P’ville Arts Center nears completion

By Rachel Zuckerman | Manor Ink

In the former Tefereth Israel Anshei Synagogue in Parksville, there are new things being brought to life and light. Nearing the completion of renovations, the Parksville Arts Center has big plans for using the old building on Main Street for art installations, live music, film screenings and community gatherings.

When first entering the space, one is greeted by quite a sight – the original high tin ceiling with its beautiful intricate design, which PAC co-founder Adrian Perlmutter expects they will paint a brilliant gold. The renovation work, supported by a NY Restore grant, is keeping as many elements of the old synagogue as possible, including the original Torah cabinet, plaques from the building’s history, the original oak flooring, congregation benches, stunning windows and balcony where the women would sit during religious services. That feature will serve as an elevated place from which to watch PAC events. A new lighting system is also being installed and the walls will get jewel-like paint to go with the overall gold vibe.

Local artists James Karpowicz and Zach Mack are contributing elements to the renovations, including a planned outdoor sitting area overlooking the Little Beaverkill Creek which runs behind the building.

But where did this inspiration begin? Perlmutter and her husband Todd, whom she met when they were both working with the Blue Man Group, bought the building in 2020 with the idea, at first, to turn it into a recording studio.

“We just thought that it was a fantastic space,” said Perlmutter. “To use it as an art center is something that we can share with the community and bring energy, creativity and communal activity back to Parksville.”

Perlmutter said that she believes the synagogue was built in 1930 and was in use until the 1960s. She expects the opening will occur toward the end of this summer. For more information, or to support work on the building, visit parksvilleartscenter.com.