CANTON -- TAUNY will receive a $195,850 Empire State Development Upstate Regional Blueprint Fund grant toward the renovations and improvements necessary to create The TAUNY Center, a regional destination for folk arts and cultural programs of the North Country Region, at 53 Main Street in Canton.

TAUNY is the only organization in New York’s 14-county North Country region dedicated to showcasing the folk culture and living traditions of the region.

TAUNY Center Project Director Varick Chittenden said the project will help lead “revitalizing both the economic and aesthetic value of Canton’s downtown business district. As an attraction for both North Country residents and visitors to the area, we hope to help bring retail and food businesses back to Main Street, making it an exciting and dynamic place to be. The arts have been big contributors to the liveliness of other upstate villages and we’ll do our best to reward the Blueprint Fund’s commitment to our success.”

“The programs conducted by TAUNY leverage human capital and the North Country’s cultural resources to generate economic development, while creating a positive regional and community image,” said ESD Chairman and CEO Dennis M. Mullen.

Mullen said the grant “will help restore and revitalize a historic building in Canton’s downtown district, which will now serve as a vibrant public space, as well as attract tourism and other business.”

Phase I renovations, which began in mid-October, include repairs to front and rear facades, electrical upgrades, construction of an elevator, an accessible entrance and restroom and cosmetic improvements to the main floor. The TAUNY Center and the North Country Folkstore will remain open for programs and business during renovations with a grand reopening planned for mid-February. Funds for this are a combination of grants from state and public agencies, private foundations and contributions from individuals and businesses. Fundraising is continuing so Phase II renovations can move forward.

With the announcement of the ESD grant, TAUNY’s Evergreen Campaign has passed the million dollar mark, having secured about 82 percent of the $1.25 million goal.

Campaign Co-Chairs Joseph and Dine Kennedy said: “We truly believe we are now in striking distance of our goal. We know there is broad community support for TAUNY and we challenge the people of the North Country to take us over the top.”

The $1.25 million goal will make completion of Phase II—renovations to create new program, archives and office space on the second floor and lower level—possible.

TAUNY is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people understand and appreciate the folk traditions and local culture of everyday life—present and past—in the North Country. To do so, TAUNY seeks to research and preserve a record of diverse groups, customs and traditions; to recognize and empower traditional arts and artists; to identify and promote regional identity; and to provide opportunities for people of all ages to learn about folklore and local culture.