Celebrate St. James Cultural Arts Center
Past - Present- Future
1176 2nd Street, St. James, NY
P: 631-984-0201
E: celebratestjames@gmail.com
Celebrate St. James Cultural Arts Center is a nonprofit cultural organization devoted to honoring the past, enriching the present, and shaping the future of the historic St. James community through the arts. Founded in 2017 by Jack Ader, Arline Goldstein, and Natalie Weinstein, Celebrate St. James was created to revitalize the Lake Avenue District and preserve the town’s proud legacy as a cultural and political hub in the early 20th century.
Now housed in the restored Calderone Theatre, the Center offers year-round arts programming including rotating gallery exhibits, live music, a historic movie museum, classic film screenings, art walks, family events, and original theatrical productions like 99 Minutes from Broadway. The organization is also behind the development of Celebrate Park—a symbol of what community spirit, local government, and cultural investment can build together.
With its deep roots in storytelling, public art, and civic engagement, Celebrate St. James is more than a venue—it’s a movement. It brings together long-time residents, newcomers, and visitors to experience the vibrant culture of this small-town gem, ensuring that the legacy and creative energy of St. James endures for generations to come.
Author: Lauren Wagner
Lauren Wagner is the Executive Director of the Long Island Arts Alliance, where she leads advocacy, policy, and community initiatives to strengthen the arts and cultural sector across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. A passionate champion for arts education, nonprofit sustainability, and creative collaboration, Lauren brings a decade of experience in cultural leadership to her work. When she's not convening arts leaders or testifying for arts funding, she’s likely chasing after her two young boys or crafting crayon art.