A New Cultural Oasis for Contemporary Visual Arts and Music

Taylor Haskins, a veteran jazz trumpeter, and Catherine Ross Haskins, a visual artist, relocated from Brooklyn to Westport, N.Y. 14 years ago, drawn to its picturesque charm. However, they felt the need for a dose of the outside world and discovered a way to bring it to their beloved town.

Transforming an Abandoned Mill

Three years ago, they purchased an abandoned, 11,000-square-foot flour mill on Main Street. With a vision to revive it, they undertook a gut renovation and transformed it into the Mill, a contemporary visual arts center featuring a chapel-like performance space. The grand opening of the venue took place on Saturday, marking the culmination of their efforts.

As a cultural hub, the Mill is not only exhibiting renowned visual artists but also commissioning new works. Moreover, the venue is bringing in musicians from afar, such as pianist Guillermo Klein, slide trumpeter Steven Bernstein's Sexmob, and violinist Sarah Neufeld of Arcade Fire, to perform in Westport. These artists rarely venture to the Adirondacks, often performing at iconic downtown Manhattan venues.

A Cultural Oasis

Taylor Haskins envisions the Mill as a "cultural oasis" that will resonate with the community and visitors alike, infusing Westport with a vibrant sense of creativity and artistic exploration.