The Tale of The Dove Block: A Fairy Tale of Creativity and Community

Once Upon a Time in Geneva…

In the picturesque town of Geneva, nestled in the heart of the enchanting Finger Lakes region, there stood a stately building at the corner of Exchange and Castle Streets. This was no ordinary building; it was The Dove Block, a beacon of artistry and community, where magic and creativity flourishes.

Many years ago, Geneva’s own Arthur Dove, a boy with a curious mind and a heart full of colors, roamed these same streets. Born in 1880, Arthur grew up surrounded by the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes, which whispered secrets of inspiration to him. He would later become one of the pioneering figures of modern art, renowned for his abstract works that celebrated the harmony of nature and the human spirit. Though he ventured far and wide, creating masterpieces that redefined art, it was to Geneva he returned in the 1930s, with his wife and fellow artist, Helen Torr. Together, they painted, dreamed, and added to the tapestry of art that continues to inspire generations.

 A Magical Transformation

Fast forward to today, The Dove Block has become a vibrant arts center devoted to fostering the creative spark Arthur Dove so beautifully embodied. This treasure of Geneva’s historic downtown is a gathering place where artists, dreamers, and storytellers of all ages come together. Here, exhibitions sparkle with originality, events hum with excitement, and programs ignite imaginations—all offered free to the community.

A Hub of Creativity

The Dove Block is more than a building; it’s a castle where creativity reigns. It enhances the quality of life in Geneva, drawing residents and visitors alike into its magical embrace. Local restaurants and bijoux shops benefit from the influx of visitors enchanted by The Dove’s allure. Situated in the heart of the Finger Lakes, The Dove connects Geneva’s charm to the region’s natural beauties, wineries, distilleries, and attractions.

Completing the Artistic Map

Arthur Dove’s journey adds a vital thread to the artistic map of New York State, joining the likes of New York City, the Hudson River, the Catskills, Ogdensburg, and Buffalo. The Dove Block pays homage to Dove and Torr’s legacy, cementing Geneva’s place in the rich narrative of artistic pioneers who shaped movements and captured imaginations worldwide.

Happily Ever After…

The Dove Block invites you to step into its story. Be a part of this fairy tale where creativity meets community, where art and life entwine, and where everyone can find a spark of magic. Together, let’s celebrate the past, inspire the present, and dream of a future where The Dove’s magic continues to shine brightly over Geneva and beyond.

Profile: Harold Copp

Describe where you grew up and any interesting parts of that experience.

I grew up in the suburbs of Rochester, New York. I had mostly a normal upbringing, the middle child and only boy. I didn’t grow up with the television as the center of the house like most of my friends. My parents listened to a lot of music, which was usually on and my mother could be heard singing along somewhere in the house. I became interested in the arts around 12, the same time I started delivering the evening newspaper, the Times Union, and had my own money to spend on albums, art supplies, and other things that had my interest. At that time, I also starting writing, drawing, and teaching myself simple print formats. The arts became an obsession around the age of 14, which took over my lifestyle and still does to this day.

Describe parts of your life which were formative (jobs, events, etc.).

I guess work always played a big part, no job in particular. My father delivered bread for a living and worked hard to make our middle-class life comfortable. I sort of modeled my adult life after him. Events, well, I had many opportunities to become the artist that I am today. First and foremost, I was accepted as an intern at one of Andy Warhol’s Factory locations, on Broadway in Manhattan. Where I refined my skills as a print artist, met numerous idols, which helped shaped my vision and skill as a print artist. Also, co owning/operating two different art galleries helped me view the business side of art from an artist’s perspective. While at the same time with the passion of an artist. I grew a lot as an artist during those years and did some of my best work, in my opinion.

Describe some of your experiences with art over time.

 There’s so much to say, it’s almost an impossibility. I’ve become less compulsive and more planned out than I used to be. There were years where I’d force myself to produce 1 finished art piece every time I entered my studio. There’s been years where I’ve had multiple solo exhibitions in a year, cranking out artwork like a mad man without direction. Just to meet a quota.

 Now I consider the viewer the final part of the process. Once a piece is finished, the viewer has the final turn in giving the piece of art direction, it belongs to them. I also feel the need to educate, as I’ve moved away from the term “art for the art’s sake “. That change in ideology has become my driving force for producing art.

Describe your relationship with The Dove.

 To be honest, I’m still discovering the thing is that The Dove does for me, as an artist, teacher and organizer. I’ve thrown myself under the bus, of sorts, so it comes in waves. As Programming chair, and as The Dove is still growing, I’m learning how to develop relationships within the Geneva community, handle sensitive artists,  and work within the context of a community art space to continue and contribute the best I know how.

Anything else?

 Part of what being an artist and volunteering at The Dove has taught me is that sharing a person’s gift, no matter what it is, is more important than the gift itself.

Come see Copp’s art exhibition Do 2 Negatives Make a Positive: opening Saturday, February 1, 4 to 6 pm!

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Readings on Art

Surreal Spaces: The Life and Art of Leonora Carrington by Joanna Moorhead

Leonora Carrington is one of the most important women artists in the Surrealist movement. Her personal and artistic interests included feminism, ecology, mysticism, and the interconnection of all things. Carrington was born in England but left to pursue art in Europe and the Americas.

This book is well illustrated and covers her personal life as well as her artwork. It follows her travels to France, Italy Spain, Portugal, the United States and Mexico.  The book is written by her cousin. Moorhead is a writer and journalist. The book is well written and interesting as well as easy to read.

How to Be Both by Ali Smith

This novel was a Man Booker Prize finalist. It intertwines too stories – that of a Renaissance artist and a modern tourist. The writing is elegant and the story fascinating. Besides the story of art, it explores the question of how to be both male and female, how to know who you are, and how the past lives on in the present. The Renaissance artist trains and achieves success if not monetary award painting frescoes. The modern story follows the creation of a fictional biography of the original artists by a teenager and their mother.

Ali Smith is the author of many works of fiction and has received many literary awards. She was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

How to be Both by Ali Smith is available in the Geneva Public Library.

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