North Fork Arts Center Reopens for Summer 2026 w/ Building Upgrades & New Exec Director, Alison Omens ….

REOPENS FOR SUMMER 2026 WITH BUILDING UPGRADES

AND NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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Capital Campaign Efforts Successful as Theater Reopens with New ADA-Compliant Elevator and Upgraded HVAC System.

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GREENPORT, NY, May 15, 2026 — The North Fork Arts Center (NFAC) kicked off their Summer 2026 season with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, May 15 and a third annual residency with Brooklyn Ballet. The reopening coincides with the completion of the second phase of a comprehensive, multi-year capital improvement project with a new ADA-compliant elevator and updated HVAC system. The organization also announced as part of the reopening that it had acquired a new Steinway Model B piano, an important investment in the organization’s music program. In addition to the reopening, Tony Spiridakis, Founder and Board Chair, announced he has stepped down as Executive Director and will remain Chairperson of the Board of Directors. Alison Omens has been named the new Executive Director.

NFAC occupies the historic Sapan Greenport Theatre, a 1939 Art Deco building located in the heart of Greenport Village. The facility currently includes four theaters, a lobby café, and multipurpose arts spaces that support year-round film, live performances, and cultural programming.

When NFAC officially opened its doors in May 2024, the team immediately launched into their plan to fully renovate the Sapan Greenport Theatre and ensure its long-term viability with the support of Nastasi Architects. These improvements allowed NFAC to specifically address essential accessibility, mechanical, and energy-efficiency upgrades necessary to operate an inclusive, safe, and sustainable cultural facility. The latest phase of improvements was supported in part by a $100,000 Empire State Development Grant, along with additional support from DASNY.

Phase One: completed in May 2024 and addressed urgent construction issues as well as upgrades to the second-floor theater with a new screen, projector, surround sound and performance stage.
Phase Two: completed in May 2025 and includes a new ADA-compliant LU/LA elevator, upgraded HVAC system, first-floor ADA-accessible bathrooms and accessible seating in the second-floor theater.

Long Island Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Linda Armyn and Dr. Kimberly R. Cline said, “The North Fork Arts Center is helping to drive year-round economic activity and cultural vitality on the East End while creating a welcoming space for residents and visitors to gather, learn, and experience the arts. Supported by New York State investments, these improvements ensure the Sapan Greenport Theatre will continue serving as an important regional destination and community resource for years to come.”

The primary goal is for the theater and arts center to be a state-of-the-art venue—featuring enhanced technology, flexible event and cultural spaces and improved acoustics–that is accessible to everyone. With phase one and two complete, the team is getting ready to launch a capital campaign to support the third and final round of improvements, which will include the development of a second floor, and other technological and structural improvements to make building an asset to future generations.

“We are so proud to kick off our third year as the North Fork Arts Center at the Sapan Greenport Theatre with significant capital improvements, a deeper commitment to our music program, and a new team ready to take us into the future. We could not have accomplished any of this without our generous donors. Thanks to them, we were able to raise over $500,000 to complete phase two of our project,” says Tony Spiridakis, Founder of the NFAC. “With this new era, we expect to continue elevating the arts and serving the North Fork community that we call home.”

Alison Omens is a nonprofit leader who has worked with NFAC since January 2026 as the Director of Strategic and Organizational Development. Prior, Omens was President of JUST Capital where she ran the organization’s strategy, finances, programs and growth. Earlier in her career, Alison worked in senior roles spanning public policy, strategy and strategic communications, including advising the U.S. Secretary of Labor in the Obama Administration on business engagement. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School and a B.A. from Scripps College. Alison, her husband, and their family have called Greenport home for six years; she is an avid member of the North Fork Polar Bears and is deeply invested in the cultural and creative life of the North Fork.

“In the last three years, the North Fork Arts Center has become an integral part of this community — a place where people come together not just to experience meaningful art, but to connect with each other. I’m incredibly honored to help lead its next chapter. I believe local arts institutions can play a powerful role in creating a year-round community, supporting economic vitality and bringing people together across generations. I’m excited to continue to work with Tony and the amazing team and community to build on the inspiring work that’s been done to get us here.”

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Newly joining the leadership with Omens are Tami Loeffler, Deputy Director and Keirsten Shaffer, Director of Marketing and Development. Jim Morrison, newly-named Director of Theater Operations, is also part of the leadership team and has been with NFAC since 2024.

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NFAC

The North Fork Arts Center (NFAC) at Sapan Greenport Theatre provides an inclusive cultural arts center where people of the North Fork community can come together to be entertained, educated, and inspired by world cinema, live performances, fine art exhibitions, lecture series, and hands-on arts training. NFAC is committed to improving the quality of life in our community by promoting an appreciation for cultural arts, creativity, and critical thinking.