The Telegraph School Grand RE-Opening Party

After over a year of renovations, The Telegraph School will be hosting a Grand Re-opening Party on Friday, July 3 at 5pm at 83 Alden St, Cherry Valley, NY.

Enjoy an exhibition of artwork and a talk by visual artist Anastasiia Starukhina, the First Friday Open Mic, and the announcement of the formation of the new ReGathering non-profit.  A decoration creation table and refreshments will also be available.

The doors of the Telegraph School will be re-opening to the public after a year and a half of renovations overseen by historic preservationist/contractor Steve Zerby. “It has been a labor of love and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back,” said director Angelica Palmer. “The renovations are funded by historic tax credits and a legal settlement from the passing of my sister Vanessa Bley.  Her spirit is a big part of our focus: building community through art and nature.”

The event is partially funded by a Community Events grant from the Otsego County Board of Representatives.  Otsego County Board Rep for Cherry Valley, Leslie Berliant, said, “The Telegraph School has been such an important anchor in Cherry Valley, promoting art and creative expression, and bringing people together. I’m glad that the County is able to offer this support as you re-open and start your 6th year of providing such an important service to the community.”

What to expect

The celebration will begin at 5pm with refreshments and a paper crafting table, where you can create colorful paper chains, tissue paper flower garlands, and origami paper cranes to decorate the space.  People are encouraged to write their special messages and hopes for the future inside their paper creations.  The exhibition “Small Silly Things,” by artist Anastasiia Starukhina will be on display at The Telegraph School for the month of July, and she will be giving an artist talk at 6pm.

About the artist

Anastasiia Starukhina is a multidisciplinary artist, holistic doula, and art facilitator based in the mountains of upstate New York. A mother of six and the author of the book “40 Days After Birth,” her work explores the inner transitions of life — birth, motherhood, loss, renewal, and personal transformation.  “The title Small Silly Things isn’t about the scale of the work. It’s about the quiet moments that often go unnoticed—the small acts of making that help us process change, create belonging, and stay connected to ourselves,” Starukhina explains.

Anastasiia combines visual art, craft, and traditional women’s practices to create spaces for reflection and initiation. She works as an Art Facilitator at the Kirkland Art Center (KAC) in Clinton, New York, and her workshops often draw inspiration from nature, seasonal rhythms, and the wisdom of handmade objects. Through simple materials — clay, plaster, textiles, botanical forms — she invites participants to slow down, work with their hands, and connect with their inner experience.

First Friday Open Mic

Following the Artist Talk with Starukhina, there will be the monthly First Friday Open Mic. Now in its sixth year, it has become a community hub of creative expression for people of all ages in the area.  The public is invited to share their poetry, music, stories, comedy, dance or whatever stirs their spirit.

Also during this time, The Telegraph School will announce the formation of ReGathering, an innovative nonprofit whose mission is to develop community and connection through performing arts, nature, & creative processes. Through education, gatherings, art, and performances, they aim to foster collaboration, personal growth, community resilience, and a strong relationship to nature. In doing so, they uplift our rural community and invite folks beyond our area to join them in discovering, sharing, creating, and re-creating traditions.

Learn more about the Telegraph School and their upcoming summer programming at www.thetelegraphschool.org.