The Wassaic Project’s location in a refurbished mill and animal auction house adds to the project’s unique atmosphere. While it primarily functions as a dynamic arts organization, The Wassaic Project doubles as a restoration venture that is breathing life back into the historic buildings of Wassaic, NY. An economic boom arrived in Wassaic in the 1800s when Gridley Iron works and the Borden Condensed Milk Factory opened. Soon after, a hotel was built in the town to house visitors arriving by railroad from New York City. In 1875 the Gridleys built a large community barn which was purchased in the 1940s by the Luther family and transformed into a livestock auction house. In the 1950s, Maxon Mills built the large mill building that now stands as the focal point of the town. The mill served as an animal feed processing and storage facility.
By 2005, the mill had long since been shut down and was condemned to be torn down due to decay. Driven by their interest in historic buildings, Tony Zunino and his business partner Richard Berry decided to buy the building and renovate it, saving it from demolition. At the time of renovations it was unclear what the building would be used for, but they were confident that the historic site should be preserved for future generations. In order to stay true to the original structure of the mill, the contractors closely followed a set of old photographs of the building. They completed extensive work on the entire structure including the grain elevator, the abutting hotel building, and the adjacent site of the old factory. With a bit of architectural ingenuity, they did their best to maintain the original character of the building while also creating a usable space for the community.
In 2008, Bowie Zunino, Eve Biddle, and Elan Bogarin approached Tony Zunino with a proposition to host a contemporary arts festival in the Mill. Tony agreed to open the mill as an exhibition venue for the festival, as it would be a good way to revitalize the space and open it to the community. With over forty artists, fifteen musicians, and 500 visitors, the first festival in 2008 was a success. The team of Bowie, Eve, and Elan immediately began fundraising with the hopes of making the free festival an annual event. After much great feedback and the addition of a fourth co-director, Jeff Barnett-Winsby, the Wassaic Project headed into its second year. In 2009, the summer festival attracted close to 2,500 visitors, and included over one-hundred artists and twenty-five bands.
From 2009 to 2010, The Wassaic Project has grown in leaps and bounds, introducing the artist residency program, its Second Saturday Programs, and a series of community arts workshops. The old animal stalls in the Luther barn have been transformed into artist studios, and the auction ring is used as a film screening room and performance venue. In the back of the barn there is now a woodshop and a screen-printing studio. Currently, The Wassaic Project is in the process of receiving their 501c3 status and is fiscally sponsored by The Solo Foundation. It is run with the undying support of volunteers and devotees, and grants from the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation and the Dutchess County Arts Council.