Join us in reimagining the Adirondack experience through the power of the arts
Caroga Arts Collective brings the magic of music and community to the town of Caroga, year round
We are undertaking a comprehensive campaign to fund our campus master plan and expand the broader Caroga Arts experience for our audience, artists, and community. This will position Caroga Arts as a hub for arts, education, and an internationally renowned artists-in-residence program, while strengthening the economic and cultural impact for the entire region.
We are deeply grateful for the gifts raised so far
A Transformative Level of Philanthropic Support
Generous philanthropic support to date has made it possible to move forward with the completion of the Artist Lodge at Myhil and the Stagehouse at Sherman’s Park. This extraordinary level of community investment has allowed us to make long-awaited progress on these mission-critical projects. With your continued support, both facilities will open by Summer 2027.
Help Us Keep This Momentum Going
Your support is essential to maintaining this momentum and keeping these transformative projects on track. Your support will:
- Strengthen Caroga Arts’ role as a hub for the arts, education, and regional economic vitality
- Complete the Artist Lodge at Myhil and Stagehouse at Sherman’s Park
- Elevate and nurture our unique artist-in-residence and visiting artist programs
- Create more year-round programming that brings artists and audiences to the region
- Continue to bolster the economies of Fulton and Montgomery counties
- Grow the Caroga Lake Music Festival and its impact on the region
- Expand arts education opportunities for adults and children
This is just the beginning. Together, we can build a thriving, year-round arts destination that will serve the region for generations to come.
CAROGA ARTS’ CRESCENDO CIRCLE
A recognition initiative designed to honor those whose support provides the momentum needed to complete these transformative projects.
Crescendo Circle Membership
A new gift or accelerated pledge payment of $20,000 or more, made prior to December 1, 2026, secures membership in the Caroga Arts Crescendo Circle. Those giving $250,000 or more will be named First Chair Patrons of the Crescendo Circle. Gifts may be made by individuals, families, businesses, and groups of like-minded supporters.
Recognition & Benefits
Crescendo Circle members will receive distinctive and highly visible recognition, including an invitation to an annual gathering celebrating the opening and continued success of the amphitheater, and permanent recognition as part of Caroga Arts’ overall approach to acknowledging donors, including a special notation for First Chair Patrons.
A Lasting Imprint
Membership in the Crescendo Circle is more than recognition—it is a statement of leadership at a pivotal moment in Caroga Arts’ history. Your support helps ensure that these spaces will serve as vibrant centers for artistic expression, education, and community connection for generations to come.
In addition to the Crescendo Circle, we are proud to offer meaningful donor recognition opportunities that reflect both the significance of your contribution and the enduring impact of your generosity.
Our Complete Reimagining Campaign
STEP 1 — Building the Foundation for Growth
Coming Summer 2027
The first phase establishes the physical and creative foundation for Caroga Arts’ expanded campus, including the Master Plan, new lakeside Stagehouse at Sherman’s Park, Artist Lodge at Myhil, and initial production infrastructure.
- Lakeside Stagehouse: Covered performance stage, all-season backstage facilities, and open-air seating.
- Artist Lodge: Year-round rehearsal and performance space, eight artist residences, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and gathering areas for artists, students, and the community.
- Initial Production Systems: Audio, visual, and theatrical infrastructure to support world-class performances.
STEP 2 — Expanding Performance and Programming
The second phase completes the Sherman’s Park amphitheater and strengthens the operational infrastructure needed to activate the expanded campus, attract nationally recognized artists, and further invest in educational programming.
- Complete the Amphitheater: Tiered seating, premium sky boxes, rear concourse with concessions and restrooms, and state-of-the-art audio, visual, and theatrical systems.
- Improve Access at Myhil: Roadway and parking improvements to better support artists, staff, and visitors.
- Expand Educational Programs: Greater access to music education and opportunities for students of all ages through our SPACE program, and future mentorship and post-graduate fellowship programs.
STEP 3 — Reimagining the Visitor Experience
The third phase expands the possibilities for Caroga Arts, reimagining the visitor experience at Sherman’s Park while creating new opportunities for education, community engagement, and year-round programming.
- Enhance the Visitor Experience at Sherman’s Park: A new boardwalk, improved dock and beach access, pavilion, playground, expanded parking, restored historic carousel, and enhanced landscaping will create a more welcoming and immersive lakeside experience.
- Expand Education at Myhil: A Teaching Lodge and guest cabins will support visiting educators, expanded community and educational programming, and the continued growth of the SPACE, mentorship and fellowship programs.
STEP 4 — Restoring the Past and Connecting the Future
The final phase completes the long-term vision by restoring Sherman’s Park’s historic Dance Hall and strengthening connections between Caroga Arts, the surrounding community, and regional recreation.
- Restore the Dance Hall: Additional indoor performance spaces, reception area, practice rooms, ticket booth, state-of-the-art kitchen, restaurant, and jazz club.
- Connect to the Region: Link the Caroga Arts campus to the Wheelerville Bike Trail and extend the multi-use path through the center of Caroga Lake.
- Honor the Past, Inspire the Future: Preserve the history and character of Sherman’s Park while creating new opportunities to inspire audiences, artists, students, and future generations.
Building this mission-critical infrastructure represents years of planning and collaboration from partners who believe in the power of the arts to strengthen communities.
Caroga Arts Collective breaks ground on the Stagehouse at Sherman’s Park
June 13, 2026
Caroga Arts Collective broke ground on the Stagehouse at Sherman’s Park, a new lake-view amphitheater offering an enhanced listening and viewing experience for audiences. The project includes a new stage, all-season backstage accommodations for artists and equipment, and open-air seating.
$5,221,000 awarded by NYSCA for the Amphitheater at Sherman’s Park
June 2, 2026
These funds will support the organization’s completion of the amphitheater at the former Sherman’s Amusement Park.
This grant is part of a capital project funding announcement by NYSCA, which totals over $82 million to 132 arts and culture facilities across New York State.
Caroga Arts Collective breaks ground on the Artist Lodge at Myhil
April, 2025
Caroga Arts Collective broke ground on the Artist Lodge at Myhil, a new year-round lodge that will make the organization’s summer festival sustainable beyond the summer season. The lodge will include rehearsal space, a performance space, eight artist residences, and a state-of-the-art kitchen.
