The nation is ready to declare independence... if only our Founding Fathers can agree to do it! 1776 follows John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia as they attempt to convince the members of the Second Continental Congress to vote for independence.

1776 puts a human face on the pages of history as we see the people behind the national icons: proud, frightened, uncertain, irritable, charming, often petty and ultimately noble figures—determined to do the right thing for a fledgling nation.

Sponsored by Sand Lake Merchant and Lake Bound Bookstore.

April 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m.
April 12 and 19 at 2:30 p.m.
April 18 at 1:30 p.m.

Come learn the fascinating art of dot mandala painting! 

Dot mandalas provide a wonderful way to relieve stress and express creativity. In this workshop with MaryMargaret Corcoran, you’ll use dots to create mandala art on a tray for jewelry or trinkets. 

MaryMargaret has been a crafter since early childhood—doing quilting, quilling, origami, crochet, jewelry making, beading, scrapbooking, cardmaking, pottery, stained glass, tole painting, chair caning, wreath decorating, sewing, upholstery, tiling and more. 

However, in August 2023, painting dot mandalas became quite the obsession! Today, MaryMargaret spends time every day learning new techniques, mastering the intricacies of this multifaceted craft, and being thankful for the opportunity to share her artwork with others. You can find her teaching painting classes, selling her wares at local craft/vendor fairs and sharing her artwork on social media. 

Students need no prior experience, and all materials will be provided. You will receive a written and illustrated instruction sheet, all supplies and personal attention as we create a functional piece of art.  

Please note: Paint will need 24 hours to dry before it can be sealed, so you will need to return to pick up your varnished tray one week after class is completed.

April 11 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

Join us for our annual art gallery auction and reception. This year’s theme is birds!

Visit the SLCA gallery to view and place bids on 47 pieces of bird-themed art in various mediums. The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and anytime you see the “OPEN” flag flying.

A reception will be held April 26 from 2 to 4 p.m., where you can place your final bids before the winners are announced. We encourage you to attend the reception so that you may complete your transaction and take your new artwork home with you!

Image: "Marsha” by Cat Headley.

April 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. (reception)

The Brit Beat plays hits from British Invasion bands of the early 60s—as well as the tunes those bands recorded as their careers continued to grow in the late 60s and early 70s. Come listen to iconic songs from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Dave Clark Five, Herman’s Hermits, The Who, The Zombies, The Hollies, The Animals, Procol Harum, The Kinks and more!

The Brit Beat is a group of seasoned local musicians—Steve Keller, Peter McGowan, Rick Thorpe and Brad Colacino—that formed through a common love of the cultural phenomenon that was the British Invasion. Like many, they have been influenced by early British rock bands, and they look forward to taking you on a journey through this timeless music!

This free show is sponsored by Troy Sand & Gravel and Bonded Concrete.

May 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Paint a birdhouse at SLCA and enjoy refreshments while raising money for the Friends of the Sand Lake Town Library! 

The SLTL Friends is a group of volunteers who support the mission of the Sand Lake Town Library through events, book sales, fundraisers and other engaging programs for our community.

No experience needed—an artist will assist with step-by-step instructions.

$35 donation at door covers supplies, snacks and beverages ($50 for an adult and child age 8+).

Call 518-674-5050 to register. Space limited to 16 registrants.

May 8 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Come out for a wonderful collection of short theatrical works by playwrights in the Capital Region and Berkshire County!

• 5 Minutes to Midnight (written and directed by Jae Gayle)

• Triplets (by Melinda Gros, directed by Stephanie Weiss)

• The Boutonniere (by Tyler S. Rexnouse, directed by Jen Madison)

• The Final Straw (by William Daisak, directed by Val Kavanaugh)

• Baxter for President (by Mike DeMasi, directed by Maureen Aumand)

• greyscale (by Elizabeth Decasse, directed by Shaya Reyes)

• A Close Inncounter (by Anthony R. Pezzula, directed by Eric Washburn)

May 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m.
May 17 at 2:30 p.m.

SLCA is excited to invite you to Broadway at the Bistro, a special fundraiser presenting an evening of Broadway hits performed by some of the area’s best and brightest stars.

The night features live entertainment, delicious hors d’oeuvres, raffles and a cash bar—as well as the ambiance magnifique of Tighe’s Bistro Américain.

Tickets and sponsorships are available for purchase.

May 21 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Join Sand Lake Merchant and Sand Lake Center for the Arts for our Spring Merchant Market!

Vendors at this outdoor market will be set up across two locations—either Sand Lake Merchant or Sand Lake Center for the Arts. This event will happen rain or shine!

We will accept up to 70 vendors on a first-come, first-served basis. We welcome any and all vendors to participate as long as their items are handmade. We do not allow distributors of national products or products that are not handmade.

May 31 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (vendor setup 8 a.m.)

Left quad. Right quad. Lunge. From the safety of their suburban stretch circle, a girls’ indoor soccer team navigates big questions and wages tiny battles with all the vim and vigor of a pack of adolescent warriors.

A portrait of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for nine girls who just want to score some goals.

June 5, 6, 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m.
June 7 and 14 at 2:30 p.m.

Start your summer with a week of Renaissance Festival–style wizardry as only YOU can create! 

Learn the traditions, tricks and trade secrets of physical theatrical performance—from Shakespeare to circus stunts to shadow puppets galore. 

This summer camp is open to children ages 5 to 12. There will be a short presentation on the last day for family, fans and friends! 

Take a chance and let your imagination soar!

June 30 to July 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This event is sold out. Email slca.general@slca-ctp.org to get on the waitlist.

Where can you find history? How about in a cemetery? That’s where you’ll find Buried Stories—the original musical in this year’s musical theatre camp at SLCA.

Join us for an exciting, humorous historical journey as told through the magic of musical theatre. Attendees ages 8 to 13 will stage a musical to be performed at the end of the week—rehearsing scenes and songs, making props and having fun.

Weather permitting, there will be a short field trip to the local historical cemetery, where the characters the play portrays are buried. It’s an easy, walkable distance on sidewalks and a short side road. There will be a permission slip for parents to sign. Contact us if you have questions.

Val Kavanaugh and Sue Frost began running a youth theatre program associated with Circle Theatre Players in 2002. By the time Jim Holmes joined in 2014, the camp was working out of SLCA. Other than a pause during the pandemic, this camp has been ongoing ever since. Over the years, they’ve worked with hundreds of young people, encouraging their enthusiasm and interest in the arts. 

Friends, family and community members are invited to attend the performance on July 17.

Camp is limited to the first 20 to sign up. Everyone who signs up gets a part and a chance to shine!

June 15 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. (auditions)
July 8 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. (readthrough)
July 13 to 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (camp)
July 17 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. (performance)

Are you ready to rock? Are you interested in meeting like-minded musicians and learning from professional players? 

We’re excited to bring back Rock Band Camp at SLCA! This two-week, immersive music day camp is designed for ages 12 to 16 and will be led by Mike Iwanos from the Troy Music Academy. Mike is an experienced group leader who will guide students in a collaborative and supportive environment, all while preparing for a live performance on the final day of camp. 

Any professional musician will tell you that playing music in a group setting is a magical experience, and we’re thrilled to offer this opportunity! The camp is open to students who currently play at an early intermediate or advanced level; however, no prior group experience is necessary. 

We welcome guitarists, electric bassists, keyboardists, drummers and vocalists. Please bring your own instrument. We will provide drums and keyboards. 

A performance will be held on Aug. 28. Time and ticket sales to be announced.

If you have questions, please contact lessons@troymusicacademy.com or tanya@slca-ctp.org.

Aug. 17 to 28 (weekdays) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.