AUBURN -- For 25 years, the Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center has stood as a home for the arts in Cayuga County, at one time or another hosting not only paintings, but quilts, music, dance, theater and instructional courses.

“Auburn is very lucky to have an art center like this,” Donna Lamb, executive director of the museum, said. “A lot of communities don't have anything like this. There are performances, poetry, film, everything you can imagine. It really is a multifaceted art center.”

To pay tribute to the 25 years that the Schweinfurth has served this community, the museum played host to an anniversary celebration and fundraiser, which gathered together board members, local supporters as well as local artists on Saturday.

“I'm here to support an excellent art institute in Auburn,” local artist Terry Cuddy said. “It is really a treasure I think more people should know about.”

But this was a night to recognize more than just the building and physical structure of the museum; it was a time to pay tribute to the people who have been integral in making the museum what it is.

Three award recipients were recognized for their contributions to the museum as artists, volunteers and philanthropists with the Raymond T. Starr Award. Starr was one of the original incorporators of the museum in 1975, who worked to secure the center's initial funding.

Starr award winners Frank and Shirley Hastedt have been serving the museum for mpore than 20 years. Frank served as board president and acting director, and Shirley has volunteered for the quilt show.

“There are few people who put so much of their life into one organization,” Lamb said. “They contribute to our scholarships and they are always there whenever and whatever we need them for.”

The Hastedts said art has been an important part of their lives.

“We believe in the value of art,” Shirley said. “And we think it is important for this city to have an art center like this. We've traveled a great deal through Europe and we've seen most of the great masterpieces. And it just gives you a great feeling of pleasure to view these works.”

Both Frank and Shirley said that they have been more than happy to give their time to the museum - to be recognized for that is an outstanding feeling.

“It is wonderful of course,” Shirley said. “We're very pleased, anybody would be I think. It is a really nice award.”

Also recognized was Chris Baker, who has been a professional artist and teacher for more than 30 years.

“He is a fabulous artist,” Lamb said. “He has always been incredibly generous with his time and his art. He has given his expertise and helped us put shows together and he has given his time to teach and is always willing to help when we need him.”

Baker said that he has been proud of his time as a member of the board and all that the board has worked to accomplish.

“Everyone really works together as a team and are all involved in art,” he said. “For me being an artist, it has been nice the way these two things have come together.”

Baker, who teaches in the Cato-Meridian school district, said that he loves sharing his art, which is exhibited throughout New York, as well as his passion for it. Baker said to be recognized in such a way is a real honor.

“There are a lot of people who are involved here that have a lot of talent and skill,” Baker said. “It is nice to be included with all these people.”

With 25 years already past, the museum and its supporters are looking forward to the future.

“We're hopeful that it will continue to grow,” Shirley Hastedt said.

“The directors are very focused on making this place bigger and better and still put on shows I feel are exceptional. I just hope things continue to grow and get even better.”