clay House, making the Holiday Art Market a fantastic start to a day full of Jamestown holiday festivities. Raffle Baskets will also be available. Raffle Tickets are $1/ticket or $10 for an arm’s-length!

Admission to the event is free, and 100% of donations and proceeds from programs during the event directly support Infinity’s youth arts programming. Participating vendors retain 100% of the proceeds from their sales.

Make a Day of it!
After a day of shopping local, head over to the Downtown Jamestown Christmas Parade and continue the holiday fun with the entire community. We can’t wait to celebrate this special season with you and encourage everyone to stop by, shop, and support local artists!